The Cry It Out (CIO) method is one of the most well-known sleep training techniques. Below is a comprehensive guide on what it is, when to start, its effectiveness, how long it typically takes to see results, and steps to apply it.
Note: For an in-depth analysis of whether the Cry It Out method is harmful, check out my article Is sleep training, Cry it Out or Ferber method, harmful? The science behind it.. In short if the CIO sleep training is completed in 3-4 days, it is generally not harmful. However, prolonged crying over multiple days or weeks can have long-term effects.
What is the Cry It Out method?
The Cry It Out method, also known as “Extinction,” was popularized by Dr. Emmett Holt. It involves allowing your baby to cry until they fall asleep without immediate intervention from the parents. Below you can see where this method falls on the crying spectrum compare to other available sleep training methods.
Goal: Helps babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
Age appropriateness
- Recommended Age: 4-6 months and older.
- Why This Age:
- Babies at this stage are developmentally ready to start learning to self-soothe.
- Crying could be more about sleep resistance rather than a need for comfort.
- Warning: Always consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is ready for this method.
Effectiveness
- Success Rate: High, especially for babies who have difficulty falling asleep independently or who wake frequently at night.
- Consistency: The key to success; consistency in applying the method is crucial.
- Variability: Some babies adjust quickly, while others may take longer. But you have to stop if there is no improvement after 3-4 nights.
How long it takes to see results
- Typical timeframe:
- 3-7 nights: Most parents see significant improvement after 3-4 nights.
- First few nights:
- Often the hardest as the baby adjusts.
- Ongoing adjustments:
- Changes in routine, travel, illness, or sleep regressions may require revisiting the method or restarting it alltogether.
Steps to apply the Cry It Out method
- Sleep hygiene:
- Have a solid sleep schedule following wake windows and number of naps for your baby age.
- Prepare the sleep environment:
- Ensure the sleep area is safe and conducive to sleep (firm mattress, appropriate sleepwear, dark room).
- Establish a bedtime routine:
- Consistency is key for bedtime routine: warm bath, bedtime story, or gentle rocking before placing your baby in the crib.
- Place the baby in the crib awake:
- Helps the baby associate the crib with falling asleep.
- Leave the room:
- Leave the baby to cry and self-soothe without immediate intervention.
- Resist the urge to check-In:
- Unlike the Ferber Method, the Cry It Out method does not involve going back into the room until morning or a scheduled feeding time.
- Consistency:
- Stick to the method every night for at least a week for the best results.
- Reassess as needed:
- If no improvement after a 3-4 days or excessive crying occurs (more than 45 minutes to an hour), reconsider the method or consult your pediatrician.
My personal stance
- I personally never used the Cry It Out method, nor do I recommend it. However, I recognize that for some families, it can be their only option, and it does yield results faster than other methods.
- Reasons for preferring it:
- Some families are so sleep deprived and overwhelmed that they feel they have no other options available. And it yields desired results faster.
- In some cases, a baby may not settle with a room-based, comforting approach. For these rare instances, the presence of a parent might actually irritate and upset the baby even more, making Cry It Out a better fit.
Conclusion
The Cry It Out method can be an effective way to help your baby learn to sleep independently. While the method can be tough initially, many parents find that the results are worth it.
Just remember: the key in applying any sleep training method is consistency.
If this method is not the right one for you, learn about the other sleep training options you have.