From the Guidelines
When an 8-month-old infant cries during sleep training, it is generally recommended to briefly check on the baby to ensure their safety, but avoid fully picking them up if possible, as this can help the baby learn self-soothing skills while still feeling secure. A balanced approach is key, where parents can provide reassurance without interrupting the sleep training process. This might involve patting the baby's back, speaking softly, or offering brief comfort before leaving the room again. Consistency is crucial in sleep training, and establishing a regular bedtime routine that includes activities like a bath, story, and feeding can help signal to the baby that it's time for sleep. It's also important to rule out any underlying issues such as hunger, illness, or discomfort that could be causing the crying. Most 8-month-old babies are developmentally ready to sleep through the night without feeding, but every baby is different, and if the crying becomes extremely intense or parents feel overwhelmed, it's advisable to pause sleep training and consult with a pediatrician for personalized advice 1.
Key Considerations for Sleep Training
- Ensure the baby's safety and well-being at all times.
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help the baby learn when it's time for sleep.
- Avoid picking up the baby unless necessary, to encourage self-soothing.
- Be mindful of potential underlying causes for crying, such as hunger or discomfort.
- Consider consulting a pediatrician if sleep training becomes challenging or if the baby's crying is persistent and intense.
Safety Precautions
- Always place the baby on their back to sleep, on a firm sleep surface, to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths 1.
- Keep the sleep area free from soft objects and loose bedding to prevent suffocation and entrapment 1.
- Avoid bed-sharing, especially with smokers, or when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as it increases the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation 1.
- Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime, as it may have a protective effect against SIDS, but ensure it does not pose a choking hazard 1.
From the Research
Sleep Training and Infant Crying
When an 8-month-old infant undergoing sleep training cries at night, it is essential to consider the potential effects of picking them up versus letting them cry.
- The decision to pick up or not pick up an infant who is crying during sleep training depends on various factors, including the infant's individual needs and the parents' goals for sleep training.
- Research suggests that letting an infant "cry it out" can be an effective method for reducing nocturnal awakenings and crying episodes 2.
- However, other studies suggest that this approach can be stressful for both the infant and the parents, and may not be the most effective method for establishing healthy sleep habits 3, 4.
Potential Effects of Letting an Infant Cry
Letting an infant cry during sleep training can have both positive and negative effects.
- On the one hand, it can help the infant learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently 2.
- On the other hand, it can be stressful for the infant and may lead to increased cortisol levels, which can have negative effects on the infant's development 3.
- Additionally, letting an infant cry can be difficult for parents, and may lead to feelings of anxiety and guilt 4.
Alternative Approaches to Sleep Training
There are alternative approaches to sleep training that do not involve letting an infant cry.
- For example, parents can try using a gradual withdrawal method, where they gradually reduce the amount of time they spend with the infant at night 5.
- Another approach is to use a scheduled awakening method, where the parent wakes the infant at regular intervals to feed or comfort them, and then gradually eliminates these awakenings 2.
- It is essential for parents to choose an approach that works best for their infant and their family, and to be consistent in their approach to sleep training.