Crying During Sleep Training

Is crying the first word that comes to your mind when you think of sleep training?

While it is true that it is practically impossible to sleep train a baby and not have some crying. After all, you are changing the way they fall asleep and we can all agree that change is hard.

We are not talking Cry It Out. Any sleep training method no matter how gentle will involve some crying. When you are upset about something in your life you cry. Your partner may offer reassurance but that will not necessarily stop you from being upset or crying. Babies are the same. They need to be reassured that you are there for them, but they still are upset. Your reassurance is still very much needed and important but will not necessarily stop their crying.

Will we recommend that you leave your baby crying hysterically? Absolutely NOT!

Crying does not mean you are a terrible parent or are doing something wrong.

Babies use crying as a means of communication and a way to get your attention. Newborns cry when they are uncomfortable or are hungry and need your assistance.

Your child has different cries for different situations. It is important to learn about your child’s different types of cries and try to discern what each one means. When you pay attention, you will hear the difference between “something is wrong, come now,” and “I don’t like what I am doing, can you pay attention to me?’ 

The Different Cries:

The “I am just settling cry.”

When you hear this cry, they maybe transitioning sleep cycles and more often than not if you just wait a few minutes (set your timer for 3 minutes) they will resettle themselves.

The “on and off cry.”

This is a great sign. They are trying to self soothe. This means whatever you are doing is working. Be consistent. Let them learn to sleep independently.

A “regular steady cry.”

This means your child is struggling with this new change. They are not sure what this all means. They want to sleep, they are tired, but they are not sure what they need to do. This is hard and is common in the beginning nights of sleep training. This could get to the #10 cry at which point you will turn on your timer.

The “#10 cry.”

This is the loud hysterical cry. When you hear this cry, you set your timer and when they cry for a specific interval you go in and soothe them. Look at your monitor and make sure they are safe. When you are reassured, they are safe, breathe and stick to the plan. This is when being consistent matters.

Hearing your baby cry is hard and the worst part of sleep training. It is important to keep in mind that you are not causing harm to your baby and this will not change the bond you feel for each other. The opposite is true. You are giving your child a life skill that will carry them through their entire life. And knowing that there will be crying will give you the strength you need to get through this challenge and to the goal of a full night’s sleep for you and your child!

Baby Snooze Coach will be there to support you and give you and your little one the sleep you both need and deserve!