Welcoming a new baby often means saying goodbye to uninterrupted sleep. This undeniable reality is something all parents must accept as they navigate the demands of their little ones during those long, tiring nights. Recently, however, a pediatric practice in New York City has suggested that babies as young as two months can be sleep trained using the “cry it out” method. If this notion raises your eyebrows, you’re certainly not alone.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the physicians at Tribeca Pediatrics advocate a sleep training approach known as “extinction” starting at two months. This method involves allowing your baby to cry until they fall asleep without any intervention. Yes, this is being recommended for infants as young as two months.
Most parents are familiar with Dr. Richard Ferber’s gradual sleep training method, which allows for checking on a crying baby at increasing intervals to provide comfort and reassurance. However, even this method is typically advised for babies aged at least 3-5 months. Transitioning from gentle check-ins to completely ignoring a baby’s cries seems drastic, especially for a two-month-old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommends methods such as controlled crying or “camping out” in the child’s room, rather than leaving them to cry until they fall asleep. Tribeca Pediatrics’ stance on allowing a two-month-old to cry it out is quite unique and has raised concerns about the potential stress it may cause. Research published in the journal Early Human Development found that infants aged 4-10 months experienced elevated stress levels when left to cry without parental comfort. Although by the third night, outward signs of distress may have diminished, their cortisol levels remained high, indicating ongoing stress.
Now, consider the implications of this for a two-month-old. The first three months of a baby’s life are often referred to as “the fourth trimester” for good reason. During this time, babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb and require reassurance and comfort. They certainly do not need to be encouraged to “toughen up,” as suggested by Dr. Michael, the founder of Tribeca Pediatrics. He claims that this method is more effective at two months than at four because it supposedly minimizes the need for soothing.
Furthermore, most babies at this age still require nighttime feedings. It’s generally believed that once they reach around 11 pounds, they can sleep through the night without needing nourishment. However, many two-month-olds haven’t even reached that milestone yet.
Ultimately, how parents manage their baby’s sleep is a personal choice. As a parent of a particularly challenging infant who didn’t sleep more than five hours straight until almost a year old, I completely understand the desperation that can come when a baby won’t settle down. This desperation might lead parents to trust medical advice that promises more sleep.
It’s crucial to follow your instincts, even when faced with professional opinions suggesting that a baby that young should learn to be independent. Helping a baby learn to self-soothe is important, but there’s a significant difference between allowing a baby to fuss for a few moments before providing comfort and completely ignoring their distress until they exhaust themselves. No one argues that every whimper requires immediate attention, but at just two months old, a crying baby is likely expressing a very real need.
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In summary, while sleep training methods vary widely, it’s important to consider the developmental needs of your infant. Trust your instincts and ensure that you provide the comfort and care your baby requires during those early months.