As a new parent, I was initially quite skeptical about ‘cry it out’ sleep training methods. My reservations, however, were quickly put to rest when I saw a transformative change in my newborn.
The sleepless nights and endless cycles of soothing a crying baby had left me both physically and emotionally drained. I was desperate for a solution and despite my reluctance, I decided to give the ‘cry it out’ method a shot.
The transformation in my baby was nothing short of a surprise. Not only did it help my baby get better sleep, but the overall improvement in their mood and health was evident.
In this article, we will delve into the 7 distinct changes I noticed in my newborn after trying the ‘cry it out’ sleep training method. From improved sleep patterns to enhanced overall well-being, these surprising transformations will offer a comprehensive insight into the potential benefits of this often misunderstood sleep training method.
Let’s delve deeper into why my initial skepticism around ‘cry it out’ sleep training changed so drastically. It’s crucial to understand how these changes have positively impacted both my baby’s life and mine, setting us on a healthier and happier path. It’s this core transformation that we’ll explore in the next section.
1. Improved sleep patterns
One of the first changes I observed was a significant improvement in my newborn’s sleep patterns. Before trying the ‘cry it out’ method, my baby had a fragmented sleep schedule, waking up multiple times during the night and struggling to fall back asleep.
This method involves allowing your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own, which was something I was initially hesitant about. However, it was surprising to see how quickly my newborn adapted to this method. Within a week, there was a noticeable change. My baby started sleeping for longer stretches at night, and their daytime naps also became more regular.
It’s important to note that the transition wasn’t immediate or easy. The first few nights were challenging, filled with moments of self-doubt and worry. But with consistency and patience, the results started showing up gradually.
The improved sleep pattern had a domino effect on other aspects as well. My baby seemed happier and more active during waking hours, and their feeding schedule also became more consistent. The positive transformation reaffirmed my faith in the ‘cry it out’ method and made me realize that sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is necessary for growth and development.
2. Enhanced mood and temperament
The second transformative change I observed in my newborn was in their overall mood and temperament. It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep can do wonders for one’s mood, and this held true for my newborn as well.
Before the ‘cry it out’ method, my baby often seemed restless and irritable due to lack of consistent sleep. They would cry frequently during the day, and it was a struggle to soothe them. Post implementing the ‘cry it out’ strategy, my baby’s overall disposition took a turn for the better.
They seemed more relaxed, cried less during the day, and appeared generally happier. Their waking hours were filled with more smiles and coos, which was a heartening change to witness as a parent. This improved mood also impacted their interactions with their surroundings. They became more responsive and engaged during playtime, showing increased interest in toys and people around them.
3. Better feeding schedule
The third notable change I noticed in my newborn following the initiation of the ‘cry it out’ sleep training was a better and more consistent feeding schedule. Prior to this, my baby’s feeding times were irregular and unpredictable, often coinciding with their erratic sleep schedule.
With the implementation of the ‘cry it out’ method and the subsequent improvement in my baby’s sleep patterns, their feeding schedule also became more regulated. They began to feed at more consistent times during the day, making it easier for me to plan around these times.
Not only that, but they also seemed to feed better. My guess is that being well-rested made them less fussy during feeding times and more willing to eat. This had a positive impact on their growth and overall health.
4. Increased independence
The fourth transformation I noticed in my newborn post the ‘cry it out’ sleep training was an increased sense of independence. The essence of this method is teaching your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. This was a skill my baby picked up remarkably quickly, much to my surprise.
In the beginning, it was challenging to resist the urge to immediately comfort my crying baby. However, as time passed, my baby began to self-soothe effectively and fell asleep without needing my immediate intervention. This newfound ability to self-soothe extended beyond just their sleep times.
During their waking hours, they also displayed signs of increased independence. They were content playing on their own for longer periods, showing less signs of separation anxiety when I wasn’t in their immediate vicinity.
The increased independence aided my baby in developing essential self-soothing skills while also granting me some valuable moments of relief. It was a win-win situation that underscored the effectiveness of the ‘cry it out’ sleep training method.
5. Enhanced parent-baby bond
Contrary to my initial fears, the ‘cry it out’ sleep training method actually enhanced the bond between me and my newborn. One might assume that letting a baby cry itself to sleep could create distance or distrust. However, my experience proved otherwise.
With the ‘cry it out’ method in place, the time I spent with my baby become more quality-focused. As their sleep and feeding schedules became more predictable, I found myself less stressed and more present during our interactions. The time previously spent trying to soothe a restless baby was now spent engaging in more meaningful activities like playing, reading, or simply cuddling.
Seeing my baby learn to self-soothe and gain independence gave me a sense of accomplishment as a parent. It was rewarding to witness my baby’s growth and know that I played a role in fostering their self-reliance.
Ultimately, the ‘cry it out’ method didn’t diminish our bond but rather strengthened it by creating a more balanced and less stressful environment for both of us.
6. Personal growth as a parent
The transformation that the ‘cry it out’ sleep training method brought about wasn’t just limited to my newborn – it significantly affected me as a parent as well. I had started this journey with skepticism, but the positive outcomes I witnessed in my baby changed my perspective drastically.
This experience taught me the importance of patience and consistency in parenting. It wasn’t easy to listen to my baby crying without rushing to their aid. But sticking with the method, despite the initial discomfort, taught me that sometimes, what seems challenging initially can lead to long-term benefits.
The ‘cry it out’ method also made me realize that every baby is different and responds differently to various parenting methods. What works for one may not work for another. Hence, it’s essential for parents like us to keep an open mind and be willing to experiment with different strategies until we find what works best for our child.
In essence, this journey of sleep training my newborn using the ‘cry it out’ method led to personal growth. It made me more resilient, adaptable, and understanding as a parent – qualities that I believe are crucial in the ever-evolving journey of parenthood.
7. Improved overall health
The seventh and final transformation I noticed was an improvement in my newborn’s overall health. With regular sleep and feeding times, my baby seemed to thrive better. Their growth charts showed steady progress, they fell sick less frequently, and their energy levels were higher during the day.
It is well-documented that sleep plays a vital role in a child’s growth and development. It aids in physical growth, supports the immune system, and impacts cognitive development. Seeing these benefits unfold in my baby post the ‘cry it out’ sleep training was reassuring.
While the ‘cry it out’ method may not be for everyone, it does offer a viable option for parents struggling with their newborn’s sleep issues. It’s essential to approach it with an open mind and adapt it to suit your baby’s needs.
Dispelling common misconceptions about ‘Cry It Out’
The ‘Cry It Out’ method, like many parenting choices, often comes with its share of misconceptions and criticisms. It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to find what fits best for your family’s needs and values.
One common misconception is that the ‘Cry It Out’ method involves leaving your baby to cry indefinitely. In reality, this method allows for a structured approach with timed intervals of crying and comforting. It’s not about ignoring your baby’s needs, but teaching them to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
Another misconception is that this method can harm the baby emotionally or psychologically. Research suggests otherwise, indicating no significant long-term negative effects on a child’s development or parent-child attachment.
Remember, the ‘Cry It Out’ method is just one of many sleep training techniques available. It might work wonders for some families, like it did for mine, while others may find different methods more suitable.
Sleep training is a personal decision and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters most is that you make informed decisions that align with your parenting beliefs and your baby’s needs
