“Do Babies Need to ‘Cry It Out’? What the Research Really Says About Sleep Training”

For many parents, the phrase “sleep training” sparks a wave of guilt, fear, and 2am Googling. One of the most controversial methods? Cry It Out (also known as extinction sleep training). Not to be confused with the Ferber Method or the Graduated Method.

But what does the research actually say about this method—and are there gentler, evidence-based alternatives?

Let’s dive in.

What Is “Cry It Out,” Exactly?

The Cry It Out (CIO) method typically refers to putting your baby to bed awake and allowing them to fall asleep without intervention, even if they cry. It’s not the only way to sleep train, but it’s one of the most discussed—and misunderstood. there is also a misunderstanding that you can make changes without tears, seldom you can’t.

What is ‘crying it out’?

What research really says about sleep training

What the Research Says:

1. It’s Not Harmful to Most Babies

A longitudinal study published in Pediatrics (Price et al., 2012) followed children who underwent sleep training (including CIO) and found no long-term emotional or attachment issues. In fact, the sleep-trained babies had slightly improved sleep and parental mood at follow-up.

📌 Takeaway: Controlled crying (also known as the Ferber Method, or Check and Console) doesn’t damage your bond or your baby’s development when done appropriately and with love.

2. Sleep Training Can Improve Parent Mental Health

Sleep deprivation is a known risk factor for postpartum depression and anxiety. According to a study in Sleep (2016), behavioral sleep interventions can improve parental mental health, especially for mothers. Many women tell me that the lack of sleep affects their ability to be present and do things all the things they had dreamed of doing, whilst on maternity leave.

📌 Takeaway: Supporting sleep isn’t just about babies—it’s about the whole family’s wellbeing.

3. Gentler Methods Also Work

Gradual sleep training methods (e.g., “Ferber,” “Chair Method,” or “Pick Up/Put Down”) are shown to be effective—sometimes just as much as extinction-based methods. Typically the slower you go the more taxing it can be on the parent, however, depending on a child development age, this is sometimes the only way to go.

📌 Takeaway: You can support better sleep without going full cry-it-out. Responsiveness and boundaries can coexist.

The Bottom Line:

You don’t have to do CIO—but if you choose to, it doesn’t mean you’re harming your child and you will have to deal with some crying. The best sleep training method is the one that’s sustainable, emotionally manageable, and tailored to your baby’s temperament and development stage.

👶 Need a custom sleep plan without judgment or cookie-cutter advice?

💬 Let’s talk. Book a consult with me today