Is 10 weeks old too young to let them "cry it out"

Question

my son has suddenly started refusing to go down without being rocked into a deep sleep. he was never like this, he use to go to sleep soon after putting him down. i have been doing everything the same so i dont know what it is.

does anyone think letting him cry it out is a good way of getting him back on track, if so, how do i go about it...how long should i let him, and what can i do if he doesnt stop crying.

any other recommendations?

Answer 1

Go with your heart.

If you are really too tired to think, make sure you get help from family or friends. Dont be shy to ask for help. You might just need a good sleep while they babysit. Then you will feel more clear headed and in control, so you wont need to take drastic measures like crying to sleep.

I dont think any Mum wants to let her child cry to sleep (I could never do it to mine) but dont beat yourself up about your choices, just do the best you can and follow your heart.

If you have no one to help you, go to your doctor/nurse and ask them for help.

Answer 2

I dont agree with CIO at ALL!!  However to each their own.  They do NOT reccomend that you even start trying it until 6 months though.

Answer 3

I personally think 10 weeks is too young to cry it out.  It can be difficult to get a newborn to go to sleep.  I think you're lucky he even had a period where he could fall asleep on his own when you put him down.  My little ones always needed me to walk them around until they dozed off in my arms, and even then they'd wake up as soon as I put them down.  Have you tried getting a swing?  I found mine really helpful with my girls when they were having trouble going to bed.  Just make sure you don't fall asleep while he's in there... that could be dangerous.  Hang in there.... it's rough right now but hopefully this will pass.  Just remember, he spent 9 months in your body and was blissfully rocked to sleep by the motions of your body as you walked and moved about.  Sometimes it's a little rough for little ones to adjust to life outside the womb.

Answer 4

yes its to early to let him cry it out he just wants you right now. the earliest you can let them cry it out is 6months  

Answer 5

I am not a fan of cry it out. I know it's hard to take the time and rock him, but as he ages he WILL be able to soothe himself to sleep. We snuggle together with my son until he falls asleep, and it works well for us.  

Answer 6

Crying it out is a controversial topic, but even proponents of it generally agree that it should not be used before 6 months. (Obviously there will be exceptions to this, and some people who say 4 months instead of 6, or whatever).

A 10 week old is too young for it. You want him to learn and realize that you are there for him. His crying means he needs you, and at 10 weeks he is not old enough to be "manipulating" you. He just wants his mommy, or possibly has a need that is not being met. It is up to you to find out what that is, or at least just be there for reassurance.

Often times, babies (and toddlers too) will go through stages where their sleep pattern is disrupted. It can be due to many things, such as a growth spurt, teething etc. I have even read that sleep disruptions can happen right before they are about to master certain milestones, because the brain is so busy making new connections that it makes it more difficult for them to sleep as well. In any case, I bet it is just a phase and if you are patient, he will start going to sleep easily again, without being rocked. I would not let him cry it out at this point, though.

Answer 7

i would suggest not doing it and i would wait a year but thats me

Answer 8

Good Lord Yes.  He is only little once.  Hold that baby!

Answer 9

oh no, it's to early to let him CIO, and even when they are old enough it's still not something i would feel comfortable doing.

at 10 weeks, he's still getting used to being out side in the world and he probly really enjoys the warmth and closeness while being held. i know it's hard but it will get easier, but for now my advice would be if he wants to be rocked to sleep, rock him to sleep. he wont become spoilt or manipulative, just by you holding him close.  

Answer 10

yes. CIO IS EVIL & WRONG

Answer 11

personally, i think it's too young. i didn't start letting my daughter cry it out until she was around 10 months and even then it was only when everything else failed.. hardly ever, thank goodness.

i know it's hard right now but when they are 2 you will be aching to hold and rock them to sleep. that's what i'm going through right now. and you will be angry at yourself for not holding them 24/7, because now you wish you could. :)

burp him.. try gas drops.. what are you feeding him? tell your doctor. maybe his little tummy hurts. just please don't leave him alone to cry, he is so little still.

HOWEVER.. if it is to the point you really can't take it anymore and are getting super stressed, the baby will pick up on that and it will just upset him more.. have someone sit with him for 10-15 minutes while you cool off.. don't get too worked up over it. if you don't have anyone to watch him, and you seriously can't take it anymore, i wouldn't blame you for just shutting the door and walking away for a few minutes. i have done that myself.. just don't be gone too long if he is by himself in his crib.. you are still building your bond and trust with your baby.

good luck. :)

also.. nobody is really prepared for motherhood.. and i don't think anyone turns out to be the mother they always thought they would be. but that's ok. :)

Answer 12

personally i think pretty much any age is too young to let a baby cry it out... if you baby is crying comfort him. he needs to know that Mom is there and everything is ok. I'm not saying that you have to hold him every minute but put him down and if he cries pat his back or talk to him or even pick him up and rock him back to sleep if its bad. we got an ocean wonders aquarium that attaches to our son's crib. we turn that on when he is fussy but not totally awake and it really helps.

Answer 13

Yes it is too young, but I would never do it at any age.  you need to do what feel right to you. if you can stand the crying, try it out.  If not, accept the fact that kids do this, and this stage with pass into another one.

Answer 14

He's only a baby and will only be a baby once.  Rock him and cuddle with him and enjoy these times.  I don't believe it is ever wise to let a child under 1 at least "cry it out" - they need the security of love.

Answer 15

WAY to young. I am very opposed but atleast if you are going to do it, wait until 6 months.

what is wrong with rocking your baby to sleep?????

why do women decide to have children, knowing babies need so much love and care, only to think they can leave a baby unattended to scream his little head of and to sort out his issues himself? because having to deal with exhaustion and crying baby is an inconvenience - that is motherhood.

Imagine that fear at 10 weeks old crying loudly in the dark and no one coming to help them.

i'm sorry for being harsh/rude but this is just my opinion.

in matters like this, i ignore other opinions, internet sites, books, experts etc and use mothers instincts. any mother hearing her baby cry  hears that little voice yelling to comfort their baby. listen to that.

Answer 16

Way way way to young, 6 months is the recommended age to start doing CIO if you really want to go that route.  

Answer 17

Every mom has deep feelings one way or the other on this topic.  I am a mom who let my baby cry it out and it has worked really well.  The book I read was Babywise.  I would highly suggest it.  The author is a doctor and he has lots of experience.  It is a book that many people find controversial, but I really found it helpful.