Why do some sleep consultants say cry it out isn’t cry it out?

I’m sure you’ve heard from plenty of sleepy people on the internet that they don’t use cry it out, but when you take the time to dive a little deeper, they do suggest leaving your child to cry alone.

So, why do sleep consultants say cry it out isn’t cry it out?

It all comes down to what cry it out really is.

Some sleep consultants view cry it out as leaving your child for an infinite amount of time. Just popping them into bed and leaving them until it’s time to get up in the morning! Now, of course, that is cry it out. That is something we can certainly agree on.

Is ignoring your child when they’re crying and asking for help for any amount of time cry it out?

I think so.

If your child is asking for help, please help them. It doesn’t matter if they are 3 months old, 3 years old, or 13 years old. Don’t you want your child to know you’ll always be there to help them when they need you?

Think of it this way, if your child were trying to do a puzzle. They’re trying to get the cow-shaped piece in the cow-shaped hole, but they have it upside down. They’re getting frustrated, mad, and angry, and they may even have a full meltdown. Would you leave them to it because they need to learn how to turn that piece around? No, of course not! You’d stay with them and guide them as they learn the new skill. Why should sleep be any different?

If your child is asking for help, please help them.