2. Many new parents ask the question, should I let my
baby cry it out. This is one of the most hotly debated
questions in parenting with opinions varying
dramatically. Some people feel that it is perfectly alright
to allow an infant to cry themselves to sleep. Others feel
that this policy is not only too distressing for both
parents and child, but it may well have long term
negative implications for the infant.
3. Parents need to understand that the moment their child
is born they will be bombarded with advice and opinions
from well meaning friends and family. Many people are
only to happy to give their ideas, without waiting to be
asked. New parents are going through enough changes
in their lives already and dealing with pushy family
members will not help.
4. Friends and family should only give their opinions when
asked. It is every families prerogative to decide how they
will handle the upbringing of the child or children. Some
people are huge fans of co sleeping. This is when the
infant sleeps in bed with the parents. Many people find
that this method helps them to get some much needed
sleep. The child is typically very happy as they are kept
warm and love to snuggle with their mother.
5. A few of the down sides to co sleeping is that many
fathers feel left out. They are also worried about rolling
over onto the baby in the night and smothering them.
These concerns are totally justified and the final decision
should be made together. Mothers who are breast
feeding also find it easy to have their child in bed with
them. It makes the night time feeds that much easier.
6. Other families feel strongly that the new arrival should
be in their own crib and in their own room from day
one. This method also has many advantages. The child
can get a good nights sleep without interruptions. Their
crib is the safest environment. It should not contain any
additional blankets, pillows or stuffed toys as these can
all be suffocation hazards.
7. Many parents find a good compromise is to have the
infant sleep in a crib, but to keep the crib in their room.
This allows them easy access to the child and helps to
calm the anxiety that is often a part of new parents
lives. Many mothers worry so much about their new
born. Placing the crib next to their bed allows them to
check in on the baby throughout the night.
8. Swaddling mimics the confines of the womb. Placing a
carefully swaddled infant on their back in a crib with no
blankets or toys is the safest way for them to sleep. If
the child begins to fuss the parents should leave them
for a few minuets to see if they settle down. Often some
gentle background music will help. Classical music and
lullabies are usually recommended.
9. There is no one correct answer to the question should I
let my baby cry it out. What works for each individual
infant and their parents is always the best. Getting lots
of ideas to try is also a help.