All About the Cry-It-Out Method for Sleep Training
Having trouble getting a good night's sleep? The cry-it-out method (CIO)—sometimes called the extinction method—might be one of those sleep-training techniques you've come across. Its goal is to teach babies to doze off on their own. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and experts have varying opinions on its use. Remember, there are numerous sleep-training methods out there, and crying it out is just one of them.
What Is the Cry-It-Out (CIO) Sleep Training Method for Babies?
The cry-it-out (CIO) sleep training method, often called the extinction method, involves letting your baby learn to self-soothe to sleep after their basic needs are met, like being fed and having a clean diaper. You simply leave your baby to cry it out and settle themselves to sleep. Falling asleep independently is a learned skill; babies need to learn how to fall asleep, just like they learn other skills, such as rolling over, crawling, and walking.
Much like tummy time , learning to fall asleep can be frustrating; it takes time, and your little one needs a safe space and enough time to practice. As a parent, it might help to remember this tidbit: no matter which sleep training approach you choose, stay patient through the process, and know it will inevitably take time for your baby to master the skill.
CIO is a non-parental involvement method, so essentially, you don't enter the room again, once you've put your baby down (of course, knowing you’ve met all their needs), until the next feeding time or when it’s time for your baby to get up in the morning. Depending on how your baby is used to falling asleep (being rocked to sleep, fed to sleep, using a pacifier, etc. ), you can expect this change in approach will be met with some protesting.
Leaving your baby to cry is challenging and emotionally difficult, which is often why many families do not choose the cry-it-out method when it comes to sleep training.
CIO, Ferber, Pick-Up/Put-Down Methods: What’s the Difference?
Sleep-training methods can range from those where parents are hands-off to those requiring lots of parental involvement. This table gives you an idea of how to compare some of the different methods, for example, Ferber vs. benefits of the cry-it-out method.Here we compare just three in a range of methods to help your child learn to fall asleep:
*Every baby is different, so it can be hard to put a time on each method. It also depends on how consistently you have applied the sleep-training method.
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When Can You Start and Stop the Cry-It-Out Method?
What is the best cry-it-out method age? Pediatricians advise waiting until your baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before starting sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. However, keep in mind that higher parental involvement approaches like “pick up put down” are often a better fit for families of younger babies in the 4-month age range.
Before about 4 months of age, your baby’s circadian rhythm is still maturing. They’re working on understanding the difference between day and night, and feeding still takes priority over sleep. As your little one works to adjust to life outside of the womb, their sleep is very disorganized, and sleep training is not only unnecessary, but it also won’t be effective.
So it goes without saying that you shouldn’t let a newborn cry it out. In fact, the best thing you can do when it comes to sleep is to get sleep fundamentals right.
As a sleep consultant, I recommend starting sleep training no earlier than 16 weeks. While there's no strict timeline, many babies don't face sleep issues until later. Starting too soon can hinder your chances of success if your baby is struggling with sleep.
That said, you can start with healthy sleep fundamentals from day one, which include:
Is Your Baby Ready for Sleep Training with the CIO Method?
Remember that every baby and situation is different, so instead of asking if they’re ready to sleep train with the cry-it-out method, consider if they’re ready for sleep training overall and make sure you have all of the fundamentals in place. If your baby isn’t on the right schedule, getting them to sleep can be a real challenge, no matter the approach. So, be flexible and tweak your plans to suit your baby's unique needs.
If your baby is finding it hard to sleep, it might be time to adjust your nap schedule or find a better balance between day and night rest.
Signs that your baby may need help with sleep include:
Remember that sleep training is just one part of addressing your baby’s sleep needs. It helps to encourage your little one to learn to fall asleep on their own—but this will only work if sleeps are timed right and you have a consistent bedtime routine. Those sleep fundamentals really are the foundation of improving your baby’s sleep habits.
As you select the right approach to sleep training for your family, use your best judgment to decide what will work for you. But remember, consistency is everything when it comes to sleep, so once you choose a sleep training method, whether it's the Cry it out method or another approach, give it at least 2 weeks before deciding it isn’t a fit for your baby.
And as you prepare for sleep training, check out this video from Mandy, our Pediatric Sleep Coach, so you are set up for success:
How to Do the Cry-It-Out (CIO)/Extinction Method
Before diving into sleep training, it's crucial to lay the groundwork. Establishing a plan is as important as sticking to the method itself. Here are some essential steps to follow before starting the cry-it-out method approach.
How to Implement the Cry-It-Out Method
With everything set and a decision made on when to start, you're ready to begin your baby's cry-it-out sleep training using these steps:
Remember, by being consistent and patient, you’re giving the cry-it-out technique the best chance to be effective and your baby the best chance at learning how to become a strong, independent sleeper.
How Long Should You Let Your Baby Cry It Out?
As we mentioned earlier, the cry-it-out (CIO) method involves allowing your baby to cry until they fall asleep. Rest assured, they’ll eventually doze off. Babies can cry for varying lengths of time; some might settle after 25 minutes, while others could take over an hour. Don't set a timer for the CIO method, as it changes the approach to sleep training. If you go in to check, it starts the process over, so give them a bit more time to settle.
Should You Let Your Baby Cry It Out for Naps?
If you’ve decided to use the cry-it-out technique during nighttime sleep, you can also implement it for naps to maintain a consistent routine for your baby. Once nighttime cry-it-out has begun, try incorporating the same method for naptime after 2 to 3 weeks. At this point, your baby may have learned some self-soothing skills during their nighttime sleep training.
Naps are often trickier than nighttime sleep, and it’s normal for some babies to cry through a full nap without sleeping for the first few days. If there’s no improvement after about a week, you might consider adjusting your approach.
Keeping a consistent pre-nap routine, using sleep cues like white noise and a dark room, and starting with the first nap of the day can all support your baby's ability to self-soothe during naps.
Not sure where to start with sleep training? Try our free sleep assessment to get a customized plan that helps tackle your baby's sleep issues head-on.
Is It Bad to Let a Baby Cry It Out?
You're not the only one out there asking this exact question; many parents worry and wonder if the cry-it-out method is bad or harmful for their baby. The cons of the cry-it-out method can weigh heavily on a parent's mind, leading to concerns about its impact on their little one. It might give you peace of mind to know that it is OK to let your baby cry; it doesn't harm them, and in the context of the cry it out method and attachment, it can be a part of healthy development. In fact, short periods of crying can be helpful for babies as they learn self-soothing techniques, which can strengthen their attachment over time.
Crying is a natural form of communication for babies and can actually aid in processing an active day, settling down, and falling asleep.
That said, we understand that listening to your baby cry isn't easy, and if you have doubts about using this method, then trust your instincts and choose a more hands-on approach to solving sleep, like pick up put down or bedtime routine fading. Babies have many ways to soothe themselves when needed—not just tears, but also sucking on their hand or fingers, rocking their head, or rubbing the bedsheet.
Is There a Modified Version of the Cry-It-Out Method?
There’s no official, modified cry-it-out method, but there are a few alternative sleep-training techniques to consider. But keep in mind that many sleep-training techniques result in at least a few tears and that some methods are more suitable and effective for toddlers and older kids.Learn how to sleep train without crying it out with the following methods:
If you’re unsure about the CIO method, it’s better to start with one of these methods and switch to cry-it-out if the alternative is not working well for you and your little one.
Every baby and family is different, so it's best to give any sleep-training method at least two weeks of consistent delivery before switching. As always, be sure to consult your child's healthcare provider if you have additional questions or concerns.
FAQs at a Glance
If you're using the cry-it-out approach, the idea is to allow your baby to cry themselves to sleep. This means there's no set limit on how long they should cry. On the first night, babies might cry the most, but by the third or fourth night, it's usually much less, and by a week, most babies have settled in without much fuss. If your baby ever sounds in pain, then it’s best to check in.
The Bottom Line
The cry-it-out method is just one sleep-training strategy. Prepare your baby for bedtime, then allow them to cry themselves to sleep without stepping in, unless they need feeding, a diaper change, or their safety is at risk. Whether this is the right technique for you and your family is up to you to decide!
For effective sleep training, it's best to wait until your baby is at least 4 months old and ready to learn how to self-soothe. This way, their natural sleep cycle will even out, and they'll start to adopt a more regular pattern and schedule for getting those much-needed Zs. Establishing a soothing bedtime routine can help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own, reducing tears and promoting peaceful sleep.
This article is not intended to suggest you choose the cry-it-out (CIO) method, instead, it provides the outline of how it works and when / if it may be a fit for your family. As mentioned earlier in the article, there are many other sleep-training methods to consider, and it is always better to start with higher parental involvement and switch to lower parental involvement methods, such as cry-it-out (CIO), if a method is not working well for you.
Just remember, your baby’s sleep is a journey, and there are more than 20 developmental events in the first year alone that impact sleep. Be kind to yourself, get the fundamentals right, stay consistent, be patient, and know that you’re doing a great job!
Check out the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ app for dedicated sleep tips, expert training, and tracking tools for getting your little one into a peaceful sleep routine.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 7th ed. (New York: Bantam Books, 2019).
- Mindell, Jodi A. Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep, revised ed. (New York: Harper Resource, 2005).
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013).
