Health and Me

Ishita Roy

What Is Denmark's 'Cry It Out' Method Of Putting Babies to Sleep?

Sleep training is a key to a good night's rest. This is especially true for the parents who are still new with handling their babies. One such method of sleep training, famous in Denmark is called the 'cry it out' method. 

However, this method has been long in debates, Especially with one side saying that allowing babies to bawl does no harm, whereas, other sets of research and studies suggest that it impacts babies' emotional quotient. In fact, research suggest that leaving the babies to cry could have knock-on effects including damaging the bond between parent and child and raising the infant's stress levels. 

However, recently, 723 Danish psychologists signed an open letter stating that cry it out sleep method, known as the "good night and sleep well" method in Denmark should be discouraged, as such methods may risk the attachment and child's development. 

<h2>What Exactly Is The 'Cry It Out' Method?</h2>

This is also known as the extinction method, where rather than answering your little one's crying call as soon as it goes out, you give them the opportunity to independently work it out and nod off. This method is not intended to be cruel, it is meant to be used as an intentional tool to teach your baby self-soothing techniques that will stick with them for life. 

Some also call it same as going cold turkey on your child. <span>Parenting</span> experts say that you put your baby in their crib, say goodnight and shut the door.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/biased-danish-parenting-test-has-separated-babies-from-their-mothers-parents-are-now-fighting-back-article-153196001" data-type="tilCustomLink">'Biased' Danish Parenting Test Has Separated Babies From Their Mothers; Parents Are Now Fighting Back</a> 

<h2>The Debate Of Those In Favor Of Cry It Out And Those Against It</h2>

A study led by researchers from the University of Warwick and published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, followed 178 babies and their mothers in the UK from birth to 18 months. Mothers regularly filled out questionnaires explaining how often they let their baby “cry it out” shortly after birth, and again at three, six, and 18 months.

Researchers also observed mother-infant interactions through video recordings at three and 18 months. At 18 months, they assessed children’s behavior and attachment using parent questionnaires, psychologist reports, and observations of play.

The results showed that most mothers rarely let newborns cry. However, by 18 months, around two-thirds allowed their child to cry sometimes or often. Importantly, babies who were occasionally allowed to cry as newborns tended to cry for shorter periods by 18 months.

The team found no negative effects on the child’s emotional attachment, behaviour, or the mother’s sensitivity by 18 months. Based on these findings, researchers concluded that the practice does not appear to cause harm.

Professor Dieter Wolke, a co-author of the study, said parents may have worried unnecessarily about the issue. He suggested that debates around crying may have been exaggerated.

<h2>The Ones Against The <span rel="noindex">Cry It Out Method</span></h2>

Not everyone agrees that the findings settle the debate. Professor Amy Brown from Swansea University, who was not involved in the research, warned that the results should be interpreted carefully. She noted that very few mothers in the study regularly used the “cry it out” approach, and the study did not examine how long babies were left to cry or how distressing parents found the experience.

She also emphasized that the research does not prove controlled crying is beneficial, nor does it address the emotional toll it can take on caregivers.

Some researchers highlight concerns about stress in early life. A baby’s brain grows rapidly in the first year, and intense distress triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. In high levels, cortisol may harm developing neural connections. While the effects may not be immediate, some experts question whether repeated distress could have long-term consequences.

<h2>Stress, Self-Regulation, and Trust</h2>

Infants rely on caregivers to learn how to regulate emotions. When caregivers respond quickly and consistently, babies learn calmness and trust. Comforting a distressed baby helps build the foundation for self-soothing later in life.

Critics argue that leaving babies to cry may teach them to shut down emotionally rather than truly self-regulate. Over time, this could affect how children respond to stress and relationships.

<h2>The Role of Caregiver Responsiveness</h2>

Decades of developmental research show that caregiver responsiveness plays a crucial role in positive outcomes such as emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and even intelligence. When caregivers are sensitive to a baby’s signals, it supports healthy brain and emotional development.

Because responsiveness is so influential, experts stress that any parenting approach should prioritize attentiveness to a child’s needs. While occasional crying may not be harmful, consistent care and emotional availability remain central to healthy development.

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Sleep training is a key to a good night's rest. This is especially true for the parents who are still new with handling their babies. One such method of sleep training, famous in Denmark is called the 'cry it out' method. However, this method has been long in debates, Especially with one side saying that allowing babies to bawl does no harm, whereas, other sets of research and studies suggest that it impacts babies' emotional quotient. In fact, research suggest that leaving the babies to cry could have knock-on effects including damaging the bond between parent and child and raising the infant's stress levels. However, recently, 723 Danish psychologists signed an open letter stating that cry it out sleep method, known as the "good night and sleep well" method in Denmark should be discouraged, as such methods may risk the attachment and child's development. What Exactly Is The 'Cry It Out' Method?This is also known as the extinction method, where rather than answering your little one's crying call as soon as it goes out, you give them the opportunity to independently work it out and nod off. This method is not intended to be cruel, it is meant to be used as an intentional tool to teach your baby self-soothing techniques that will stick with them for life. Some also call it same as going cold turkey on your child. Parenting experts say that you put your baby in their crib, say goodnight and shut the door.Also Read: 'Biased' Danish Parenting Test Has Separated Babies From Their Mothers; Parents Are Now Fighting Back The Debate Of Those In Favor Of Cry It Out And Those Against ItA study led by researchers from the University of Warwick and published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, followed 178 babies and their mothers in the UK from birth to 18 months. Mothers regularly filled out questionnaires explaining how often they let their baby “cry it out” shortly after birth, and again at three, six, and 18 months.Researchers also observed mother-infant interactions through video recordings at three and 18 months. At 18 months, they assessed children’s behavior and attachment using parent questionnaires, psychologist reports, and observations of play.The results showed that most mothers rarely let newborns cry. However, by 18 months, around two-thirds allowed their child to cry sometimes or often. Importantly, babies who were occasionally allowed to cry as newborns tended to cry for shorter periods by 18 months.No Clear Evidence of HarmThe team found no negative effects on the child’s emotional attachment, behaviour, or the mother’s sensitivity by 18 months. Based on these findings, researchers concluded that the practice does not appear to cause harm.Professor Dieter Wolke, a co-author of the study, said parents may have worried unnecessarily about the issue. He suggested that debates around crying may have been exaggerated.The Ones Against The Cry It Out MethodNot everyone agrees that the findings settle the debate. Professor Amy Brown from Swansea University, who was not involved in the research, warned that the results should be interpreted carefully. She noted that very few mothers in the study regularly used the “cry it out” approach, and the study did not examine how long babies were left to cry or how distressing parents found the experience.She also emphasized that the research does not prove controlled crying is beneficial, nor does it address the emotional toll it can take on caregivers.The Developing Infant BrainSome researchers highlight concerns about stress in early life. A baby’s brain grows rapidly in the first year, and intense distress triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. In high levels, cortisol may harm developing neural connections. While the effects may not be immediate, some experts question whether repeated distress could have long-term consequences.Stress, Self-Regulation, and TrustInfants rely on caregivers to learn how to regulate emotions. When caregivers respond quickly and consistently, babies learn calmness and trust. Comforting a distressed baby helps build the foundation for self-soothing later in life.Critics argue that leaving babies to cry may teach them to shut down emotionally rather than truly self-regulate. Over time, this could affect how children respond to stress and relationships.The Role of Caregiver ResponsivenessDecades of developmental research show that caregiver responsiveness plays a crucial role in positive outcomes such as emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and even intelligence. When caregivers are sensitive to a baby’s signals, it supports healthy brain and emotional development.Because responsiveness is so influential, experts stress that any parenting approach should prioritize attentiveness to a child’s needs. While occasional crying may not be harmful, consistent care and emotional availability remain central to healthy development.