In this discussion, Dr. Craig Canapari and Arielle Greenleaf of 'The Sleep Edit' talk about the controversial method of 'Cry It Out' (CIO) or Extinction Sleep Training. The hosts touch upon how this approach, often misunderstood and feared, can be a quick and efficient method to improve a child's sleep. They elaborate on the criteria for its successful implementation, discussing age-appropriateness, parental consistency, and prioritizing safety and health. However, they acknowledge that the method is not suitable for all children or families, and alternative methods like bedtime fading and pick up/put down are also considered. There's an emphasis on the importance of sleep training for both children and parents to improve the overall family dynamic.



Here are the three key take-aways from the episode:



Be open to trying different sleep training methods - What works well for one child's temperament may not work for another. Give a new method 3-5 nights before deciding if it's effective.



"Gentle" is not always better - Sitting in the room while ignoring crying (camping out) can actually prolong upset in some young babies. More separation may help them learn to self-soothe faster.



Cry it out is generally safe when done responsively - Research shows no long term emotional harm. But if excessive crying persists beyond expectations, reevaluate and adjust. Be responsive to your baby's needs.




00:00 Introduction to the Sleep Edit



00:03 Discussing Cry It Out (CIO) Method



00:09 Introducing Arielle Greenleaf



01:08 The Controversy Around Sleep Training



02:56 Understanding Different Sleep Training Techniques



03:43 The Importance of Sleep for Children and Parents



04:02 Defining Sleep Training Terms



09:21 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Sleep Training



09:27 The Role of Attachment Theory in Sleep Training



17:03 The Effectiveness of Extinction Sleep Training



24:46 Sleep Training in the Era of Room Sharing



28:14 The Power of Parental Presence



29:12 Understanding the Importance of Age-Appropriate Schedules



29:56 The Role of Routine in Sleep Training



30:58 The Challenges of Nap Time



31:40 Who is Extinction Sleep Training For?



33:35 The Importance of Consistency in Sleep Training



36:54 The First Year of Life: Sleep Expectations and Realities



39:22 The Pitfalls of Sleep Training Methods



42:59 The Role of Feeding in Sleep Training



45:56 Alternatives to Extinction Sleep Training




Links:




How long will your baby cry during sleep training?



Article in Time on why Dr. Sears’ contention about the dangers of crying are false



Two articles on why sleep training doesn’t hurt your child



Why you should room share but not bed share in infancy



Modern family sleep training scene






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