Is 10-15 Minutes Too Long for Crying It Out? Understanding Safe Sleep Training Limits

How Long Is Too Long to Cry It Out? Understanding the Limits

What is the Cry It Out Method?

Well, let's start with the basics. The "Cry It Out" (CIO) method is a sleep training technique for babies, where you let your little one cry for a set period of time before intervening. The goal is to help them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Now, this method can be controversial. Some parents swear by it, while others feel it's too harsh. Honestly, when I first heard about it, I wasn’t sure what to think. I mean, letting your baby cry, right? But, I’ve seen some of my friends use it, and it got me thinking—how long is too long to let them cry?

Understanding the Different CIO Techniques

Before we get into the timing, it’s important to note that there are several variations of the CIO method. Some parents might use "Ferberizing," where they gradually increase the time between check-ins, and others might just let the baby cry for a set amount of time each night. The difference in methods impacts how long you might allow your baby to cry.

The "Ferber Method"

This method involves letting your baby cry for progressively longer periods of time, but you’re supposed to check on them at regular intervals. For example, you might start with 3 minutes, then 5, then 10, and so on. I remember my friend Emma used this method and was really nervous at first, but after a few nights, she said it worked wonders. Her baby started falling asleep much faster.

The "No Tears" Approach

On the other side of the spectrum is the "no tears" method, where parents don’t let the baby cry at all. Instead, they comfort the baby without picking them up, like gently patting or reassuring them. Honestly, this method is less stressful for some parents, but for others, it can be a long process. I tried this with my baby for a while, and I’ll admit, it wasn’t as effective as I’d hoped.

How Long Is Too Long to Let Your Baby Cry?

So, the big question: how long is too long? Well, this really depends on a few factors, including the baby’s age, temperament, and how you feel about the CIO method.

Babies Under 6 Months

Most pediatricians recommend not using the CIO method for babies under 6 months. At this age, babies need to be fed frequently and are still developing the ability to self-soothe. If you’re letting them cry for too long at this stage, you might be missing signs of discomfort or hunger. I’ve read some studies where babies under 6 months who were left to cry for extended periods showed signs of stress, like increased heart rates or cortisol levels. So, if you're thinking about CIO for a younger baby, maybe rethink it for now.

Babies Over 6 Months

Once your baby is over 6 months, they’re typically capable of learning to self-soothe. This is when many parents start using the CIO method with more confidence. But, here's the catch—how long should you let them cry?

The general consensus among experts is that 10-15 minutes is typically the longest you should allow a baby to cry before checking in. I know, I know, that sounds brutal, especially when they’re wailing. Honestly, I struggled with this when I first tried CIO. I’d check the clock and think, “I can’t do this.” But, I reminded myself, it’s part of the process, and most babies will eventually learn to self-soothe after a few nights of consistent routine.

What Happens If You Let Them Cry Too Long?

Okay, but what if you let them cry too long? Well, extended crying can cause distress for both you and your baby. Babies might start to feel abandoned, and that can hinder the bonding process. Plus, too much crying might also affect their sleep patterns in a negative way, making it harder for them to fall asleep on their own in the future.

I remember one night, I let my baby cry for about 25 minutes—way too long. By the time I went in to comfort them, they were absolutely exhausted and emotionally upset. It took a lot longer for them to settle back down after that. I learned my lesson the hard way—timing matters.

Tips for Using the CIO Method Safely

Well, if you're planning on using the CIO method, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Babies thrive on routine. If you’ve established a bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, reading a story, and then putting them down in their crib, they’ll know what to expect. This makes the process of crying it out less confusing for them.

Gradually Increase the Time Between Check-Ins

If you’re using the Ferber method, make sure to increase the intervals gradually. This lets your baby learn how to self-soothe without feeling completely abandoned. I found this approach worked better than just letting my baby cry non-stop.

Be Patient with Yourself

Honestly, it’s tough. Don’t feel bad if it’s hard for you. It took me a while to stop running in to pick up my baby at the first sound of a cry. But consistency and patience were key. Over time, your baby will learn to fall asleep on their own, and both of you will sleep better in the long run.

Conclusion: It’s All About Balance

So, how long is too long to cry it out? Ultimately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. You need to listen to your baby and adjust based on their needs, their age, and how comfortable you are with the method. Most experts recommend no more than 10-15 minutes of crying, but every baby is different.

The most important thing is to trust your instincts as a parent. If your baby is crying and you're feeling stressed, it's okay to check in early. The CIO method doesn’t work for everyone, and that’s totally okay too.

At the end of the day, sleep training is a personal decision, and there’s no “right” way to do it. Just take your time, be kind to yourself, and remember: this phase won’t last forever.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.