In this episode, we talk about the controversial method of 'Cry It Out' (CIO) or Extinction Sleep Training. This approach, often misunderstood and feared, can be a quick and efficient method to improve a child's sleep. We go deep on the criteria for its successful implementation, discussing age-appropriateness, parental consistency, and prioritizing safety and health. We also cover 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. Finally, we cover importance of sleep training for both children and parents to improve the overall family dynamic. (Full transcript and a video are available here). 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 Questions or feedback? Email us here. We are collecting questions for future Q&A shows! Assistant producer: Theodore Canapari