Dispelling Cry-It-Out Sleep Training Myths and What to Do Instead

This book draws together evidence from psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and human development to make a compelling case for why you shouldn’t be using or recommending crying‑it‑out sleep training techniques with babies.Dispelling Cry‑It‑Out Sleep Training Myths and What to Do Instead explains what normal infant sleep is like and explores the history and context of cry‑it‑out sleep training methods for infant sleep. It presents what research shows us about the impact of cry‑it‑out on babies’ wellbeing and on attachment with their caregivers. It investigates how brain development is affected by sleep training and discusses why sleep training is developmentally inappropriate and often does not even work. This book ends with an in‑depth exploration of alternative approaches to promoting good quality infant sleep.This informative book is designed to support health, social work, and education professionals working with families and young children.

About the Author

Jennifer G. Rosier , Ph.D., is Professor of Interpersonal Communication at James Madison University. Her research interests center around understanding the innerworkings and interdependence of romantic and parent–child relationships. She has published several articles about the cry‑it‑out method in journals such as the Journal of Family Issues , Clinical Lactation , and Family Science Review .