IMNSHO, I am very troubled by this advice on babies crying.  I truly
believe that infants are not capable of comforting themselves when they
are truly upset.  Infants learn to adjust to problems by being held and
comforted.  Not by being left alone.

In fact, how many of us can comfort ourselves when we are upset?  We
usually talk to a friend, spouse or co-worker.  We might have a good cry
and a cup of tea.

Babies seek those they are connected to to serve in this capacity.  I've
always thought that sometimes you just need a good cry.

However, when this becomes too much for a parent and that parent feels
she/he is going to go over the edge, yes, it's ok to put the baby down in
a safe place and go in another room (bathroom works well) and turn on the
water/stereo, etc. so you can't hear it.

Yes, babies cry because they are hungry, cold, hot, tired, have a dirty
diaper, etc.  They also cry because, maybe, they are having growing
pains, maybe they feel a little out of sorts, they just need closeness.

Bottom line, this is bad advice and only serves to remove parents from
their children and cause undue stress in the infant.


Johanna Berger, LSW
Breastfeeding Counselor (and very opinionated tonight)
Bala Cynwyd, PA

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