If there’s one topic that divides opinion between mums it’s this. Is it ever okay to leave your baby to cry themselves to sleep?

There are numerous ‘Cry it out’ methods. Gina Ford and Ferber argue that babies aged six months or more can be sleep trained, i.e. left for short periods to get themselves to sleep at night, provided they are not hungry or in need of winding. Some paediatricians believe that even younger babies can be left to self-soothe. However other experts say that leaving a baby to cry for any amount of time can cause lasting emotional damage.

So now it’s over to you. Is any form of sleep training or controlled crying okay? Let us know your personal views and experiences in the comments box below, but as always, please remain respectful of other mamas’ thoughts and feelings.

Image by Little Beanies