How Long Is It Ok For My 7 Month Old To Cry??

by Andrea
(IL)

My daughter is 7 mos old and I'm wondering how long is ok to let her cry for when I know she's not hungry, wet, tired and just wants to be held.

I'm trying not to get her in the habit of being held all the time and I want her to learn how to self-soothe. I'm also trying to get her to take longer naps and the nurse at my doc office told me to just let her cry so she knows it's not play time yet when she wakes up too early, but she stands up now in her crib so I just get nervous that she's going to hit her face on the crib and I don't know how long i'm supposed to let her go for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!







Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Andrea!

Well, you're probably asking the wimpiest mom on the planet... I've always had a hard time letting my babies cry for long periods (it is easier when they get older..). Especially at around 7 months old, both stranger and separation anxiety can set in and a baby can really need to be close to their parents a lot. This can go on for a few months.

To me, the crying is their way of communicating and I find it hard to simply ignore. Don't belive that I'm judging you though, I really think that all parents need to find their own ways on this matter.

One interesting thing, though, is that studies have shown that babies that are held a lot actually become independent faster than those who are not held as much.

I understand your frustration regarding the naps. Have you tried letting your girl sleep in the stroller and simply start rocking it the minute she is showing signs of waking up? That can be a very effective way to teach a baby to take longer naps. (Just make sure you don't leave her alone in the stroller so that she can fall out!)

Also, you can always review her sleep schedule, to see if you can find any clues to why her naps are short. Maybe she needs to take fewer naps, for example?

Well, these were my thoughts... I really wish you good luck!

/Paula