There has been lots of media coverage recently on the “crying it out” technique – giving the impression that there are two camps: one of MeanMummies who leave their babies squealing in darkened rooms until they fall asleep, exhausted (parents and baby, I expect) and a second of distinctly crunchy Earth-Mamas who gather their little ones to their ample bosoms at the slightest squeak.
Let’s face it; most of us pitch our tents somewhere between these two. But the “research” is casting confusing light on the whole crying thing – does it harm our babies if we want to try and let them “self-settle” if it means they cry for a bit? Are we risking brain damaged offspring if we need to nip to the loo and have to leave our bundle of joy wailing in the next room?

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