Is It Good Or Bad To Make A Baby Cry?

Babies cry when they are hungry, freezing, in need of contact or feeling some kind of discomfort. When babies cry, it is clear that they are trying to tell us about their needs. The question is therefore: Is it good or bad to let a baby cry ?

This can be a controversial issue as there are two opposing views. Some experts confirm that there are disadvantages to letting a baby cry, while others claim that it can actually teach children about patience and how to control behavior.

We take a closer look at both sides of the debate. At the same time, we take a closer look at the pros and cons of letting a baby cry.

Is it a good idea to make a baby cry?

As we mentioned earlier, there are two different attitudes to this. Some specialists believe that letting a baby cry for a long time can trigger so much stress that it leads to neurological problems.

Other pediatricians say there are no definitive studies confirming that prolonged crying affects babies in any way. In fact, they believe that by letting babies cry, they can become more independent and learn to be more patient.

This last argument, of course, is based on the fact that the baby does not cry because it is missing something.

To better illustrate the two attitudes, we need to take a closer look at the apparent pros and cons of letting a baby cry.

The negative side effects

There are many disadvantages to letting a baby cry. Although there are no detailed studies that can demonstrate that children like it, the truth is that there are several influential factors that need to be measured to indicate that this action is harmful.

We must take into account that it is not the same for a newborn or a child under six months to cry for longer periods as it is for a 2-year-old who just suddenly starts crying for no reason.

Children’s age and their reason for crying will in part be the deciding factor in making the right decision regarding this issue.

The arguments against making babies cry are based on the following consequences:

• They may become less intelligent.
• They may become nervous or suffer from anxiety.
• They may have difficulty connecting with other people.
• They may become insecure later in life.
• According to psychosomatic medicine, children can suffer from psychological problems.
• Children can feel left out, and this can “take root” in the mind.

One last argument claims that if you give the child attention right away, it will stop crying. If it is allowed to continue crying, its crying and screaming will intensify. 

Neutral aspects of letting a baby cry

We should begin this section down to explain that specialists who have a neutral attitude do not see a significant problem with parents letting babies cry for short periods of time. This could be, for example, if the parent is going to the toilet, or if the parent is in the process of making a bottle for the baby.

However, this does not mean that they are for letting children cry for a long time or forcing them on purpose.

Instead, they look at the scientific materials. They believe that there is no conclusive evidence to form a valid argument for reaching definitive conclusions.

On the other hand, they agree that it makes children more patient and tolerant when you do not immediately give them attention as soon as they start crying. The following aspects are also supported:

• If parents immediately respond to crying, children will begin to manipulate their parents.
• You can let children over six months who are not in pain, are hungry or lack sleep, cry for a moment.
• You can make children cry, but never for more than five minutes at a time. 

In conclusion, it is important to establish that each situation is different. There is a difference between babies crying because they do not want to sit in the car seat or whether they are crying because they are hungry or need a clean diaper.

Either way, you need to use your common sense, have patience and show your baby lots of care and love.