Cry-It-Out (CIO) Method
Complete Extinction for Fast Results
The most direct sleep training approach where parents put baby down awake and don't return until morning (or the next feeding). Also known as 'extinction' or 'full extinction,' this method often produces the fastest results but requires strong parental commitment.
Why Choose This Method?
Discover the key advantages that make this approach effective for thousands of families worldwide.
Fastest results - most babies sleep through within 3-4 nights
Clear, unambiguous approach with no confusion for baby
Eliminates all sleep associations that require parental help
Often results in longer-lasting sleep improvements
Minimal time investment compared to gradual methods
Can work when other methods have failed
Step-by-Step Implementation
Follow our detailed guide to successfully implement this method with your baby.
Ensure Baby Is Ready
CIO should only be used with babies 6+ months old who are healthy, well-fed, and developmentally ready. Ensure no illness, teething, or major life changes are occurring.
- Baby should be able to sleep 6+ hour stretches occasionally
- Rule out any medical issues with your pediatrician
- Choose a time when you can be consistent for several nights
Ensure Baby Is Ready
CIO should only be used with babies 6+ months old who are healthy, well-fed, and developmentally ready. Ensure no illness, teething, or major life changes are occurring.
- Baby should be able to sleep 6+ hour stretches occasionally
- Rule out any medical issues with your pediatrician
- Choose a time when you can be consistent for several nights
Complete Bedtime Routine
Follow your normal calming bedtime routine, ensuring baby is fed, changed, and comfortable. The routine should end with baby awake in their crib.
- Keep the routine exactly the same as always
- Make sure baby isn't overtired or overstimulated
- Say goodnight and leave the room calmly
Complete Bedtime Routine
Follow your normal calming bedtime routine, ensuring baby is fed, changed, and comfortable. The routine should end with baby awake in their crib.
- Keep the routine exactly the same as always
- Make sure baby isn't overtired or overstimulated
- Say goodnight and leave the room calmly
Leave and Don't Return
Put baby down awake and leave the room. Do not return until morning or the next scheduled feeding, regardless of crying. This is the core of the extinction method.
- Use earplugs or white noise for your own comfort
- Have your partner take over if you're struggling
- Remember that crying will peak before it improves
Leave and Don't Return
Put baby down awake and leave the room. Do not return until morning or the next scheduled feeding, regardless of crying. This is the core of the extinction method.
- Use earplugs or white noise for your own comfort
- Have your partner take over if you're struggling
- Remember that crying will peak before it improves
Stay Strong Through the Crying
Expect significant crying the first night (often 30-60+ minutes). This is normal and indicates baby is learning new skills, not experiencing harm.
- Crying typically peaks around 20-30 minutes then may decrease
- Some babies cry intermittently rather than continuously
- Trust that you're teaching valuable self-soothing skills
Stay Strong Through the Crying
Expect significant crying the first night (often 30-60+ minutes). This is normal and indicates baby is learning new skills, not experiencing harm.
- Crying typically peaks around 20-30 minutes then may decrease
- Some babies cry intermittently rather than continuously
- Trust that you're teaching valuable self-soothing skills
Maintain Consistency
Repeat the same approach for naps and subsequent nights. Consistency is absolutely critical - any returning to the room can reset the learning process.
- Don't check on baby even if crying seems excessive
- Both parents must agree to the approach beforehand
- Prepare for night 2 to sometimes be harder than night 1
Maintain Consistency
Repeat the same approach for naps and subsequent nights. Consistency is absolutely critical - any returning to the room can reset the learning process.
- Don't check on baby even if crying seems excessive
- Both parents must agree to the approach beforehand
- Prepare for night 2 to sometimes be harder than night 1
Handle Night Feedings Consistently
If baby still needs night feedings, go in only at designated feeding times. Keep interactions brief, boring, and focused solely on feeding.
- Use minimal light and interaction during night feeds
- Return baby to crib awake after feeding
- Don't provide comfort for non-feeding wakeups
Handle Night Feedings Consistently
If baby still needs night feedings, go in only at designated feeding times. Keep interactions brief, boring, and focused solely on feeding.
- Use minimal light and interaction during night feeds
- Return baby to crib awake after feeding
- Don't provide comfort for non-feeding wakeups
Honest Assessment
Every method has advantages and considerations. Here's our honest evaluation.
Advantages
- Fastest results with most babies sleeping through within a week
- Clear, unambiguous approach with no room for confusion
- Often produces the most durable sleep improvements
- Can work when gentler methods have failed
- Minimal time investment compared to gradual approaches
- Eliminates all problematic sleep associations quickly
- May improve daytime mood and behavior due to better rest
- Less opportunity for inconsistent application
Considerations
- Can be emotionally very difficult for parents to implement
- Involves significant crying which some families can't tolerate
- May not be appropriate for sensitive or high-need babies
- Risk of vomiting from excessive crying in some babies
- Can be disruptive to other family members or neighbors
- Doesn't teach gradual coping skills for future challenges
- May damage parent confidence if not successful quickly
- Controversial approach with strong opinions on both sides
The Science Behind Extinction Methods
Extinction in sleep training refers to the elimination of behaviors (parental intervention) that have been reinforcing problematic sleep patterns. Research shows that when babies no longer receive the expected response to crying, they typically stop the behavior within a few nights.
Studies have found that extinction methods like CIO don't cause long-term psychological harm when used with healthy babies over 6 months old. However, the approach does require babies to be developmentally ready to self-soothe without parental assistance.
Neurologically, babies this age have developed the capacity for longer sleep cycles and can learn to transition between sleep phases independently. The crying represents the temporary frustration of learning new skills, not distress or abandonment.
When CIO Might Be the Right Choice
Previous methods haven't worked: If you've tried gentler approaches for several weeks without success, CIO might be necessary for your family's well-being.
Family sleep deprivation is severe: When lack of sleep is affecting health, relationships, or safety, a faster approach may be justified.
Baby seems to get more upset with parental presence: Some babies become more frustrated when they can see or hear parents but aren't getting the expected help.
Clear temperamental fit: Some decisive, independent babies actually respond better to clear boundaries than gradual approaches.
Time constraints: Families facing childcare deadlines or returning to work may need faster results.
Important Safety and Readiness Considerations
Age requirements: Never use CIO with babies under 4 months, and ideally wait until 6+ months when self-soothing abilities are more developed.
Health clearance: Ensure baby is healthy, gaining weight appropriately, and cleared by your pediatrician for sleep training.
Environmental safety: Baby's room should be completely safe for extended periods alone, with appropriate temperature and no hazards.
Parental readiness: Both parents must be fully committed to the approach. Inconsistency can make the process longer and more difficult for everyone.
Support system: Having family or friends who understand and support your choice can be crucial during difficult moments.
Explore Other Methods
Not sure this method is right for you? Explore these alternative approaches.
Ferber Method
A structured approach with check-ins that may feel more comfortable than full extinction.
Learn More →Chair Method
A much gentler approach that maintains parental presence while encouraging independence.
Learn More →Fading Method
The most gradual approach that slowly reduces parental assistance over time.
Learn More →Choose Your Path to Better Sleep
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our sleep training methods and platform.
Most experts recommend starting sleep training between 4-6 months old, when babies are developmentally ready to sleep for longer stretches. However, every baby is different, and our personalized approach helps you determine the right time for your little one.
Absolutely! We offer a variety of gentle, science-backed methods including no-tears approaches, gradual extinction, and modified Ferber techniques. You can choose the method that aligns with your parenting style and comfort level.
Most families see improvements within 3-7 days, with significant progress by 2-3 weeks. The timeline varies depending on your baby's age, temperament, and the method you choose. Our platform provides progress tracking to help you stay motivated.
We always recommend consulting with your pediatrician before starting any sleep training program, especially if your baby has medical conditions. Our methods can often be adapted, but professional medical guidance is essential.
Yes! We're confident in our methods and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't see improvements in your baby's sleep within 30 days of following our guidance, we'll provide a full refund.
Yes! Our comprehensive approach covers both nighttime sleep and daytime naps. We provide specific guidance for establishing healthy sleep patterns throughout the day, helping your baby (and you) get the rest needed around the clock.