The Bottom Line “Cry it out” methods are effective at encouraging nighttime sleep. There is evidence that using these methods improves outcomes for parents, including less depression and better general mental health. There is no evidence of long- or short-term harm to infants; if anything, there may be some evidence of short-term benefits. There is evidence of success for a wide variety of specific methods, and little to distinguish between them. The most important thing is consistency: choose a method you can stick with, and stick with it.
