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# To CIO and Beyond! Making good decisions about extinction sleep training
- URL: https://drcraigcanapari.com/ep_3_to_cio_and_beyond/
- Published: 2024-02-07T01:05:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-02-07T01:05:00.000Z
- Author: Craig Canapari MD
- Tags: Podcast, #canapari-gmail-com, cio, cry it out, extinction sleep training, sleep training, #wp, #wp-podcast, #Import 2026-02-27 17:07

In this episode, we talk about the controversial method of 'Cry It Out' (CIO) or Extinction Sleep Training. This approach, often misunderstood and feared, can be a quick and efficient method to improve a child's sleep. We go deep on the criteria for its successful implementation, discussing age-appropriateness, parental consistency, and prioritizing safety and health. We also cover that the method is not suitable for all children or families, and alternative methods like bedtime fading and pick up/put down are also considered. Finally, we cover importance of sleep training for both children and parents to improve the overall family dynamic.

## Here are the three key take-aways from the episode:

Be open to trying different sleep training methods - What works well for one child's temperament may not work for another. Give a new method 3-5 nights before deciding if it's effective.

"Gentle" is not always better - Sitting in the room while ignoring crying (camping out) can actually prolong upset in some young babies. More separation may help them learn to self-soothe faster.

Cry it out is generally safe when done responsively - Research shows no long term emotional harm. But if excessive crying persists beyond expectations, reevaluate and adjust. Be responsive to your baby's needs.

- 00:00 Introduction to the Sleep Edit
- 00:03 Discussing Cry It Out (CIO) Method
- 00:09 Introducing Arielle Greenleaf
- 01:08 The Controversy Around Sleep Training
- 02:56 Understanding Different Sleep Training Techniques
- 03:43 The Importance of Sleep for Children and Parents
- 04:02 Defining Sleep Training Terms
- 09:21 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Sleep Training
- 09:27 The Role of Attachment Theory in Sleep Training
- 17:03 The Effectiveness of Extinction Sleep Training
- 24:46 Sleep Training in the Era of Room Sharing
- 28:14 The Power of Parental Presence
- 29:12 Understanding the Importance of Age-Appropriate Schedules
- 29:56 The Role of Routine in Sleep Training
- 30:58 The Challenges of Nap Time
- 31:40 Who is Extinction Sleep Training For?
- 33:35 The Importance of Consistency in Sleep Training
- 36:54 The First Year of Life: Sleep Expectations and Realities
- 39:22 The Pitfalls of Sleep Training Methods
- 42:59 The Role of Feeding in Sleep Training
- 45:56 Alternatives to Extinction Sleep Training

## Links:

- [How long will your baby cry during sleep training?](https://drcraigcanapari.com/how-long-will-my-child-cry-during-sleep-training/)
- [How to CIO Sleep Train Your Baby](https://drcraigcanapari.com/cry-it-out-sleep-training-explained-how-to-use-cio-to-sleep-train-a-baby/)
- [Article in Time on why Dr. Sears’ contention about the dangers of crying are false](https://ideas.time.com/2012/05/10/the-science-behind-dr-sears-does-it-stand-up/?ref=drcraigcanapari.com)
- Two articles on [why sleep training](https://drcraigcanapari.com/news-flash-sleep-training-doesnt-hurt-your-child/) [doesn’t hurt your child](https://drcraigcanapari.com/why-fixing-your-kids-sleep-problems-is-not-selfish/)
- [Why you should room share but not bed share in infancy](https://drcraigcanapari.com/is-room-sharing-infancy-necessary-for-safe-sleep/)
- [Modern family sleep training scene](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTsz0lsHu60&ref=drcraigcanapari.com)
- [Youtube video link to episode 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geB7xeTiwVg&ref=drcraigcanapari.com)

### Questions or feedback? [Email us here.](mailto:thesleepeditshow@gmail.com) We are collecting questions for future Q&A shows!

Assistant producer: Theodore Canapari