01/17/2026
I’ve been saying this for a long time. When I see a Baby Wise book I’m not afraid to tell whoever has it that it’s harmful and to please throw it away.
Denmark is beginning to step away from the “cry it out” sleep-training approach after mounting concern from the psychological community. More than 700 psychologists signed an open letter warning that routinely ignoring an infant’s cries may harm emotional development. In response, Danish health authorities are re-evaluating their recommendations and shifting toward guidance that prioritizes responsive caregiving and secure attachment.
Research suggests that consistently leaving a baby to cry without comfort can place significant stress on the developing brain. Crying is a baby’s primary way of communicating needs, and when those signals go unanswered for long periods, stress hormones such as cortisol can rise. Persistently elevated cortisol has been linked to changes in brain development, altered brain structure, and long-term difficulties with stress regulation and emotional health.
On the other hand, responding reliably to an infant’s cries helps build a sense of safety and trust. This responsiveness supports secure attachment, which plays a central role in emotional stability, healthy relationships, and overall brain development as a child grows.
Experts emphasize that babies are not crying to manipulate adults. They are expressing discomfort, hunger, fear, or the need for connection. Meeting those needs through consistent, caring responses strengthens the parent–child bond and supports healthier neurological and emotional development.
Source: The Guardian
