Should we follow our doctor's advice and let our daughter cry herself to sleep?

Our doctor told us to let our 11-month-old baby cry herself to sleep at night. Should we follow her advice?

Your baby can really get herself back to sleep without much effort on your part, so she's ready to sleep through the night. You have a decision to make as to how much you want to be part of her night-time routine. At this age, she doesn't need to eat during the night and is capable of getting herself back to sleep after the usual, regular awakenings that all babies have during the night. For her to do this on her own, she does need a sleep routine that she uses not only at bedtime but throughout the night. Put her into bed while she is still awake and let her settle herself in after a brief pat on the back. Give her a blanket or small stuffed toy to serve as a comforter for when she wakes up at night. Then leave. Initially she may fuss a bit, but I'd never let her "cry it out" to the point of being frantic. Wait a few minutes, 5 to 10, and then go into her room for another pat on the back and a few reassuring words. Don't pick her up. Repeat as needed. If you pick her up, rock her, touch her and giggle, you're giving her mixed messages as to what's expected. And she'll expect the same type of room service all night long. If you have a baby intercom, turn it round so that she can hear you, for assurance that you are still there. Your calm demeanour and regular routine, as well as your own willingness to separate from her, are the key ingredients to success. For more on sleep, see the sleep sections for each age on this site or do a search of this site that will bring up answers to other parents' sleep questions. No other topic generates more questions or concerns from parents, so the archive and the sections are large.