Although I am very tired and my baby does wake a lot, I am contented that going to her when she cries is the correct thing to do. Most of my friends are letting their babies cry themselves to sleep, and are very proud of themselves. I want my baby to know that I will always be there for her, and that is why I don’t mind going to her when she cries. But how do I defend myself from the criticism that I am spoiling her?

Babies do need to learn to sleep through the night, but they will eventually do this on their own, though it can take a long time. There seems to be a myth that, left to their own devices, most babies will have their own routine and be sleeping well by six months old. This is not necessarily true. As long as you are aware of this, but are still happy to get up to your baby when she cries, then there is no reason to change what you are doing.

One of the best things about parenting is that you get to do it your way. What a friend, or even your mother, considers spoiling, is your idea of making your baby feel loved and secure. Well, you get to make that choice for your baby, just as they get to make that choice for theirs. There is no wrong and right way of parenting, just different ways that work for different people. It is important to be as accepting of other people’s choices as you would like them to be of yours.

If you think about it, your baby is completely dependant on you. So doing it your way and being there when she needs you is perfect for you. That’s the only answer you need to give your critics!

<< back

For more info see index >>