Well Janet- you did call him “ridiculous” after previously saying his methods may have some validity- being a long term infant/toddler teacher and Childcare Director- as with most advice–listen but then go with your instincts, what works for you and your child who is as unique as the rest of us, and find a middle ground- Dr Karp isn’t nefarious or abusive- and it’s not like he stumbled upon his methods- think of the years of his life he has dedicated.

Swaddling does no damage. As a statistician (and mom), my perspective on infant sleep is that the safest thing is whatever avoids exhaustion. Exhausted adults are dangerous to themselves and others, especially behind the wheel.

Once you’re through that worst part of it, worry about parenting philosophy or whatever. I personally don’t adhere to any of them, but sample widely for ideas, keeping what works and fits my values.

When a baby is colicky they are not going to be uncolicky based on what we do. We can help them with positions etc but the pain and discomfort is there and they are going to cry. This post really reiterated to me the sense of listening to the baby and not feeling responsible if we are unable to quiet them. For me, mostly I panicked with my first when he had colicky (for8 months+) ( food allergies), because I felt like a failure. I did listen to him but also didn’t, just like you said. If I had known all of this now I feel like I would have been more confident and relaxed… next step… getting through that guilt. Always something. Thank you Janet. I mostly find much healing and learning through your writings and it has been nothing short of amazing.

I have seen many videos like the one from Karp of someone claiming to be a “baby whisperer” with a way to basically just “shut your baby up” and honestly this just goes to show what kind of society we live in. Very disconnected we have become.

I dont really involve my family with my child because my style of parenting is so foreign to them and I am constantly being judged and told that I will regret the way I treat my child. There was even a time when a relative of mine said “She’s not a person, she’s a baby!” Before she was even 3 months old I was told “If that were my child she would be more independent”. So I’m not surprised that people all over the country are treating babies this way, its very disappointing, but somehow we have been conditioned into this way of thinking.

Not sure how old this post is but I just found it…I totally support Rachel.
Until you don’t have a colicky baby you have no idea what it means to let a baby cry…
I love RIE and I don’t find anything unrespectfull about the 5 S’. It saved our lives during the hardest months of my newborn daughter.

Thank you, Lee.

KM – thank you so much for sharing your story.