The Follow-Up: The Truth About Cry-It-Out and Cortisol

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

You’ve probably heard the claim that sleep training—especially methods like "cry-it-out"—can flood babies with toxic stress. But is that actually what the science says? In this episode, I sit down with a leading developmental expert to unpack the research on cortisol, stress, and infant development. We cover how the stress response system works, what truly qualifies as toxic stress, and why common fears about sleep training may be missing important context. Whether you're team sleep-train or not, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and evidence-backed guidance.

Key Takeaways:

• Cortisol is a normal, necessary hormone that helps us respond to stress.

• Not all stress is toxic—especially when it’s brief and supported by a caregiver.

• There's no evidence linking sleep training with long-term harm.

• Misinterpreting small or flawed studies can create unnecessary fear for parents.

• Sleep training, when developmentally appropriate, can be a positive and adaptive experience for both babies and parents.

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