Common Myths & Misconceptions about the Babywise Method
by Sami Cone
Sep 08, 2018
Confusion has come up over the years with regards to the Babywise method, typically amongst parents who have taken it beyond the original intent and guidance of the author, Dr. Robert Bucknam. Pediatrician Robert Bucknam, M.D. F.A.A.P. is the founder and director of Cornerstone Pediatrics in Louisville, Colorado whose work on Parent Directed Feeding has found tremendous success with 8 million parents worldwide.
Dr. Jodi Mindell, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia adds her support to the Babywise infant sleep method saying, "Babies and children love routines and relish schedules. They like to know what is going to happen next. They are also better behaved when things follow a known pattern. Routines provide your child with a sense of security.”
In order to discover the truth about infant sleep training with Babywise methods, let’s examine three myths along with the real truth behind the Babywise books:
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MYTH #1: Babywise is not supported by the medical community
In 1998, a rogue doctor, Dr. Matthew Arney, wrote a one page Abstract (which happened to be anti-Babywise) in a small magazine called the AAP News. Since that time, Babywise critics have used this short personal opinion piece to twist the truth and say that the AAP (made up of 62,000 Pediatricians) made a formal statement warning all mothers against the dangers of Babywise.
To the layman, this may suggest a lengthy scientific study in a peer reviewed medical journal, establishing an AAP official position. It is none of these.
The AAP has never issued any kind of study, review or warning against Babywise. The Babywise methods are also endorsed nationally by a Professor of Pediatrics, an R.N.CLE, Obstetricians, a Pediatric Neurologist, a Pediatric Cardiologist, and International Pediatricians.
MYTH #2: Babywise ignores the needs of babies
Critics of Babywise have attempted to falsely attach the letters “CIO” for over a decade. Cry It Out is far from what Babywise is committed to, yet critics are quick to attribute that label to Babywise moms without fully reading the medically-endorsed method.
The truth is Babywise teaches methods of gentle routine and flexible schedule that empowers the mom to listen to her instincts. 28-year Pediatrician Robert Bucknam, M.D. who authored “On Becoming Babywise” advises, "In the world of babyhood advice, there are two fringe groups to avoid: the "Let Baby cry it out" group and the "Block every cry" advocates. Advice from either is not helpful because it requires parents to surrender their common sense to extreme beliefs."
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MYTH #3: Babywise is not well known and only for certain babies
The average mom in the United States may have heard of Babywise from several of her friends, but is probably not aware of just how many moms around the world have successfully used the Babywise methods with their children.
“On Becoming Babywise” has found success around the country and the world for several decades. The Babywise Book series has sold over 5 million copies and is now translated in 20 languages. Babywise is currently the #1 Best Seller on Amazon in 8 categories, including Breastfeeding, Sleep Disorders, Infants, Single Parenting, Medical Child Psychology, Children's Health, Child Care, Fatherhood, and Twins & Multiples Parenting.
Babywise babies are characterized by contentment, healthy growth, and optimal alertness. The best and safest way to help your little one fall asleep and stay asleep is the natural way. The key to discovering your newborn’s sleep pattern lies in recognizing the last word in that phrase may be the most important; to formulate a baby sleep schedule, you must first develop a sleep pattern.
Getting baby to sleep through the night relies upon you as a parent confidently establishing a basic routine to promote restful sleep. These are the babies truly exude happiness—which after all, is tied back to being well-rested and one of the hallmarks of Babywise sleep training.
Sami Cone
Best-Selling Author & Speaker
Sami Cone is the best-selling author of "Raising Uncommon Kids", is known as the "Frugal Mom" on Nashville's top-rated talk show "Talk of the Town" and educates over a million listeners every day on her nationally syndicated "Family Money Minute". She is proud to call Nashville home with her husband, Rick, and their two ‘tweenage' children.
