Babies and young children are emotional rather than rational creatures. They can't comprehend why their cries for help are being ignored. Even with the best of intentions, ignoring children leads them to feel abandoned. The result will be insecure, unhappy children. They are often alternately punished or praised for the same activity at different times.
Infants cry for a reason.
We may not always know what the reason is, and we may not always be able to solve the problem, but we can always try. If a baby cries at night, it may be because he or she is hungry, thirsty, sick, uncomfortable, agitated, lonely, or frightened by a nightmare. Whatever the problem, the fact that the babies cry indicates that they are unable to solve their problem alone and require the assistance of their parents. Responding to children's cries, comforting them, and trying to help them overcome whatever it is that is bothering them is not only effective, it is the only proper way to help them fall asleep. Wiser parents and doctors find this an unacceptable and self-defeating practice.