Study: Parents OK to let babies 'cry it out'

This may give new parents some peace of mind.

It may feel cruel to let a baby "cry it out," but a new study says it's OK.

Doctors in Australia found that babies who "cried it out" or who had their bedtimes pushed back to let them get drowsier went to sleep faster than babies who were continually comforted.

And there was no long-term emotional harm.

The study says parents shouldn't ignore a crying baby, but gradually lengthen the time to go back in to comfort them.