Leave the baby alone while sleeping: "The period should be manageable," says a psychologist

Created: 06/28/2022, 12:30 p.m

By: Natalie Hull Drawbar

The baby is sleeping, so parents can quickly take away the rubbish or even go to the restaurant across the street?

What experts advise and what the law allows.

Munich – Leaving sleeping babies alone at home for a short time – an option for some parents, for others it is out of the question.

What is certainly an individual decision on the one hand should be carefully considered with regard to the health and safety of the baby and also the legal situation.

Leave the baby alone while sleeping: "The period should be manageable," says a psychologist

Parents can decide for themselves whether and for how long they want to leave their sleeping child alone - as long as the duty of supervision is not violated.

(Iconic image) © Anna Omelchenko/Imago

A life with children is not only unfamiliar, but also turbulent, emotionally strong and often timed, as most parents can confirm.

It's a good thing when the baby then takes a long nap, so mother and father can still take care of a few things such as household chores or telephone calls in peace.

Or in the evening, when the little one is finally asleep, parents want to treat themselves to some relaxing hours together.

Some parents are sure to think: “How far can I go from my sleeping baby?” – “Is it okay if I go down to the basement or to the trash?” – “Can we go to the restaurant across the street if the baby sleeping anyway?” – “May I leave my child alone?”

"The period should be manageable and the child should not be alone regularly," a parent portal (eltern.de) quotes the developmental psychologist Professor Dr.

Sabina Pauen.

It is important for parents to know and be able to assess their child's sleeping habits.

If the baby usually sleeps for at least 30 minutes, parents could also go to the basement or to the garbage, even without a baby monitor, because "it is clear that there are situations in which there is no other way," adds Dr.

breaks

Leaving the baby alone while sleeping: is it possible to use a baby monitor for a longer period of time?

First and foremost, the parents have to decide for themselves whether and how long they want to leave their child alone, even with a baby monitor in the nearby restaurant.

There are no legal requirements for this.

In principle, however, parents have a responsibility and, from a legal point of view, a duty of supervision for their offspring, which they should fulfill - although the attitude to this varies from parent to parent.

The purpose of the duty of supervision is to ensure that no harm is done to a minor child or that he/she does not harm himself or others.

This is basically guaranteed if the baby only sleeps peacefully in its crib, some parents might argue.

Parents who want to use the baby monitor to watch their child asleep should make sure

also read

"Helicopter Parents": Children with Behavior Disorders, but Smarter?

studies in comparison

Health speculation: This is how Putin has changed in three decades

You can find even more exciting health topics in the free 24vita newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.

Pediatrician and author Dr.

Herbert Renz-Polster explains: "If babies are exceptionally alone for a short time, this does not immediately lead to mental damage.

Evolutionarily, neither babies nor adults can count on perfect conditions.” But what if the baby suddenly starts crying, can parents let the baby cry?

"When children live in a reliable relationship, they have a good basic trust and can sometimes cope with stress," adds Dr.

Renz upholstery.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.