If this applies to you, then you should probably look into sleep training. However, teaching your baby how to sleep is not easy. In fact, it’s one of the hardest things about having a baby, according to many parents.
But don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about sleep training so you don’t approach this problem without a solid plan. In this article, we’ll give you the hows, whys, and even the whens of sleep training your baby.
What is sleep training?
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby how to fall—and stay—asleep independently.
While that sounds simple enough in theory, you should know by now that nothing is easy when it comes to taking care of babies.
After all, babies, like people in general, are different. Some may naturally settle into consistent sleep routines (and therefore won’t really need sleep training), while others may need some form of guidance.
The key is finding a method that works for both your parenting style and your baby’s temperament. Because of this, expect to try different methods..
When to start sleep training
Most pediatricians will recommend starting sleep training when your baby is between 4 to 6 months old.
Why?
At this age, your baby is now biologically ready for longer sleep sessions at night. They’ve probably also learned how to self-soothe.
But, again, every baby is different, so it’s best to consult your pediatrician. Your baby may have a condition that will need special recommendations.
However, that’s still a wide, 2-month span. Should you start in the 4th month? Or the 6th month?
When you should start sleep sraining
A more precise way of determining if you should begin sleep training is by looking out for signs of your baby’s readiness:
- Your baby has developed a regular eating schedule.
- They can now go without feeding for longer periods of time at night.
- They are performing self-soothing behaviors, like sucking on fingers or a pacifier
When you shouldn’t
On the other hand, you probably shouldn’t begin sleep training if:
- You’re going through major life changes: Sleep training can disrupt your regular routine. Major life shifts like moving to a new home may make sleep training extra difficult.
- If your baby is sick: Focus on comfort and recovery for now, as sleep training may further strain your baby.
- If you’re unsure about readiness: Always get the green light from your pediatrician before starting sleep training, even if you think nothing is wrong with your baby.
Popular sleep training methods
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep training. However, we’ve listed down the most widely used techniques that many parents and studies find effective.
Each method has its pros and potential cons, so it’s up to you to gauge what might be best for your baby. You may need to do some trial and error to find the best one.
1. The Cry-It-Out Method (CIO)
This method is arguably the most common method. It involves letting your baby cry without intervention until they get tired and fall asleep naturally.
How it works:
- Place your baby in their crib while they are drowsy but awake.
- Don’t interrupt if they cry—allow them to self-soothe.
- Over time, babies learn to fall asleep on their own.
Pros:
- Often effective within a few nights.
- Encourages independent sleep.
- Requires the least amount of active parental effort.
Cons:
- Emotionally challenging for some parents.
- Not suitable for all babies, especially those with separation anxiety.
- You may fail to notice if your baby is crying because of something else.
Many people either start with CIO (because it’s the easiest) or try it out last (after they’ve grown tired of trying out other methods with no results).
2. The Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)
The Ferber Method is a gentler and more structured approach to the CIO method. While you still let your baby cry, you comfort them at regular intervals.
How it works:
- Gradually increase the intervals between comforting your baby as they cry. For example, check on them after 3 minutes, then 5 minutes, then 10 minutes.
- Avoid picking them up, but comfort them with your presence and some soothing words or a gentle pat.
Pros:
- More gradual, which can be easier for parents and babies.
- Still promotes self-soothing skills.
Cons:
- May still involve crying, which can be difficult for some parents.
- Requires active time tracking.
3. The Chair Method
This method has you sitting near your baby’s crib as they try to sleep (or cry). This method tries to strike the balance between comforting them and letting them fall asleep by themselves.
How it works:
- Sit by the crib at night when you want your baby to sleep.
- Each night or so, move your chair further away until you’re out of the room.
Pros:
- Provides comfort and reassurance.
- Easier for parents who are uncomfortable with letting their baby cry.
- Strikes the balance between comforting them and making them independent.
Cons:
- Generally requires patience and consistency.
- May take longer to achieve results.
4. No Tears or Gentle Sleep Training
This approach is the exact opposite of CIO. Here, you actively comfort them whenever they start crying.
How it works:
- Use consistent comforting techniques whenever they cry, like rocking, feeding, or singing.
- Gradually reduce the amount of help over time or as your baby cries less.
Pros:
- Minimal distress for both baby and parents.
- Builds trust and connection.
Cons:
- Can be time and energy-intensive for parents.
- May take longer for babies to learn how to sleep independently.
Practical tips for sleep training success
- Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A healthy sleep schedule is a consistent one. Establishing predictable bedtime routines helps your baby recognize when it’s time to fall asleep.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure your baby’s room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. You can even use white noise machines to help mask household sounds.
- Consistency is Key: While you may need to experiment, you also need to be consistent. Try different methods for prolonged periods of time before trying out a new one. After all, habits need time to stick.
- Watch for Sleep Cues: Learn to recognize signs of sleepiness in your baby, such as rubbing eyes, yawning, or fussiness. Putting your baby down when they’re drowsy (not overtired) increases the chances of successful sleep.
- Be Patient: Sleep training can take time, and progress isn’t always linear. It’s normal to experience setbacks, especially during developmental milestones or illnesses.
Conclusion
While there are many established methods, other parents have come up with other pretty unique ways to sleep-train their babies.
Try searching for other techniques in forums like Reddit or social media groups for parents. Just make sure to use a VPN while you browse the web to protect your privacy. You can find more info about that here. And don’t forget to consult your pediatrician, as they may have specific advice.
Overall, while sleep training can be difficult and tricky, it’s an essential and greatly beneficial process—for both you and your baby.
And remember: once all this is over, once your child is all grown up, you’ll come to miss even these more tiring times when they were a baby. So cherish every moment!
