Herbie Murray
Sleep training is a highly debated topic among parents and experts. While some parents swear by it, others believe it is harmful. The goal of sleep training is to help babies sleep through the night on their own and self-soothe when they wake up. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, and it is generally agreed that babies can start being sleep-trained at around six months, it is not recommended for newborns. Newborns have different sleep patterns and are still developing their circadian rhythms, so they need external help to fall and stay asleep. However, that does not mean parents of newborns cannot start building good sleep foundations and healthy sleep habits.
Can newborns be sleep trained?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended age to start sleep training | 4 months or older |
| Newborn sleep training | Not recommended |
| Sleep training methods | Pick-up/put-down method, camping out, parental education, cry-it-out |
| Sleep training benefits | More sleep for baby and parents, improved overall quality of life for the family, fewer developmental and behavioral issues |
| Sleep training challenges | Emotionally draining for parents, bumpy road with rough nights |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, the ultimate goal is for your baby to sleep comfortably for several hours through the night without needing external help to fall back asleep.
Sleep training is not recommended for newborns. Newborns have underdeveloped circadian rhythms, which means they don't have a well-established day-night sleep cycle. Instead of sleep training, parents should focus on creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for their newborn to optimise sleep.
From three months onwards, parents can start implementing the "pick-up/put-down" method. This involves placing your baby in their crib while drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a little, then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, place your baby back in their crib. Repeat this process until they are asleep. Over time, gradually increase the pause time and reduce the pick-up console time.
Another method is the "Cry It Out" (CIO) approach, also known as extinction or full extinction. With this method, parents take their baby through a bedtime routine, cuddle them and say goodnight, and then leave the room. If the baby cries, the parent does not respond. Eventually, the baby will tire themselves out or self-soothe back to sleep. However, many parents feel uncomfortable with this method as they worry it will increase the baby's stress levels.
Other tips to help with sleep training include:
- Consistency: Stick to a consistent bedtime every night.
- Safe space: Ensure your baby's sleep environment is safe and comfortable.
- Bedtime routine: Establish a good bedtime routine.
- Dream feed: Offer a nursing session or bottle a few hours after bedtime to help sync a longer stretch of sleep for both baby and parents.
- Cluster feeding: Offer a few more feeds closer together in the early evening before bedtime to promote longer stretches of sleep.
- Support: Join support groups or speak with a physician to learn more about what to expect during this transitional period.
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Benefits of sleep training
While the idea of letting a newborn cry it out is controversial, sleep training is an umbrella term for a spectrum of approaches to help babies learn to fall asleep by themselves. Sleep training can benefit both babies and parents in several ways.
Firstly, sleep training can improve the overall quality of life for the family. When babies sleep better, they feel better during the day, and so do their parents. Well-rested babies have fewer developmental and behavioral issues and are generally happier. Parents, too, are at a lower risk of depression, stress, and poor health when they get more sleep.
Secondly, sleep training can help babies develop good sleeping habits and a consistent sleep schedule. By learning to self-soothe, babies can fall asleep and fall back asleep on their own, reducing resistance to sleep at bedtime and night wakings. This can lead to babies sleeping 9-12 hours at night, which is beneficial for their growth and development.
Thirdly, sleep training can provide parents with tools and strategies to optimize their baby's sleep. This may include implementing a nighttime routine, such as a consistent bedtime, or understanding their baby's tiredness cues. Educating parents about baby sleep and providing guidance can make a significant difference in the sleep patterns of both newborns and their parents.
Finally, sleep training can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of each family. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and parents can work with pediatric sleep consultants to develop a personalized sleep training plan. This flexibility ensures that sleep training can be adapted to suit the temperament of the baby and the preferences of the family.
While there are benefits to sleep training, it is important to note that there is no exact right age to begin the process. Sleep training can start as early as four months or as late as nine months, but babies will eventually learn to sleep on their own without intervention. Additionally, some researchers caution against starting sleep training too early, as the first year of life is crucial for developing emotional regulation.
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When to start sleep training
Sleep training is not recommended for newborns. Newborns do not have the ability to self-soothe and will need external help to fall asleep and stay asleep. They have underdeveloped circadian rhythms, which means they don't have a well-established day-night sleep cycle, so they sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night.
However, it is important to start building the right sleep foundations for newborns. This involves creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment to optimise sleep. As your baby gets older and their sleep patterns start to mature, you can begin to implement strategies to encourage longer stretches of sleep. This is typically from 3 to 6 months of age. It is recommended to consult with your pediatrician before implementing any sleep-related strategies with your newborn.
At around 3 months of age, you may be able to start implementing the "pick-up/put-down method". This involves placing your baby in their crib while drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a small amount of time, then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, place your baby back in their crib. Repeat this process until they are asleep. Over time, gradually increase the pause time and reduce the pick-up console time.
From 4 months onwards, babies can and should be able to fall asleep or fall back to sleep on their own by self-soothing. By 6 months, most babies no longer need to eat during the night. However, there is no "ideal" sleep training age, and the right time to start sleep training will differ for each baby and family. It is important for parents to be emotionally ready for sleep training and ensure that there are no upcoming disruptions to the training, such as vacations or trips.
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Creating a safe sleep environment
Place your baby on their back to sleep
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib mattress or bassinet. This sleeping position reduces the risk of SIDS and is the safest option for newborns. Once your baby can turn over on their own, you don't need to force them to sleep on their back.
Use a separate sleeping surface
Babies should sleep in their own crib or bassinet that meets safety standards. Avoid sharing a bed with your baby, as this can increase the risk of entrapment and suffocation. If you want your baby close by, you can place their crib in your room, which is called co-sleeping. This arrangement can make nighttime breastfeeding easier and may further reduce the risk of SIDS.
Avoid soft and loose items in the crib
Keep soft items, loose blankets, pillows, toys, and other extra items away from the baby's sleep space. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating, and avoid covering them with bulky blankets. Instead of blankets, consider using a sleeper or sleep sack specifically designed for babies.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine
Consistency is crucial in creating a safe and predictable sleep environment. Establish a calming and consistent bedtime routine by keeping nap times and bedtime the same every day. This routine can include quiet activities such as reading or quiet play, depending on your baby's age. A consistent bedtime routine can help your baby recognize when it's time to sleep and improve their overall sleep quality.
Allow your baby to fall asleep independently
Encourage your baby to fall asleep on their own, as this will help them learn to self-soothe. Sleep training can start as early as four months or as late as nine months, but it's important to remember that every baby is different. The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping independently for several hours through the night.
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The impact of feeding on sleep training
The goal of sleep training is to help your baby sleep comfortably for several hours through the night on their own. If they wake up, they can learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep. Sleep training is effective and offers significant benefits to both babies and parents, with no evidence of negative long-term effects. However, it can be a challenging process, and it is important to find an approach that works best for your baby and your family.
If your baby is sleep-trained and still wakes up to feed once or twice, it is generally considered fine to continue feeding them, as they need the nutrition. However, if your baby is waking up more than once or twice per night, or if they are not taking a full feed and are just feeding to fall back to sleep, you may need to adjust your approach. For example, if your baby starts to fall asleep during the feed, you can prop them up, burp them, and stop the feed.
Additionally, sleep training can impact feeding habits, especially for breastfeeding mothers. If your baby goes from waking up frequently to sleep through the night, it can be abrupt for your body, potentially leading to engorgement and mastitis, which can negatively affect your milk supply. To prevent this, you can express your milk before bed to help prevent engorgement and maintain your milk supply.
It is also important to consider the impact of sleep regressions on feeding habits. Sleep regressions are periods when your baby's sleep patterns are disrupted due to developmental milestones and leaps. During these times, your baby might skip or reduce their daytime feeds, leading to potential nighttime hunger and increased night waking. This can be more noticeable during growth spurts, when increased fussiness and altered feeding patterns may coincide.
In summary, while feeding habits and sleep training are interconnected, it is possible to navigate the challenges and find a balance that works for your baby and your family. Consult with a pediatrician or a certified sleep consultant to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep without help from you. The goal is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own.
Formal sleep training is not recommended for newborns (0-3 months old) as they are unable to self-soothe. However, you can start to build the right sleep foundations by creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your newborn.
There is no one "sleep training age". Generally, it is agreed that 6 months is a good time to start sleep training, although you can begin as early as 4 months or as late as 9 months.
If your baby starts to fall asleep on their own at night, they are most likely ready for sleep training. However, you also need to ensure that you are ready for sleep training as it requires a commitment from parents.
It is important to find a way to separate yourself from your baby so they can learn to self-soothe. Consistency is also key when sleep training, so try to stick to a bedtime routine.
