Colin Snow
Sleep training is a highly debated topic, with some parents and experts advocating for it and others against it. The goal of sleep training is to help babies sleep independently and self-soothe when they wake up, which can lead to improved sleep for both babies and parents. However, there are various methods for sleep training, and it's important to consider the potential benefits and risks of each approach. While some parents find success with sleep training, it's not a necessity, and babies will eventually learn to sleep on their own.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal of sleep training | For your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own. |
| Age to start sleep training | Babies aren't ready for sleep training until they're 4-6 months old. |
| Sleep training methods | Cry It Out, Ferber, Check and Console, Fading, No Tears |
| Sleep training research | There is contradictory research on the effectiveness of sleep training. |
| Sleep training and stress | Some studies show that babies remain stressed and anxious after sleep training. |
| Self-soothing | Sleep training teaches your child to self-soothe. |
| Sleep training and SIDS | Frequent waking may help protect your baby against SIDS. |
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What You'll Learn
Crying it out vs. no tears
Crying it out
The "cry it out" sleep training method, also known as "extinction" or "CIO", involves leaving your baby in their sleep space at bedtime and not attending to them until the next morning. Research shows that this method will not impact your child in the long term. However, many parents feel uncomfortable letting their baby cry without comforting them. They worry that it will elevate the baby's stress levels, cause trauma, and lead the child to think they can't rely on their parents.
No tears
Gentle sleep training, also known as "no tears" or "no cry", helps babies sleep more soundly and soothe themselves when they wake up – with no tears required. It focuses on helping your baby learn to sleep on their own without any crying by leaning heavily on a consistent bedtime routine. This routine should follow the same set of activities, done in the same order, so the baby comes to recognize these activities as a transition from day to night, and consequently bedtime.
There is no right way to sleep train, but staying consistent and patient are key to success. The best method for your family will depend on what you and your baby are most comfortable with.
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When to start sleep training
Sleep training is a highly personal decision and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The ideal time to start sleep training depends on various factors, including your baby's age, their sleep patterns, and your family's needs. Here are some guidelines and considerations to help you determine when to start sleep training:
- Age: Sleep training is generally recommended for babies between 4 to 6 months old. At this age, they are developmentally capable of picking up skills like sleeping independently. However, some sources suggest that sleep training can begin as early as 4 months or as late as 9 months. Starting around 6 months is often considered ideal because it gives your baby enough time to develop their internal body clock or circadian rhythm, which helps them sleep more at night and be awake more during the day.
- Sleep patterns and habits: If your baby is already falling asleep on their own at night, even if they wake up multiple times, it could be an indication that they are ready for sleep training. Consistent sleep patterns, such as falling asleep independently and following a predictable nap schedule, are signs that your baby may not need formal sleep training. However, if your baby is frequently waking up at night or struggling to fall asleep independently, it might be time to consider sleep training.
- Parental needs and preferences: Sleep training is not mandatory, and it's important to trust your instincts and do what feels right for your family. If you are satisfied with your baby's sleep patterns and they are meeting their developmental milestones, there may be no need to sleep train. However, if you are feeling sleep-deprived or struggling to function due to your baby's sleep habits, sleep training could be beneficial for both you and your baby.
- Alternative methods: Before deciding to sleep train, it's worth exploring alternative approaches to improve your baby's sleep. This could include establishing a consistent bedtime routine, understanding your baby's awake windows and optimal nap times, addressing any underlying issues such as reflux or colic, and making adjustments to their daytime sleep schedule. Gentle sleep coaching or holistic sleep support approaches can also be considered as alternatives to traditional sleep training methods.
- Research and professional advice: It's important to do your research and consult with trusted sources, such as paediatricians, sleep specialists, or healthcare professionals, before starting sleep training. While some studies suggest that sleep training can be effective, there is limited high-quality research in this area, and the potential long-term effects are not yet fully understood. It's essential to weigh the potential benefits against any possible risks and make an informed decision.
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Self-soothing
Understanding Self-Soothing
Steps to Teach Self-Soothing
- Pause and Observe: When your baby stirs or makes light noises, give them a quick pause of around five minutes before responding. This helps you distinguish between partial arousals and actual cries for attention.
- Soothe in the Crib: If your baby is not crying but just stirring, try soothing them without picking them up. You can rub their head, replace their pacifier, reposition them, or sing to them. This step is crucial as it prevents overstimulation from constant picking up and putting down.
- Pick Them Up if Needed: If your baby's cries escalate and they are unable to calm down, pick them up and help them regulate their emotions. The goal is to soothe them and put them back in their crib when they are calm or close to asleep.
- Take a Step Back: To avoid constant entering and exiting the room, take a step back and make sure your baby is asleep before leaving. If you've been soothing all night, it's okay to set your baby down safely and take a break.
- Repeat and Be Consistent: Self-soothing is a skill that takes time and consistency to develop. Repeat the above steps as often as needed, and remember that every new skill requires practice and patience.
Benefits of Self-Soothing
Teaching your baby to self-soothe has several benefits for both the child and the parents:
- Improved Sleep: Babies who can self-soothe are more likely to sleep through the night, resulting in better overall sleep for both the child and the parents.
- Emotional Regulation: Self-soothing helps babies learn to regulate their emotions and cope with stress. This skill will benefit them throughout their childhood and even into adulthood.
- Independence: By learning to self-soothe, babies develop a sense of independence and the ability to fall asleep on their own.
- Improved Parental Mental Health: Sleep-deprived parents are at a greater risk of depression, stress, and poor health. When babies get more restful sleep, parents' mental health and overall well-being improve significantly.
Considerations and Criticisms
While self-soothing is a valuable skill, there are some considerations and criticisms of the approaches used to teach it:
- Potential Stress for Babies: Some studies suggest that certain sleep training methods, like the Cry-It-Out (CIO) approach, can increase stress levels in babies even after they stop crying. This has led to concerns about the potential impact on their emotional well-being.
- Parental Discomfort: Many parents feel uncomfortable with the CIO method, as it involves letting their baby cry without comfort. This can be emotionally challenging for parents, and they may prefer gentler approaches.
- Individual Differences: Every baby is unique, and some critics argue that sleep training methods do not consider individual needs, vulnerabilities, and protective factors.
- Alternative Approaches: Some experts promote holistic sleep coaching, which focuses on gentle and responsive approaches to sleep issues. These methods aim to address the underlying causes of sleep disturbances rather than solely focusing on sleep training.
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Sleep training methods
Sleep training is a way to teach your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own without help from their parent or caregiver. Here are some of the most common sleep training methods:
Cry-It-Out (CIO) Method
Also known as the extinction method, this involves putting your baby down for bed and not coming back until morning, no matter how much they cry. This is one of the most controversial methods as it can be hard for parents to hear their baby cry without intervening to soothe them.
Ferber Method
Also known as "graduated extinction", "progressive waiting", or the "check and console" method, this is similar to the CIO method but more gradual. Parents follow a bedtime routine, then leave the room, returning at set intervals to pat their baby and ensure they're calm before leaving again. Over time, parents increase the amount of time between checks.
Fading Method
Also known as "camping out", this method involves parents staying in the room with their baby until they fall asleep. Each night, parents gradually increase the distance between themselves and their baby. This method can be challenging for parents as they have to watch their baby cry without intervening.
Pick-Up/Put-Down Method
This gentle sleep training method involves putting your baby down for bed and letting them fuss for a little bit. If they don't settle, you pick them up, soothe them, then put them down again before they fall asleep in your arms. This process is repeated until they fall asleep. This method requires dedication and patience and can take a long time to work.
No Tears/Gentle Sleep Training Method
This method focuses on helping your baby learn to sleep on their own without crying. It involves a consistent bedtime routine that helps the baby recognize the transition from day to night. Parents may use variations of the Ferber or Fading methods, but the baby is always laid back down before falling asleep in their arms. This method can be less stressful for parents but may result in more sleep deprivation in the short term.
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Sleep training research
Sleep training is a systematic approach to helping babies sleep better. It involves teaching babies to sleep independently and self-soothe when they wake up. While some parents swear by it, others are vehemently opposed to the idea of letting their babies "cry it out." So, what does the research say?
The Benefits of Sleep Training
Sleep training can help babies develop good sleeping habits and self-soothing skills. It can also improve sleep for both babies and parents, leading to better overall quality of life for the family. Research suggests that babies who get more restful sleep have fewer developmental and behavioural issues and have a happier temperament overall. Additionally, well-rested parents are at a lower risk of depression, stress, and poor health.
When to Start Sleep Training
Babies are not ready for sleep training until they're 4-6 months old. At this age, they're developing their circadian rhythms and are able to pick up skills like sleeping independently. However, it's important to note that sleep training is not necessary, and babies will eventually learn to sleep on their own.
Different Methods of Sleep Training
There are various methods of sleep training, and the best approach depends on what parents and babies are most comfortable with. Here are some common methods:
- Cry It Out (CIO) or Extinction: Parents put their baby to bed and do not respond if the baby cries. The baby eventually tires themselves out or self-soothes back to sleep.
- Ferber or Graduated Extinction: Similar to CIO but more gradual. Parents return to reassure the baby whenever they cry, gradually increasing the time between check-ins.
- Check and Console: A variation of the Ferber method where parents check on the baby before they start to cry, gradually increasing the intervals.
- Fading or Camping Out: Parents stay in the child's room until they fall asleep, gradually moving further away each night while providing minimal comfort.
The Criticisms of Sleep Training
Critics of sleep training argue that it can be stressful and harmful to babies. Here are some concerns:
- Lack of Research: There is limited quality research on the long-term effects of sleep training. Some studies suggest that it may increase stress levels and have potential negative impacts on children's emotional regulation and security.
- Not a Long-Term Solution: Sleep training may not always be effective in the long run, as any benefits gained can be lost following changes in development or circumstances.
- Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that babies can remain stressed and anxious even after they stop crying during sleep training, indicating that self-soothing is a myth.
- Impact on Parent-Child Relationship: Sleep training can break the child's trust in their parents, leading to anxiety and separation difficulties. Research shows that children with a secure attachment tend to sleep better, and responsive parenting can promote better sleep in the long run.
- Biological Norms: Babies are biologically hardwired to sleep in shallow sleep cycles, and it is protective against SIDS. Expecting them to sleep through the night like adults may not be realistic.
- Ignoring Underlying Issues: Sleep may not always be the problem. There could be other reasons for frequent night waking, such as feeding issues, reflux, sleep apnea, or environmental stressors. Focusing solely on sleep training without addressing these issues may not be effective.
Gentle Alternatives to Sleep Training
Gentle alternatives to traditional sleep training methods exist and are often preferred by parents. These approaches involve responding to the baby's cues and creating a consistent bedtime routine. While they may take longer, they can be less stressful for both parents and babies.
Sleep training is a personal decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While it can be effective for some families, it may not be necessary or suitable for others. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consider gentle alternatives that align with your parenting style and your baby's unique needs.
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