Gina Johnson
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep independently. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, most babies are developmentally ready for sleep training from 4 to 6 months old. By 9 months, your baby is likely to be trying out lots of new skills, and you may be wondering how to get them to sleep on their own. Sleep training a 9-month-old typically takes about a week, but this can vary depending on your baby's personality and your chosen sleep training method.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended age to start sleep training | 4-6 months old |
| Time taken to sleep train | 3-7 nights |
| Sleep training methods | Cry it out, chair method, night weaning, etc. |
| Baby's sleep | 9-12 hours of sleep per day, in addition to regular naps |
| Baby's wake windows | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| Nap length | No single nap should be longer than 2 hours |
| Calories | Capping naps at 2 hours ensures the baby gets enough calories during the day to sleep through the night |
| Benefits | Sleep training teaches babies to self-soothe and fall back to sleep |
| Challenges | It can be emotionally and physically challenging for parents and babies |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods: Cry it out vs. no-cry sleep solution
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. While some parents swear by sleep training, others believe it is harmful and stressful for the child. The right approach depends on the baby and the family's preferences and values.
Cry-it-out (CIO), also known as the extinction method, is one of the most well-known sleep training methods. It involves leaving the baby to cry and settle themselves to sleep after their needs have been met. This method can be emotionally challenging for parents, and it may not be suitable for all families. CIO is a non-parental involvement method, meaning that once the baby is put down, the parent does not enter the room again until the next feeding time or when it is time for the baby to wake up. While some believe that CIO teaches babies to self-soothe, others argue that gentler approaches are more effective in helping babies fall asleep independently.
The no-cry sleep solution is an alternative to CIO and is based on the belief that bedtime offers an opportunity to connect with the child by developing quiet, cosy nighttime rituals and responding to their requests for food and comfort. This method requires a lot of patience and can take longer than CIO, sometimes up to three weeks or more. Some no-cry methods include:
- The chair method: This involves sitting in a chair near the baby's crib while they fall asleep. The chair is then gradually moved farther away until the baby learns to fall asleep without the parent in the room.
- The pick-up-put-down method: This approach is often better suited for younger babies and involves picking up the baby when they cry and then putting them down once they have calmed down.
- Scheduled awakenings: This method involves educating parents about baby sleep and helping them establish a good bedtime routine.
While there is a popular belief that CIO is the fastest way to teach babies to sleep independently, scientific literature suggests that gentler approaches can be just as effective, if not more so, in helping babies and parents get more sleep. Additionally, there is no evidence that CIO is harmful to a baby's social or emotional development or that it causes attachment problems.
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The wake-and-sleep approach
To start, you should establish a calming and consistent bedtime routine for your baby. This could include activities such as reading a story, playing white noise, feeding, burping, and changing their clothes. You should also ensure that your baby is getting enough calories during the day so that they don't wake up hungry at night.
Once your baby is asleep, gently rouse them just enough so that they are no longer in a deep sleep. You can do this by jiggling their crib or making a noise. Then, allow them to fall back to sleep on their own. If your baby doesn't doze off again quickly, you can increase the volume of the white noise and jiggle the crib again. If they continue to cry, pick them up and offer a cuddle to soothe them, then start the process over again.
It's important to remember that sleep training can be challenging and there may be some rough nights. Be patient and consistent, and don't be afraid to mix and match different sleep training techniques to find what works best for your baby.
Additionally, keep in mind that every baby is unique, and there is no exact right age to begin sleep training. Some babies may be ready to sleep train at 4 months, while others may not be ready until 6 or 9 months. It's also normal for babies to experience sleep regression around 8, 9, or 10 months, which can cause them to wake more frequently.
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The shush, pat method
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. It is recommended to start sleep training when your baby is between 4-6 months old. However, some babies can start sleep training slightly earlier than 4 months, while others can start later, even at 9 months old.
The Shush-Pat Method is one of the sleep training methods that can be used to help your baby fall asleep independently. Here is a step-by-step guide to the Shush-Pat Method:
First, set the scene by creating a calm and relaxing environment. Draw the curtains in your baby's room, turn on some white noise, and ensure that your baby is comfortable, not hungry, and has a clean nappy. Swaddle your baby, as this will make them feel cosy and secure, and help prevent them from startling awake.
Next, sit quietly for around five minutes with your swaddled baby in a vertical position, with their face tucked against your neck or shoulder. Avoid excessive jiggling or rocking, as this may overstimulate your baby. Then, gently lie your baby down in their bassinet or cot, positioning them on their side and holding them on a slight tilt forward.
With your other hand, start patting your baby firmly and rhythmically in the centre of their back. Match the intensity of your patting to the volume of their cries—pat more firmly if they are very distressed, and lessen the vigour as they start to calm down. Continue this until your baby is asleep, which may take up to 20 minutes.
Once your baby is asleep, gradually slow down and stop the shushing. Very slowly and gently, roll your baby onto their back. If your baby wakes up and cries, pick them up and calm them down in your arms with gentle pats or rocking. When they are drowsy, try placing them back in their bassinet or cot and repeating the above steps.
The Shush-Pat Method aims to mimic the soothing experience of being in the womb, providing comfort and helping your baby fall asleep independently. It is important to remember that sleep training can be challenging, and there may be bumps along the way. Be patient, consistent, and always prioritise your baby's health and well-being.
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Night weaning
If your baby is formula-fed and over 6 months old, they are unlikely to be waking at night due to hunger, as formula is digested more slowly than breast milk. If your baby is consuming less than 60ml of milk during a night feed, you can stop the feed and resettling them using sleep techniques. If they are drinking more than 60ml, you can gradually reduce the amount over 5-7 nights, resettling them after each smaller feed.
If your baby is breastfed, it is recommended to wait until they are 12 months old before night weaning, as before this age it can reduce your milk supply. However, if your baby's night feed is less than 5 minutes, you can phase it out by stopping the feed and resettling them. If the feed is longer than 5 minutes, you can gradually reduce the time spent feeding over 5-7 nights.
It is important to note that every baby is different, and some may be ready for night weaning earlier or later than the average age. If you are considering night weaning, it is recommended to speak to a healthcare professional for advice that suits your individual situation.
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Sleep training and your baby's temperament
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. It is considered safe and healthy for babies over four months old, as by this age, they are typically old enough to learn to self-soothe and may no longer require night feedings. However, the decision to sleep train a baby should be made by the parents, and some parents may choose not to engage in traditional sleep training methods.
A baby's temperament may be evident in the first few days after birth, and it can be identified in how they react to the world and express their emotions and needs. Individual differences in sleep development have been linked to temperament. For example, a negative temperament has been associated with sleep problems, while an easy temperament is more likely to settle into routines and consolidate sleep.
There are three commonly identified types of baby temperament:
- Easy or flexible: These children are friendly and easygoing, comply with routines, adapt to changes, and have a calm disposition.
- Active or feisty: These children are fussy, do not follow routines, have irregular feeding and sleeping schedules, are apprehensive of new environments and people, and have intense reactions.
- Slow to warm up or cautious: These children may be less engaged or active, have a shy disposition in new situations, and may withdraw or have a negative reaction.
Additionally, doctors and sleep researchers have identified two types of sleep temperaments:
- Self-soothers: Babies who can get themselves back to sleep and may start sleeping through the night sooner.
- Signalers: Babies who tend to call out during the night and may take longer to learn self-soothing skills.
When deciding on a sleep training method, it is important to consider your baby's temperament. For example, babies with persistent temperaments may respond better to gradual or parent-present sleep training methods, while perceptive babies may require a clear and repetitive routine. Consistency is key, no matter the temperament.
Sleep training can be challenging, and it may take a few nights to several weeks for your baby to adjust to a new sleep schedule. However, by understanding your baby's temperament and choosing an appropriate sleep training method, you can set them up for success and help them develop good sleep habits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your baby is likely ready for sleep training. By 9 months, most babies can sleep through the night without needing to eat. If your baby is starting to fall asleep on their own at night, they are probably ready for sleep training.
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves, without needing your help.
Sleep training can be accomplished in as little as three nights. However, it can also take longer, and it depends on the method you choose and your baby's unique needs.
There are many different sleep training methods, and the best one will depend on your family's situation, parenting style, and your baby's temperament. The "cry it out" method involves putting your baby to bed and letting them cry until they fall asleep without any comfort or help. The chair method involves sitting in a chair next to your baby's crib until they fall asleep, moving the chair farther away each night until you're out of the room. Other methods include night weaning, which is transitioning your baby away from waking up in the night to feed.
It's important to be consistent with your chosen sleep training method. You can also try establishing a bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time to end their day and go to sleep.
