Gina Johnson
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. While there is no perfect age to start sleep training, it is generally agreed that babies can be developmentally ready to sleep train as early as 4 months, with some sources suggesting 5 or 6 months as a good time to start. By this age, babies are typically old enough to learn to self-soothe, and their sleep cycles are starting to become more regular. Sleep training can be challenging, and there are various methods to try, such as the cry-it-out method, the Ferber method, and the chair method.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended age to start sleep training | 4-6 months old |
| Self-soothing | Babies can learn to self-soothe |
| Sleep cycles | More regular sleep cycles |
| Night weaning | Eliminating nighttime feeds |
| Sleep training methods | Cry it out, Ferber, Chair, Pick up-put down, 7-day method |
| Sleep training timeline | 3-7 nights |
| Sleep training diary | Track progress and stay consistent |
| Sleep regression | Temporary, not a reason to delay sleep training |
| Sleep training age | 5 months-5 years |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods: Cry it out, Ferber, Chair, Pick up-Put down, and Elastic band
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. Most babies are ready to start sleep training between 4 and 6 months, as this is the age when they can learn to self-soothe. However, some babies can start sleep training slightly earlier, while others do better a little later, like around the 7-month mark.
Cry it out (CIO) method
Also known as the extinction method or unmodified extinction, the CIO method is one of the fastest sleep training techniques. It involves putting your baby in their crib, saying goodnight, and shutting the door, allowing them to cry for a while and fall asleep independently. While some parents and healthcare providers find this method stressful and mean, Dr. Schwartz reassures that there is no evidence to show that it negatively impacts children's social-emotional development.
Ferber method
Developed by pediatrician Richard Ferber, MD, in 1985, this method is sometimes referred to as "graduated extinction." It is a less extreme version of the CIO method. In this technique, you make a note of when your baby starts crying and then wait for a predetermined amount of time before going into their room to soothe them without picking them up or feeding them. The Ferber method teaches babies to self-soothe and gain independence earlier, allowing them to create healthy sleep associations.
Chair method
The chair method, also known as the "sleep lady shuffle," is a gradual process that involves putting your baby down, sitting in a chair close to the crib, and comforting them if necessary. Each night, you gradually move the chair toward the door until you're finally out of the room. This method may work for older babies who can be soothed by a parent's presence, but it may not be effective for those who won't settle down with you sitting nearby.
Pick-up-put-down (PUPD) method
This method, described in Tracy Hogg's book "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer", involves alternating between picking your baby up for soothing and putting them down awake in the crib. It is a high-soothing approach that provides comfort and reassurance during the sleep training process. While there is limited research on its effectiveness compared to other techniques, it can be a good option for babies between four and six months who are experiencing sleep regression but aren't ready for more structured sleep training.
Elastic band method
The elastic band method involves using a sleep device with elastic bands to treat sleep apnea. The bands are attached to the device by hooking them onto specific attachment areas, such as slits or ball clasps. While this method is intended for individuals with sleep apnea, it is not recommended unless advised by a doctor.
Remember, it is important to ensure that your baby is old enough and in a safe environment before starting any sleep training method. Consult with a healthcare professional if you are unsure about which method to choose or if you have concerns about your baby's sleep patterns.
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Night weaning: Eliminating nighttime feeds
Night weaning is the process of transitioning your baby away from waking up at night to feed. This is a natural progression as your baby gets older and their tummy gets bigger, allowing them to hold more food.
Before beginning night weaning, it is important to consult your baby's healthcare provider to ensure that your baby is ready and doesn't need any additional nighttime care. Most doctors will agree that you can stop intentionally waking your baby for night feedings around 3-4 months, as long as they are showing stable weight gain and staying on their growth curve. However, some babies might not be able to sleep through the night without feedings until closer to 9 months.
If your baby is formula-fed and over 6 months old, they are unlikely to be waking at night due to hunger, as infant formula is digested more slowly than breast milk. If your baby is having 60 ml of milk or less during a night feed, you can stop the feed altogether and resettle your baby using sleep techniques. If your baby is having more than 60 ml, you can gradually cut down the amount of milk over 5-7 nights.
For breastfed babies, night weaning before 12 months can reduce your milk supply. If your baby's night feed is short (less than 5 minutes), you can phase it out by stopping the feed and resettling your baby. If the night feed is longer than 5 minutes, you can gradually cut down the feeding time over 5-7 nights.
You can also try watering down your baby's milk to make it less appealing, encouraging them to take all the milk and solids they need during the day.
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Self-soothing techniques
The goal of sleep training is to teach your baby to fall asleep independently and self-soothe when they wake up during the night. Here are some self-soothing techniques to consider when sleep training your 7-month-old:
Establish a bedtime routine
A calming and consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time for sleep. This could include activities such as taking a bath, reading a story, singing a lullaby, and cuddling. It's important to put your baby to bed when they are drowsy but still awake, as this helps them practice falling asleep without assistance.
Set a consistent bedtime
Creating a regular bedtime, such as between 7 and 8 pm, helps set your baby's internal clock so they become sleepy at a predictable time. Consistency is key, and it's important to stick to the chosen bedtime every night.
Break the habit of feeding to sleep
If your baby associates feeding with falling asleep, try moving feeding earlier in the bedtime routine. This way, they learn to fall asleep independently without relying on feeding as a soothing technique.
The Ferber method
This method involves putting your baby to bed and checking in on them at gradually increasing time intervals if they cry. During these check-ins, you can pat your baby or talk to them, but it's best not to pick them up. This method helps your baby gradually learn to self-soothe.
The Chair method
Place a chair next to your baby's crib and sit in it until they fall asleep. Each night, move the chair a little further away until you are eventually out of the room. This method helps your baby get used to falling asleep without you being right next to them.
The Pick-up, Put-down method
Whenever your baby fusses, you soothe them briefly and then put them down before they are fully asleep. This method helps your baby learn to fall asleep independently without crying.
Remember, every baby is unique, and you can adapt these techniques or combine them to find what works best for you and your little one. Sleep training takes time and patience, and it's normal for there to be some challenging nights.
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Sleep training timeline: When to start and how long it takes
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 and 6 months old. By this age, babies can sleep for six hours between feeds overnight, and their sleep cycles are starting to become more regular. Some babies can start sleep training slightly earlier, at around 3 months, while others do better if they start later, at around 9 months.
Before starting sleep training, it is important to ensure that your baby is healthy and ready for sleep training. It is also recommended to discuss sleep training methods with your partner and ensure that you are both fully committed to the process. Additionally, you can consult your baby's healthcare provider to determine a sleep training timeline and ensure your baby doesn't need any additional nighttime care.
There are several sleep training methods that can be used, and the time it takes to sleep train a baby will depend on the method chosen and the baby's unique needs. Some common methods include the cry-it-out method, the Ferber method, the chair method, and the pick-up, put-down method. The cry-it-out method involves leaving the room after putting the baby in the crib and not responding to cries, while the Ferber method involves responding to crying at set intervals that gradually increase each night. The chair method involves sitting near the child's crib until they fall asleep, moving further away each night, and the pick-up, put-down method involves soothing the baby for a short time before leaving them alone to fall asleep.
Sleep training can take anywhere from three nights to a few weeks, and it is important to be consistent with the chosen method. It is normal to have some rough nights during sleep training, and it may be helpful to keep a sleep training diary to track progress and stay positive.
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Sleep regression: When your baby once slept well but now struggles
Sleep regression can be challenging, leaving both parents and their little ones feeling exhausted and frustrated. Sleep regression at seven months is often a sign that your baby is going through essential developmental milestones. These changes can temporarily disrupt sleep but are a normal part of growth.
The main reasons behind seven-month sleep regression are the development of your baby's brain and the growth spurt their body is going through. As your baby's brain develops, they pick up vital skills, such as flipping over, sitting up, pulling themselves up, crawling, and understanding object permanence. They will be eager to perfect these skills, leading to constant fussiness and night waking. Increased mobility can also lead to sleep disruptions as your baby starts to explore their environment more actively. Teething can also cause discomfort and pain, making it difficult for them to fall asleep or stay asleep.
To support your baby during sleep regression, it is important to maintain a consistent and comfortable sleep environment and offer reassurance and comfort when needed. You can also encourage your baby to practice their new skills during the day to help reduce disruptions at night. Creating a bedtime routine and implementing sleep training techniques can further support your baby in developing healthy sleep habits. This routine should include age-appropriate activities like a warm bath, reading a book, or singing lullabies to help signal that it is time to wind down.
Some sleep training methods include the cry-it-out method, where parents leave the room after putting their baby in the crib and stay out for the entire night. The Ferber method involves parents responding to crying at set intervals, increasing the time gradually each night. The chair method involves a caregiver sitting near the crib until the baby falls asleep, gradually moving further away each night. The pick-up, put-down method is a "no-cry" solution, where the baby is soothed for a short time, then left alone before falling asleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 7 months is a good time to start sleep training. Babies can be developmentally ready for sleep training as early as 4 months, but some sources suggest waiting until they are 6 months old and established on solids.
There are several sleep training methods that you can try. The "cry it out" method involves leaving the room after putting your baby in their crib and not responding to their cries. The Ferber method involves responding to crying at set intervals, which increase each night. The chair method involves sitting near the crib until the baby falls asleep, then moving the chair further away each night. The pick-up, put-down method involves soothing the baby when they fuss, then leaving them before they fall asleep.
Sleep training can take anywhere from three nights to a few weeks, depending on the method and your baby's unique needs. It can be a bumpy road, and there will be some rough nights, but it will ultimately be successful.
