Gina Johnson
Sleep training is a common practice that parents use to help their babies sleep independently. It can be a controversial topic, with some parents swearing by it and others expressing concern about letting a baby cry. The goal of sleep training is to teach babies to fall asleep on their own and self-soothe when they wake up. While there is no perfect age to start sleep training, it is generally recommended to wait until babies are at least 4-6 months old. This is because they have developed circadian rhythms that will help them sleep through the night, and they are able to pick up skills like sleeping independently. However, some babies may be ready for sleep training as early as 4 months, while others may not be ready until around the 6-month mark or even later. It's important to do your research and consult with a pediatrician to determine the best approach for your baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal of sleep training | To teach a baby to sleep on their own for several hours through the night |
| Sleep training methods | Cry-it-out, Ferber, chair method, camping out, parental education, etc. |
| Age to start sleep training | 4-6 months or 5-9 months. However, some sources suggest that newborns can be prepared for sleep training. |
| Sleep training effectiveness | Sleep training is effective and offers significant benefits to both babies and parents, with no evidence of negative long-term effects. |
| Sleep training tips | Allow your baby to learn to self-soothe, stick to a consistent bedtime, and create a bedtime routine. |
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Sleep training methods
The goal of sleep training is to teach your baby to fall asleep and self-soothe independently, and eventually, sleep for several hours through the night on their own.
Cry-it-out (CIO) or Extinction Method
This method involves putting the baby to bed through a bedtime routine, such as cuddling and giving a kiss goodnight, and then leaving the room. If the baby cries, the parent does not respond. The baby will eventually tire themselves out or learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep. This method is well-known and proponents say that it works quickly. However, many parents are uncomfortable with this method as they feel it will elevate the baby's stress levels.
Pick-up/Put-down Method
This method can be started when the baby is around three months old. It involves placing the baby in the crib while drowsy but still awake. If the baby starts to fuss, wait a bit, then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, put the baby back into the crib. Repeat this process until they fall asleep. Over time, gradually increase the time interval before picking the baby up and reduce the time spent consoling them.
Gradual Method or Camping Out
This gentle approach involves placing the baby in the crib and soothing them by patting or rubbing their back until they stop crying. The parent then leaves the room. If the baby starts crying, the parent should check in after waiting for some time. This method has been shown to reduce the percentage of parents reporting sleep problems five months later.
Chair Method
This method involves placing a chair next to the baby's crib and soothing the baby while they are still awake. The parent should gradually move the chair away from the crib over a period of a few days or weeks. If the baby wakes up during the night, the parent can move the chair closer to offer comfort. Eventually, the chair is moved out of the room, and the baby learns to self-soothe.
It is important to note that sleep training is not recommended for newborns as they have disorganized circadian rhythms and cannot self-soothe. Formal sleep training is generally recommended for babies between four to nine months old, although some babies may be ready as early as three months or as late as nine months.
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When to start
Sleep training can begin as early as four months, with some sources suggesting that babies can be developmentally ready as early as five months. At this age, babies have typically gone through the major developmental progression that occurs around three to four months, and their sleep cycles are moving towards more adult-like sleep stages. Additionally, after the five-month mark, melatonin, the body's natural sleepy hormone, begins to regulate, making sleep training more effective.
However, other sources suggest that sleep training before six months may not be developmentally appropriate. During the first six months, babies should be in the same room as their parents when they sleep, both day and night. Before six months, babies also have not yet developed the circadian rhythms that will help them sleep through the night.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when sleep training should start, and it is important to consider the individual needs and development of your baby. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult your pediatrician.
Preparing for sleep training can begin early on by establishing healthy sleep habits and routines. It is important to separate feeding from the sleep routine by at least 20-30 minutes to avoid creating a dependency where the baby associates sleep solely with feeding. A good bedtime routine can also make a difference, helping your baby recognize what is about to happen and start to associate their nighttime routine with winding down and relaxing.
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Bedtime routines
Establishing a bedtime routine is an important step in preparing your baby for sleep training. Newborns and toddlers have no real concept of time, so a bedtime routine helps them recognise what's about to happen and start to associate their nighttime routine with learning to relax and winding down for bedtime.
There are several things you can do to establish a bedtime routine. Firstly, try to separate feeding from the sleep routine by at least 20-30 minutes. While it may be intuitive to feed your baby to drowsiness, doing so can create a dependency where the baby associates sleep solely with feeding. Night feeds are essential for younger babies but can be gradually phased out as your baby grows and starts eating more solid food.
It is also a good idea to teach your baby that night-time is different from daytime from the start. During the day, open the curtains, play games, and don't worry about everyday noises when they sleep. Your baby will gradually learn that night-time is for sleeping. For at least the first 6 months, your baby should be in the same room as you when they're asleep, both day and night.
Consistency is essential in sleep training. Pick a bedtime and stick to it every night. It is also important to give your baby the space to learn this important new skill. As long as your baby is sleeping in a safe place, try not to panic over every little sound.
Finally, remember that every baby is different. Some babies can start sleep training slightly earlier than 4 months, while others do better a little later, like around the 6-month mark. If you're not sure whether your baby is old enough or ready, check with your pediatrician first.
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Self-soothing
While it is generally advised to wait until your baby is at least 4 months old to begin sleep training, you can start teaching your newborn good sleep habits from the day you bring them home. This includes helping them learn the difference between day and night. During the day, keep your baby stimulated with playtime and conversation, and be sure to get some daylight. In the evenings, keep things quieter and dim the lights to signal that it's time to wind down.
Sleep training is about teaching your baby to fall asleep independently and, eventually, to self-soothe when they wake up in the middle of the night. The goal is not to get your baby to sleep through the night, as all babies (and adults!) wake up several times a night. Instead, sleep training helps your baby learn to fall back asleep on their own.
There are several methods for sleep training, and you can choose the one that works best for you and your baby. Here are some popular methods:
- The Ferber method: This involves putting your baby down when they're getting drowsy but still awake. Then, if they start crying, you wait a bit before going in to soothe them. Gradually increase the amount of time before going in to soothe them. Eventually, they will learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own.
- The Cry-It-Out (CIO) method: This method involves taking your baby through a bedtime routine, such as cuddling and kissing them goodnight, and then leaving the room. If the baby cries, you do not respond. The idea is that they will eventually tire themselves out or self-soothe back to sleep. However, many parents are uncomfortable with this method as they feel it may elevate the baby's stress levels and cause trauma.
- The wake-and-sleep method: This method involves swaddling your baby, turning on some white noise, and feeding and burping them. The swaddling and white noise help to activate your baby's calming reflex. This method teaches your baby to self-soothe and sleep through the night.
Remember, it's important to give your baby the space to learn this new skill. Consistency is also key, so try to stick to a bedtime routine and schedule.
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Crying it out
The cry-it-out CIO method, also known as the extinction method or "unmodified extinction", is a sleep training technique that allows babies to learn to fall asleep on their own. It involves putting your baby in their crib, saying goodnight, and leaving the room, even if they cry. The idea is to give your baby the opportunity to independently work out how to fall asleep and to avoid creating a pattern where they rely on you to fall asleep.
While some parents and healthcare providers consider the CIO method too harsh, there is no evidence that it is harmful to babies. Dr. Schwartz reassures parents that there is "no evidence to show that children have any social-emotional issues or resentment toward their parents later in life for letting them cry for a few minutes at nighttime." However, it's important to remember that sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are gentler approaches that can be just as effective.
Before attempting the CIO method, it is essential to ensure that your baby is old enough. Sleep experts generally recommend starting sleep training when your baby is between four and nine months old. At this age, babies are more capable of picking up skills like sleeping independently, and they are not yet too accustomed to being rocked or fed to sleep. Additionally, newborns have short sleep cycles and need to eat during the night, making it impractical to attempt sleep training.
If you decide to try the CIO method, it is crucial to ensure that all caregivers are on the same page. Talk through your process, bedtime routine, and timeframes. Pay attention to your baby's sleepy cues, such as yawning and eye-rubbing, and start your bedtime routine when you notice these signs. During the routine, meet all your baby's needs, such as feeding and changing their diaper, and put them down while they are drowsy but still awake. You can say goodnight with hugs and kisses, but try to avoid picking them up if they start fussing. Instead, use soothing words and light touch to calm them.
Remember that it is normal for your baby to cry and protest when you leave the room. You can watch them on a video monitor for reassurance. If you feel uncomfortable letting your baby cry, you can always check on them after a few minutes. There is no strict formula for how long to wait, and you should do what feels right for you and your baby. Keep in mind that sleep training may not work for every baby, and it's okay to try a different method if your little one doesn't seem to be responding to the CIO approach.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally agreed that newborns cannot be sleep trained. Babies are typically ready for sleep training when they are between 4 and 6 months old. However, some sources suggest that sleep training can begin as early as 4 months, or as late as 9 months.
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. The goal is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night without needing to be rocked or soothed by you.
There are several methods of sleep training, including the cry-it-out method, Ferber method, and chair method. It is important to do your research and choose a method that is right for you and your baby. Establishing a bedtime routine and a consistent bedtime can also help your baby sleep through the night.
