Herbie Murray
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. There are several different approaches to sleep training, including the Cry It Out method, the fading method, the pick-up/put-down method, and the Ferber method. While sleep training can be effective in helping babies fall asleep and stay asleep, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your child and your family. In this article, we will explore the different sleep training methods and provide guidance on how to know if sleep training is working for you and your baby.
Characteristics and Values of Sleep Training
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Babies under six months are unable to fall asleep on their own and often require help. However, sleep training can begin between 4-6 months of age, and by 6 months, babies are typically capable of sleeping through the night. |
| Time Taken | Research shows that babies take around 10 minutes to fall back to sleep between sleep cycles. Ideally, most kids will take 10-20 minutes to fall asleep once their bedtime routine is over. |
| Parent's Presence | A parent's presence after the lights are turned out can distract children and lead to prolonged bedtimes, reducing their sleep time. |
| Crying | The Cry It Out method involves leaving the baby to cry until they tire themselves out or self-soothe. Gentler approaches are also effective and do not involve excessive crying. |
| Parent's Intervention | The fading method, pick-up/put-down method, and Ferber method are popular sleep training techniques. In the fading method, the parent gradually moves their chair away from the crib each night until it is outside the room. |
| Parent's Comfort Level | Sleep training methods should depend on what parents are comfortable with. There is no strict formula or "right" amount of time to let a baby cry. |
| Results | Sleep training can reduce the time it takes for a baby to fall asleep and the number of times they wake up at night. However, it may not always work, and the effects may wear off over time. |
| Benefits | Sleep training can lead to less stress for parents, as they no longer need to wake up throughout the night to feed, soothe, or change diapers. It can also prevent pediatric insomnia and the risk of depression, stress, and poor health in parents. |
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What You'll Learn
The Cry It Out method
The Cry It Out CIO method, also known as the extinction method, is a sleep training technique that can help babies learn to fall asleep on their own. It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for sleep training, and the CIO method may not be suitable for all families.
- Ensure that all caregivers, including parents, grandparents, and babysitters, are on the same page regarding the sleep training process and timeframes.
- Establish a bedtime routine for your baby, including a calm environment with low lighting.
- Before placing your baby in their crib, ensure that all their needs are met, such as feeding and a clean diaper, and that they are drowsy yet still awake.
- Say goodnight to your baby, give them a kiss and a hug, and leave the room.
- It is normal for your baby to protest and cry when you leave the room, especially during the first few nights. You can watch them on a video monitor if it helps reassure you.
- Do not enter the room once you have put your baby down. The idea is to give them the opportunity to independently work it out and fall asleep on their own.
- If your baby is used to being rocked or fed to sleep, they may protest this change. However, they will eventually fall asleep within a few nights and learn to self-soothe.
It is important to note that the CIO method is controversial, with some parents and healthcare providers feeling that it is too rigid, stressful, and potentially harmful to both parents and babies. However, there is no evidence that the CIO method causes social-emotional issues or resentment in children later in life. Ultimately, the decision to use the CIO method should be made based on what is most comfortable and suitable for your family and your baby's temperament.
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The Fading method
To begin the Fading Method, parents should first determine their baby's natural bedtime by observing sleep patterns and cues. This involves keeping a log of sleep times, including naps and nighttime sleep, to identify when the baby typically falls asleep. Once the natural bedtime is established, parents can start shifting the bedtime earlier or later in small increments of 15 to 30 minutes over several days or weeks. This gradual approach allows the baby to adjust to the new bedtime without forcing them to sleep when they are not ready, reducing the risk of negative associations with sleep.
During the process, it is important to be consistent and patient, as sleep training can take time and persistence. It may take several weeks or even months for the Fading Method to be fully effective. If the method is not producing results after a week, it is recommended to take a break and try again later or explore other sleep training techniques.
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The Ferber method
The goal of the Ferber method is to train young children to self-soothe, allowing them to fall asleep without attention or intervention from a caregiver. It is intended to be more parent-friendly than the classic "cry-it-out" method, which can be emotionally challenging for caregivers. The method treats behavioural insomnia and is aimed at graduated or modified extinction, eliminating a child's association between sleep onset and their caregiver's actions or presence.
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The Pick-up/Put-down method
- Follow your bedtime routine: Keep up the same regular tuck-in schedule you've established, which may include a final feeding, a bath, books, and a lullaby.
- Wait: If your baby starts to fuss, don't rush to pick them up right away. Give them a moment to see if they can self-soothe.
- Shush: If they don't settle, rest your hand on them, pat them gently, and try shushing. This will reassure them that you're there.
- Pick-up: If your baby isn't calmed by shushing, pick them up for a cuddle.
- Put-down: As soon as your baby stops crying, put them down in their crib, even if they start to fuss. Leave your hand on their tummy and speak softly to reassure them.
- Repeat: Continue this process until your baby eventually falls asleep. This may take a while, so patience is key.
It's important to note that the Pick-up/Put-down method may not be effective for newborns or very young babies. It tends to work best for babies between 4 to 8 months old, as their sleep patterns are still developing. Additionally, this method requires a lot of parental involvement and can take a few weeks to see consistent changes in your baby's sleep routine. If you've been using this method for a week without progress, you may want to consider other sleep training techniques.
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The Chair method
The key indicator of success with the Chair Method is your child's ability to fall asleep independently. This means that they can put themselves to sleep without your presence or intervention. Initially, you may need to sit in the chair for several nights until your child adjusts to the new routine. Over time, you will gradually move the chair out of the room, but it's important to ensure that your child feels secure and understands that you are still present, just outside the door.
The rate at which you move the chair will depend on your child's comfort level. Some children adapt quickly, allowing you to move the chair out of the room within a few nights. Others may require a slower pace, and that's perfectly fine too. It's important to be responsive to your child's needs and make adjustments as necessary. Consistency is vital to the success of this method, so ensure you follow through with the routine each night.
As you approach the door, your child may experience some difficulty or protest. This is a normal part of the process, and it's important to remain consistent and calm. You can provide verbal reassurance of your presence and their safety. If needed, you can pause for a night or two before continuing to move the chair towards the door when your child is ready. Remember, the goal is to empower your child to develop independent sleep skills, and this method facilitates a gradual and secure process.
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Frequently asked questions
If your baby is healthy and at least 5 months old, they are likely ready for sleep training. Most babies can sleep for six hours between feeds overnight by 4 months old, and by 6 months, most children can sleep through the night. However, there is no exact right age to begin sleep training, and babies will eventually learn to sleep on their own.
Research shows it takes a baby around 10 minutes to fall back to sleep in between cycles. If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night and you know it's not time to feed, give them 10-15 minutes to fall back to sleep before you go into their room. If they are still crying after this time, they may be experiencing something else that is preventing them from sleeping, such as allergies or sensitivities.
There are several different sleep training methods, and you may need to try a few to find one that works for you and your family. Some popular methods include the fading method, the pick-up/put-down method, the Ferber method, and the Cry It Out method. The Cry It Out method involves taking your baby through a bedtime routine, then leaving the room and not responding if the baby cries. The fading method involves putting a chair next to your baby's crib and moving it farther away each night until the chair is out of the room.
