Herbie Murray
Sleep training is a method used by parents to help their babies learn to fall asleep and stay asleep independently. It involves implementing strategies and routines to help babies learn how to fall asleep without being rocked, nursed, or held by their parents. The ideal age to start sleep training a baby varies from child to child. While some parents begin sleep training as early as 4 months, others may wait until their baby is closer to 6-8 months old. Sleep training methods include the cry-it-out method, Ferber method, and chair method, among others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal | Teach your baby to fall asleep by themselves |
| Age to start | 4-6 months or 6-9 months. Some sources suggest starting after the newborn stage, i.e., after the first 3 months. |
| Benefits | More sleep for the baby, improved temperament, fewer developmental and behavioural issues, improved quality of life for the family |
| Techniques | Cry-it-out method, Ferber method, chair method, patting or stroking the baby while shushing, and more |
| Time taken | 3-7 nights on average, but can vary depending on the baby's age, temperament, and chosen method |
| Other considerations | It is crucial to be consistent when implementing sleep training methods. It is also important to note that sleep training does not need to involve a lot of crying and can be adjusted to the parent's comfort level. |
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What You'll Learn
When to start sleep training
The ideal age to start sleep training a baby varies from child to child. While some parents begin sleep training as early as 4 months, others may wait until their baby is closer to 6-8 months old. 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. It is important to note that newborns have short sleep cycles and can't make it through the night without eating. They also don't yet know how to self-soothe.
Sleep training is most effective when babies are developmentally ready and can self-soothe to some extent. It takes babies around three to six months to develop their internal body clock, or circadian rhythm. At this point, they’ll naturally want to sleep more at night and be awake more during the day. Sleep training can help them sleep through the night without waking, crying, or needing you to soothe them.
The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own. If they wake up, they’ll learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep. Once they’ve been sleep-trained, babies can sleep 9-12 hours at night. With more restful sleep, they’ll feel better during the day, as will their parents — which can improve the overall quality of life for the family.
It is important to remember that sleep training does not necessarily involve shutting the nursery door and letting the baby cry all night. In fact, you can adjust the amount of crying you let your baby do to your comfort level before offering a soothing song or a comforting rub on their back. Getting your baby ready for bed is just as important as the actual sleep training itself. Developing a bedtime routine can help your baby recognize what’s about to happen and start to associate their nighttime routine with learning to relax and winding down for bedtime.
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Sleep training methods
The goal of sleep training is to teach your baby to fall asleep independently and self-soothe when they wake up during the night. While there are several sleep training methods available, it's important to remember that every baby is different and there is no "right" time to begin sleep training. It is generally recommended to start after the 4th trimester, when babies are between 4 and 6 months old, as they can sleep for longer stretches at this age. However, some babies may be ready earlier, while others may benefit from starting later, around the 6-month mark or even 9 months. It's crucial to consider your baby's developmental readiness, temperament, and any medical concerns before starting sleep training.
Cry-it-out Method: This method involves allowing your baby to cry for a set period before offering comfort. The interval between crying and comforting can be gradually increased.
Chair Method: In this approach, you sit near your baby's crib or bed and gradually move the chair away from the crib over several nights until you are outside the room. This method can be comforting for your baby while still encouraging them to fall asleep independently.
Ferber Method: Also known as the "gradual fading" method, this involves soothing your baby by gently patting or stroking them while making a shushing sound. Once they are calm, you place them in their crib and leave the room. If they start crying, you repeat the process at intervals, gradually increasing the time before offering comfort.
Pick-up, Put-down Method: This method involves picking up and soothing your baby when they cry and then putting them down when they calm down. The idea is to gradually increase the time between picking them up and putting them down until they learn to self-soothe.
Bedtime Routine Method: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby recognize sleep cues and relax before bedtime. This may include activities such as reading a book, singing a lullaby, or giving them a bath. A consistent routine can help your baby develop a healthy sleep schedule.
Remember, consistency and perseverance are key to successful sleep training. It may take a few nights or even weeks for your baby to adapt to a new sleep routine, and it's normal for there to be some crying involved. However, you can adjust the method to your comfort level and the needs of your baby. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's sleep habits and readiness for sleep training.
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Benefits of sleep training
Sleep training is a method used by parents to help their babies learn to fall asleep and stay asleep independently. It involves implementing strategies and routines to help babies learn how to fall asleep without being rocked, nursed, or held by their parents. The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own.
Sleep training offers significant benefits to both babies and parents. Here are some advantages of sleep training:
Improved Sleep for Babies
Sleep-trained babies can sleep for 9-12 hours a night. With more restful sleep, they will feel better during the day and experience improved moods and temperament. Research suggests that babies who get more sleep have fewer developmental and behavioral issues.
Better Sleep for Parents
Sleep training can help parents get a full night's rest as their babies learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep without assistance. This can lead to improved overall quality of life for the entire family, with parents feeling less stressed, depressed, or anxious.
Flexibility in Methods
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. Parents can choose from various methods, such as camping out (sleeping next to the baby's crib) or gently patting and shushing the baby until they relax. The chosen method can be tailored to the baby's temperament and the family's preferences, ensuring a comfortable and effective process for everyone.
Development of Self-Soothing Skills
Sleep training encourages babies to develop self-soothing skills. By putting your baby down when they're getting drowsy, they learn to fall asleep on their own. This independence can boost their confidence and sense of self-regulation, which is crucial for their overall development.
While sleep training offers these benefits, it's important to note that the ideal age to start varies from child to child. Most experts recommend starting when babies are developmentally ready and able to self-soothe, usually around 4-6 months when their circadian rhythm starts to develop. However, some sources suggest waiting until after the first year to allow for the crucial development of emotional regulation. Consistency and patience are key factors in successful sleep training, and parents should always consider their baby's individual needs and temperament.
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Sleep training tips
Sleep training is a process that teaches your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. It involves implementing strategies and routines to help your baby learn to fall asleep without being rocked, nursed, or held. While it may be challenging, sleep training is not harmful to babies and offers significant benefits to both babies and parents, with no evidence of negative long-term effects. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Know When to Start
The ideal age to start sleep training varies from baby to baby. While some parents begin as early as four months, others may wait until their baby is closer to six to nine months old. It's important to consider your baby's developmental readiness, temperament, and any medical concerns before starting. Most babies develop their internal body clock or circadian rhythm between three to six months, which is when they'll naturally want to sleep more at night.
Choose a Sleep Training Method
There are several sleep training methods to choose from, including the cry-it-out method, Ferber method, and chair method. You can also combine different techniques to find what works best for your baby. Be consistent in the method you choose to ensure its effectiveness.
Prepare Your Baby for Bed
Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial in getting your baby ready for sleep training. This routine helps your baby recognize what's about to happen and associates nighttime with relaxation and winding down. A good bedtime routine can include activities such as bathing, reading, or playing soft music.
Allow Self-Soothing
Allow your baby to learn to self-soothe by putting them down when they're getting drowsy. This way, they'll get used to falling asleep on their own. When they wake up at night, they'll be better equipped to put themselves back to sleep without your help. You can soothe your baby by gently patting or stroking them while making a shushing sound, then leave the room while monitoring them.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key in sleep training. Stick to the chosen sleep training method and maintain a consistent bedtime routine. It may take a few nights or weeks for your baby to establish new sleep habits, so be patient and perseverant.
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Sleep training considerations
Sleep training is a process that teaches your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. It is important to consider your baby's developmental stage, temperament, and any health concerns before starting sleep training. Most experts recommend starting after the 4th trimester, between 4 to 6 months, as by this age, babies can sleep for longer stretches without feeding. However, some babies may be ready earlier, while others may benefit from starting later, around the 6-month mark or even 9 months.
There are various sleep training methods, including the cry-it-out method, Ferber method, and chair method, among others. The right method depends on your baby's temperament and your parenting style. Consistency is vital for success, and it may take a few nights to several weeks for your baby to establish new sleep habits. Be prepared for some crying, but know that sleep training is not harmful to your baby and offers significant benefits for both you and your baby's overall well-being.
Before starting sleep training, ensure you and your partner are on the same page and committed to the process. It is also crucial to establish a good bedtime routine, which helps your baby recognize what's about to happen and associates the routine with winding down and relaxing before bedtime. Remember, every baby is unique, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to sleep training. You may need to try a few methods to find what works best for your family.
Sleep training is not about shutting the door and leaving your baby to cry all night. You can adjust your approach based on your comfort level, offering comfort or soothing when needed. It is also important to note that sleep training does not mean night weaning. You can still feed your baby during the night, depending on their age and stage, and it is recommended to consult a pediatrician about dropping nighttime feeds. Overall, sleep training is a safe and effective way to improve sleep habits for you and your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start sleep training when your baby is between 4 and 6 months old. However, some babies can start sleep training slightly earlier than 4 months, while others do better a little later, like around the 6-month mark or even 9 months. Before 4 months, babies have not developed the circadian rhythms that will help them sleep through the night.
There are several sleep training methods that parents can use, including cry it out, the Ferber method, the chair method, the fading method, the wave, and gentle sleep training. The right method depends on what works best for you, your family, and your baby's temperament.
Sleep training can take as few as three to four nights, but it may take longer for gentler methods that minimize crying. For about 20% of babies, sleep training does not work, and they may be too young or going through separation anxiety, or there may be an underlying medical issue.
