Gina Johnson
Sleep training is a method of teaching babies and toddlers to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night without intervention. While there is no right age to sleep train, it is recommended that babies are at least 5 months old, as this is when melatonin regulation begins, making sleep training more effective. Sleep training can be appropriate from 5 months to 5 years, and even toddlers can be sleep trained. However, some sources suggest that babies are often ready for sleep training at 4 months when they are old enough to learn to self-soothe and may no longer require night feedings. Sleep training at 9 months can be challenging due to separation anxiety and sleep regression, but it is not too late to start.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods for 9-month-olds
It is never too late to sleep train your baby, and it is safe and healthy as long as your baby is in a safe environment. While there is no "perfect" age for sleep training, babies typically are not ready for sleep training until they are at least five months old. This is because their sleep cycles are moving towards more adult-like sleep stages, and the body's natural sleepy hormone, melatonin, begins to regulate.
Sleep training a nine-month-old can be challenging due to separation anxiety and sleep regression, which can last a few weeks. Sleep regression refers to a temporary disruption in your baby's sleep, such as waking more in the night, taking shorter naps, or fighting bedtime. This is common during times of developmental growth, such as learning new skills like sitting up, crawling, or pulling up.
- The Ferber Method: This popular method involves placing your baby in their crib when they are tired but still awake. You then leave the room and re-enter at designated intervals to check in on your baby without picking them up. For example, you can check in at three minutes, five minutes, ten minutes, and so on. You can briefly say a few soothing words, but it is important not to linger for too long. While this method can involve a lot of crying, it has been successful for some families.
- Gentle Sleep Training: These methods focus on gradually weaning the baby from needing help to fall asleep. Techniques like "fading" and "pick up put down" involve actively calming your baby as they learn a new way of falling asleep. For example, if your baby usually falls asleep while feeding, you can introduce rocking instead, then gradually reduce the movement until you can put your baby in the crib while they are awake. Gentle sleep training methods are preferred by parents who want to minimise tears and are comfortable with a longer process.
- Night Weaning: This technique is often used in combination with other sleep training methods. It involves transitioning your baby away from waking up at night to feed by ensuring they eat their meals during the day. Sleep training can naturally lead to a reduction in overnight feedings as your baby learns to fall back asleep on their own. However, if your baby needs to gain weight or has other medical conditions, you may need to continue night feedings.
- Consistent Bedtime Routines: Establishing consistent bedtime routines can help your nine-month-old get better sleep. A consistent yet flexible daily routine can make sleep training easier and help your family function more smoothly. It is important to find the right bedtime for your baby to avoid them being overtired or under-tired, which can impact their sleep quality.
- Two-Nap Schedule: Transitioning your nine-month-old to a two-nap schedule during the day can help improve their sleep. Aim for a total daytime sleep of 2.5-3.5 hours divided between two naps, with each nap lasting no longer than two hours. Keeping naps under two hours ensures your baby has enough active awake time and supports them in getting enough calories during the day to sleep through the night.
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Sleep regression in 9-month-olds
Sleep regression refers to a temporary disruption in your 9-month-old's usual sleep schedule. Your baby may suddenly start waking up multiple times during the night, taking shorter naps, or resisting bedtime. This phase typically lasts for a few weeks, but it can vary from baby to baby. During sleep regression, your baby might exhibit signs such as increased fussiness at naptime or bedtime, more frequent overnight wake-ups, and trouble settling down to sleep.
There are several factors that could contribute to sleep regression in 9-month-olds:
- Developmental milestones: At this age, your baby is learning a plethora of new skills, such as crawling, standing up, talking, and understanding object permanence. This surge in cognitive, emotional, and physical development can disrupt their sleep patterns.
- Separation anxiety: As your baby's understanding of object permanence evolves, they may experience separation anxiety when you leave the room. This can make it harder for them to fall asleep or result in more frequent wake-ups.
- Daytime sleep: Around 9 months, babies may need to transition to two naps a day instead of three. If they are still taking three naps and the naps are short, it might be necessary to stretch their wake windows and drop one of the naps.
- Daytime feeding: As you introduce solid foods, ensure that your baby is still getting enough breast milk or formula during the day. Skimping on milk can lead to a hungry baby at night, causing more frequent wake-ups.
- External factors: Be mindful of external disturbances that may impact your baby's sleep, such as itchy pyjamas, bright lights in the room, noisy traffic, or even a rumbling tummy.
To navigate sleep regression effectively:
- Maintain consistency: Stick to consistent yet flexible daily routines. Avoid introducing new sleep habits that you aren't willing to maintain long-term, as this can cause confusion and prolong the regression.
- Address physical concerns: Rule out any physical issues that may be causing sleep disturbances, such as sickness or teething.
- Adjust wake windows: Your 9-month-old's wake windows may range from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Keep morning wake windows shorter (2.5-3 hours) and gradually increase them later in the day (3-3.5 hours).
- Manage daytime sleep: Aim for a total daytime sleep of 2.5 to 3.5 hours divided between two naps. Ensure that no single nap exceeds 2 hours to promote active awake time and support nighttime sleep.
- Use white noise: Low, rumbly white noise can help mask external disturbances and enable your baby to sleep through them.
- Sleep training: While sleep training is typically recommended for babies older than 5 months, you can consider a gentle technique like the Ferber method, which involves timed interval check-ins to reassure your baby.
Remember, sleep regression is a normal part of your baby's development, and it won't last forever. By staying consistent, addressing any underlying issues, and making necessary adjustments to their sleep routine, you can help your 9-month-old navigate this phase and get back to restful nights.
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The Ferber method
It is never too late to sleep train your child. However, the ideal window for beginning any type of sleep-training method is between 4 to 6 months old. This is because babies are typically old enough to learn to self-soothe at this age and may no longer require night feedings. Their sleep cycles also begin to mature, and their circadian rhythm starts to take effect.
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 a modified version of the "cry-it-out" method, which involves leaving a child to cry until they fall asleep. Instead, the Ferber method allows caregivers to provide periodic reassurances to crying children at gradually increasing time intervals.
- Develop and stick to a bedtime routine: A consistent schedule every night helps prime children to understand that it's time for sleep.
- Place your child in the crib while they're still awake, but drowsy: If you put them to bed when they're already asleep, they won't recognize their surroundings upon waking, making it harder to self-soothe.
- Re-enter the room at designated intervals: Check in on your child at gradually increasing intervals, such as three minutes, five minutes, ten minutes, and so forth. You can briefly say a soothing word or two, but don't linger for too long and don't pick them up.
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Night weaning
Sleep training is a way of teaching your baby or toddler to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night. While there is no "perfect" age for sleep training, it is recommended that babies be at least 5 months old before attempting sleep training, as this is when their sleep cycles start to mature and their melatonin regulation begins.
- Discuss any night weaning plan with your pediatrician to ensure that it is appropriate for your baby's unique needs. 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 growth. However, some babies may not be able to sleep through the night without feedings until closer to 9 months.
- For formula-fed babies, it is recommended to phase out night feeds from 6 months of age. At this age, 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 60ml of milk or less during a night feed, you can stop the feed and re-settle them using sleep techniques. If they are having more than 60ml, gradually reduce the amount over 5-7 nights by reducing the volume of milk by 20-30ml every second night.
- For breastfed babies, it is generally recommended to wait until they are 12 months old before night weaning, as they may still need the night feeds for growth and development before this age. Additionally, night weaning before 12 months can reduce your milk supply.
- If your baby is older than 12 months or isn't eating much during night feeds, you may consider a cold-turkey approach to night weaning. However, it is generally recommended to take a gradual approach if possible.
- Be consistent in your baby's routines and approach to sleep during the night weaning process. Avoid introducing new sleep habits that you are not willing to maintain long-term.
- Keep in mind that every baby is unique, and their daily routine will depend on their individual cues, nap lengths, and feeding schedule.
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Separation anxiety
Sleep training is a way of intentionally teaching your baby or toddler to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night. While there is no "perfect" age for sleep training, it is recommended that babies be at least 5 months old before attempting sleep training. This allows babies to go through the major developmental progression that happens around months 3-4.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine: Keep the same sleep habits and approach to sleep, even if your baby is experiencing separation anxiety. Avoid introducing new habits, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep, as this can create long-term struggles after the regression is over.
- Play games like Peek-a-Boo: Peek-a-Boo teaches your baby that even if they can't see you, you're still there. It's a fun and reassuring way to help them understand that you'll always come back.
- Try the "Camping Out" strategy: This involves staying entirely in the room with your baby or being mostly out of the room. This can be more effective than checking in at designated intervals because coming in and out of the room involves repeating the experience of leaving, which may be stressful for your child.
- Use comfort intervals: Provide reassurance and comfort at regular intervals without picking up your baby. This can help your baby feel supported while also learning to self-soothe.
- Consider your baby's development: Separation anxiety is often related to physical and cognitive developmental milestones. Understand your baby's unique needs and adjust your approach accordingly.
Remember, it's normal to feel upset or like you're abandoning your child during this phase. It's important to provide plenty of love, reassurance, and a consistent routine to help your baby navigate separation anxiety and develop healthy sleep habits.
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Frequently asked questions
No, 9 months is not too old to sleep train. Sleep training can be appropriate from 5 months until your child reaches 5 years.
Sleep training is a way of teaching your baby or toddler to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night without needing your help or intervention.
Babies are typically ready for sleep training when they are at least 5 months old. This is because, by this age, melatonin (the body's natural sleepy hormone) begins to regulate, and their sleep cycles start to become more adult-like.
There are many different sleep training methods, and the best one for your family depends on your family's situation, parenting style, and your child's sleep patterns and temperament. Some popular methods include the Ferber method, fading, and pick up put down.
Sleep regression at 8-10 months can look different for every baby, but some common signs include increased fussiness, crying when left alone during naps or bedtime, shorter naps, and more frequent night wakings.
