Evie Summers
Sleep training is the process of teaching a baby to fall asleep by themselves. While some parents swear by it, others believe that letting a baby cry is harmful. Sleep training is not recommended for babies under four months of age, as they are still developing their internal body clock, or circadian rhythm. Once they've been sleep-trained, babies can sleep 9-12 hours a night, and the consistency of sleep training can support healthy sleep and development. There are a variety of sleep training methods, ranging from gradual approaches to quicker ones, and the right method depends on the objectives and temperament of the child.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal age for sleep training | 4-6 months |
| Time taken for sleep training | A few days to a few weeks |
| Sleep training methods | Cry-it-out, Ferber, Fading, Gentle Sleep Training |
| Effectiveness of sleep training | Mixed opinions |
| Safety of sleep training | No evidence of physical or psychological harm |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, here are some methods that parents have found effective:
Gentle Sleep Training Method
This method focuses on helping your baby learn to sleep on their own without crying. It involves a consistent bedtime routine, following the same set of calming activities in the same order each night, so the baby recognises these activities as a transition from day to night, and consequently, bedtime. Some parents may use a variation of the Ferber method and leave the room entirely, only re-entering when the baby cries. Others may use the Fading method, gradually increasing physical distance from their baby at night, but still providing reassurance by shushing and patting them.
Cry It Out (CIO) Method
Also known as extinction or full extinction, this popular method involves taking your baby through a bedtime routine, then leaving the room. If the baby cries, the parent does not respond. The baby may eventually tire themselves out or learn to self-soothe. However, this method can make parents uncomfortable as they feel it may elevate the baby's stress levels.
Pick-up/Put-down Method
This method is suitable for babies closer to the three-month mark. It involves placing your baby in their crib while drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a moment, then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, place them back in their crib. Gradually increase the time between picking them up and putting them down.
Gradual Method
This method is similar to the pick-up/put-down approach, gradually reducing the amount of help your baby needs to fall asleep.
Chair Approach
This method involves sitting with your baby until they fall asleep, then gradually moving the chair away from the crib over time.
Sleep training typically begins when babies are between four and six months old. By this age, they can sleep for longer periods at night, and their circadian rhythm starts to take effect. However, every baby is different, and some parents have reported success with sleep training as early as the first few days.
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When to start sleep training
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. There are a variety of sleep training methods, ranging from gradual approaches that minimize crying to quicker ones that may involve more crying, such as the "cry it out" method.
The best time to start sleep training is when your baby is at least 4 months old. This is because it takes babies around three to six months to develop their internal body clock or circadian rhythm. At this age, babies are typically old enough to learn to self-soothe, and they may no longer require night feedings. However, every baby is different, and some sources suggest that sleep training can begin when your baby is between 4 and 6 months old.
Before starting sleep training, it is important to ensure that your baby is healthy. It is also recommended to consult with your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns. Sleep training can be challenging, and it may take a few days or a few weeks to see results, depending on the method you choose. Consistency is key, and it is important to stay patient during the process.
Some parents may choose to start sleep training their baby at night before focusing on naps. Bedtime routines are crucial, as they create a sense of consistency and help babies feel safe and distinguish between day and night. A bedtime routine should follow the same set of calming and quiet activities each night, such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a bedtime story, singing a song, and saying goodnight.
Additionally, you can gradually shift your baby's bedtime by 15 minutes each night until you reach the desired time. This technique can be combined with other sleep training methods to get your baby on a better sleep schedule. Remember, sleep training is not just for babies, and it can also be effective for toddlers and older children who are struggling with sleep issues.
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Night weaning
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. This can refer to the beginning of the night when they're first put into their crib, or when they wake up in the middle of the night and need to fall back to sleep. Sleep training is different from night weaning, which is when you transition your baby away from waking up in the evening or early morning to feed. Night weaning is making sure your baby eats their meals during the day so they don't need to wake up to eat at night.
Sleep training can be done alongside night weaning. It is recommended that babies are at least 4 months old to begin sleep training, as this is when they are old enough to learn to self-soothe and their sleep cycles begin to mature. However, some sources suggest that babies are ready for sleep training when they are older than 5 months.
There are several methods of sleep training, such as the Gentle Sleep Training method, which focuses on helping your baby learn to sleep on their own without crying. This method leans heavily on a consistent bedtime routine, which creates a sense of consistency and helps the baby feel safe and distinguish between day and night.
The Fading method is another technique, which involves a gradual increase in physical distance between the parent and baby at night. When the baby cries, they are reassured by shushing and patting.
Sleep training can take a few weeks to see complete success, and it is important to stay consistent and patient. It is recommended to check with your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns about sleep training.
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The cry it out method
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves, whether that is at the beginning of the night or when they wake up in the middle of the night.
The Cry It Out (CIO) method is a sleep-training strategy that involves letting your baby cry themselves to sleep without any intervention from you, unless they need to be fed, have their diaper changed, or are in danger. This method is typically recommended for babies who are at least 4 months old, as this is when babies are typically old enough to learn to self-soothe and may no longer require night feedings. Their sleep cycles also begin to mature at this age, and their circadian rhythm starts to take effect.
There are several variations of the CIO method, including:
- Controlled crying or controlled comforting: Allowing your baby to cry for a scheduled interval, such as 2 or 5 minutes, before providing comfort, with the intervals gradually increasing over time.
- Extinction: Placing your baby in their crib and allowing them to cry until they fall asleep. You may choose to remain nearby or outside the room.
- Graduated extinction: Allowing your baby to cry for gradually longer periods before providing comfort.
- Full extinction: Letting your baby cry until they fall asleep without any intervention.
Before starting CIO sleep training, it is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and daytime schedule, including regular nap times. This helps create a sense of consistency and reassures your baby, helping them feel safe and distinguish between day and night.
When using the CIO method, it is important to adapt it to fit your family's needs. If you find it too harsh, you can try a more gradual approach, such as the Ferber method, which involves leaving the room but returning whenever the baby cries to provide comfort.
While the CIO method can be effective in helping babies fall asleep faster, it is important to remember that every baby is different, and learning to self-soothe may take longer for some. It is always recommended to consult with your pediatrician before starting any sleep training method to ensure it is suitable for your baby's age and development.
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The Ferber method
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves, whether that's at bedtime or when they wake up in the middle of the night. While there is no right way to sleep train, staying consistent and patient are key to success.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Sleep training is typically recommended for babies older than 4 months.
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves and get back to sleep without any help when they wake up in the middle of the night.
There are several sleep training methods, including the cry-it-out (CIO) method, the Ferber method, the Fading method, and the Gentle Sleep Training method.
The time it takes for sleep training to be effective varies. Some parents report seeing results within a few days, while others say it takes a few weeks or even months.
Sleep training can help your baby develop good sleep habits and get the rest they need, which can improve the overall quality of life for both the baby and the parents.
