Gina Johnson
Sleep training is a common but controversial practice that parents use to help their babies sleep through the night. While some parents swear by it, others believe that letting a baby cry is harmful. Sleep training does not only refer to the cry-it-out method, but also includes gentler approaches such as the camping out method, the Ferber method, the chair method, the pick-up-put-down method, and the fading method. Sleep training is often thought of as a one-time endeavour, but it is not uncommon for sleep-trained babies to experience disruptions in their sleep patterns due to various factors, such as developmental milestones, life changes, and illnesses. In such cases, parents may need to implement a sleep training 'refresher' to help their child get back on track. While there is ongoing research on the potential long-term effects of sleep training, it is important for parents to remember that consistency and responsiveness are key when it comes to helping their children develop healthy sleep habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cry-it-out method | Controversial method where parents leave the room after putting their baby in the crib, sometimes not responding to cries for the entire night |
| Gradual crying method | Parent gradually allows the baby to cry for longer periods of time |
| Bedtime shifting method | Parent shifts the baby's bedtime to a later time, then slowly moves the time up |
| Camping out method | A gentle sleep training method |
| Ferber method | Parents respond to crying at set intervals, which increase each night |
| Chair method | A caregiver sits near the child's crib until they doze off, then moves further away each night |
| Pick up, put down method | A "no-cry" solution where the baby is soothed for a short time, then left alone before falling asleep |
| Fading method | Parents stop reliance on soothing techniques like feeding, shushing, or rocking |
| Positive sleep routine | Encouraging self-soothing |
| Sleep training misconceptions | You only need to sleep train once; sleep training is synonymous with the "cry-it-out" method |
| Sleep regression causes | Milestones like learning to talk or walk, sickness, travel, new siblings, moving house, starting daycare, potty training, transitioning to a big bed |
| Sleep training tips | Give babies space to self-soothe, be consistent, comfort as necessary, transition down on naps when appropriate |
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What You'll Learn
The cry-it-out method
The CIO method aims to help babies fall asleep independently. It can be challenging for parents to listen to their babies cry, and it's essential to understand your baby's cues and choose a method that aligns with your family's values. Some alternatives to CIO include the Ferber method, the disappearing chair method, and the pick-up/put-down method. These techniques involve gradually increasing the time between checks on your baby or gradually moving your chair further away from their crib each night.
While some parents find success with CIO, others experience challenges. One parent shared that their baby hit a regression after stopping nursing to sleep at nine months. They tried the Ferber method but stopped when their baby cried for 2.5 hours, threw up, and injured herself. Another parent expressed concern about their baby hyperventilating and getting physically sick during CIO. It's important to remember that every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep training. Consistency and patience are key when establishing healthy sleep habits.
Sleep training doesn't guarantee uninterrupted sleep forever. Babies' sleep can be disrupted by environmental changes, developmental shifts, and regressions due to illness. These bumps in the road are normal, and how parents respond to them is crucial. While sleep training may need to be adjusted or refreshed, babies who have learned to fall asleep independently will not forget this skill. It's essential to stay consistent and provide comfort as needed while encouraging your baby to sleep without new or old props.
If you're considering the CIO method, it's important to monitor your baby's safety and well-being. Using a video monitor can help ensure your child's safety while they cry it out. Remember that there is no one "best" sleep training method, and the ideal approach will depend on your child's temperament, your goals, parenting style, and consistency. Gradual approaches like the chair method may take longer but can be effective and gentle ways to help your baby fall asleep independently.
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The camping out method
Sleep training is a polarising issue, and while some parents swear by it, others say that letting a baby cry is harmful. Sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and there are many different methods, such as the "cry-it-out" method, the pick-up-put-down method, and the camping out method.
To begin, parents should establish a consistent bedtime routine, including a set bedtime every night. The routine should begin with feeding and end in the room where the child will sleep.
The next step is to stay in the room with the child as they settle down for sleep. Parents can sit in a chair or on some pillows next to the crib and gently stroke or place a hand on the child's chest until they calm down. The goal is to eventually reduce the amount of comforting the child needs to fall asleep. Over time, parents can move further away from the crib, towards the door, and eventually out of the room.
If the camping out method is not working, parents can consult a healthcare provider for alternative approaches. It is also important to note that sleep patterns can be disrupted by various factors, such as environmental changes, developmental shifts, and illness. In these cases, parents may need to implement a sleep training 'refresher' to get their child back on track.
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Sleep training is not a one-time thing
- Environmental changes, such as a new sibling, a new house, or a new daycare.
- Developmental shifts, such as learning to talk or walk, or experiencing growth spurts.
- Inconsistent naps, especially if they are overtired.
- Illness or travel, which can disrupt their routine.
- Fear of missing out or separation anxiety.
During these periods of sleep regression, parents may need to provide extra comfort or assistance to help their child fall back asleep. It is important to stay consistent and continue encouraging independent sleep without the introduction of new or old props. If things seem off track, a sleep training "refresher" may be needed, but after a few nights, your child will likely be sleeping well again.
Additionally, as children grow and develop, they may experience new sleep challenges. For example, a child who is closer to 2 years old might have more nighttime fears due to their expanded imagination. In such cases, parents may need to provide extra reassurance and comfort while still encouraging independent sleep.
While sleep training is not a one-time fix, it is an ongoing process that requires patience, consistency, and flexibility from parents. The key is to build solid sleep habits that can stick with children as they grow and adapt to new situations.
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Sleep regression
There are several factors that can contribute to sleep regression. One of the most common is the development of new motor skills, such as walking or crawling. During these times, babies may wake more frequently as their brains encourage them to practice their newfound abilities. Additionally, environmental changes, such as a new sibling, moving to a new house, starting daycare, or transitioning to a big kid bed, can also impact sleep patterns.
Other factors include sickness, travel, and developmental milestones like potty training or language development. During these times, children may need more comfort, wake up more frequently, or experience disrupted sleep patterns. It's important for parents to be consistent in their sleep routines and provide comfort as needed while still encouraging their child to fall asleep independently.
Sleep training is a common practice where parents teach their babies and toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep independently. While some parents find it effective, others express concerns about the potential impact on their children's emotional health. It is important to note that sleep training does not necessarily imply the "cry-it-out" method, and researchers are exploring gentler approaches. Sleep training can be beneficial, but it may need to be repeated as children grow and experience new developmental stages.
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The Ferber method
Babies are generally ready for sleep training at around 5 to 6 months, as they are developmentally capable of self-soothing and are old enough to sleep through the night without eating. However, if parents are unsure, they should consult their paediatrician. The Ferber method can help teach children to fall asleep on their own and not associate falling asleep with rocking, having their back rubbed, or with music on.
After following a set bedtime routine, parents can place their drowsy infant in their crib while they are still awake and then leave the room. If the baby cries, wait for a short period, such as three minutes, before returning to the room to briefly comfort them. This process can be repeated at gradually increasing intervals until the baby falls asleep. While there will probably be some tears, if parents are consistent, the crying will decrease after a few days, and within one to two weeks, the baby and parents should be getting a better night's sleep.
It is important to note that sleep training is a controversial practice, with some parents saying it is harmful to let a baby cry. While there have been studies on the topic, they often rely on parent reports to measure sleep improvements, which can be biased.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep training is not harmful for toddlers over 1 year old. However, it is important to note that sleep training does not necessarily mean the "cry-it-out" method, which involves leaving a baby to cry until they fall asleep. There are gentler methods of sleep training that can be used, such as the camping out method. Sleep training simply involves teaching your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep by themselves, without help from caregivers.
It is a common misconception that you only need to sleep train your baby once. However, there are many factors that can disrupt a baby's sleep, such as illness, travel, or developmental milestones. In these cases, it may be necessary to implement a sleep training 'refresher' to get your baby back on track.
There are several gentler alternatives to the cry-it-out method. The fading method, for example, involves parents gradually reducing their reliance on soothing techniques, such as feeding or rocking, to encourage babies to fall asleep independently. The chair method involves a caregiver sitting near the child's crib until they fall asleep, gradually moving further away each night. The pick-up, put-down method is another "no-cry" solution, where babies are soothed for a short time before being left alone to fall asleep.
