Miya Pearson
The cry it out sleep training method has been a topic of debate among parents and experts. Some believe that letting a baby cry for a short period before offering comfort helps them learn to self-soothe and develop solid sleep skills. Others argue that responding to a baby's cries is crucial, especially in the first few months, as they are still adjusting to life outside the womb. While some sleep training methods suggest letting a baby cry for 10 to 20 minutes, it's important to remember that every baby and family is unique, and consistent application of any method is key. Before starting sleep training, consulting a healthcare professional is essential to ensure it's safe and appropriate for the baby's age and development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start sleep training | Pediatricians advise waiting until the baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds. |
| Cry-it-out method | Involves letting the baby cry until they fall asleep without any parental intervention. |
| Benefits | Helps the baby learn to fall asleep on their own and develop solid and more independent sleep skills. |
| Concerns | May be stressful for both the baby and the parent. |
| Alternatives | "Pick up put down" method, Ferber method, E.A.S.Y. method, and controlled crying. |
| Precautions | Consult a pediatrician or healthcare professional before starting any sleep training method. |
| Baby's needs | Ensure the baby's needs are met, such as feeding or diaper changes, and check for any medical reasons for fussiness. |
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What You'll Learn
The Cry It Out method
There are different variations of the CIO method, and it is important to choose the one that suits your family's needs. The "full extinction" method, also known as the Weissbluth method, involves letting the baby cry for 10 to 20 minutes before falling asleep without any parental interaction or checks. This method can be started when the baby is as young as 5 to 6 weeks old, but "full extinction" is recommended only after the baby is 4 months old. According to Heidi Murkoff, babies weighing at least 11 pounds no longer need night feeds and can sleep through the night.
Another variation is the E.A.S.Y. method, developed by Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau. This method suggests that babies will be ready to sleep through the night when they weigh 10 pounds. It involves four stages: Eat, Activity, Sleep, and You. Parents are allowed to respond to their baby's cries but are encouraged to leave again immediately after the baby settles.
The CIO method can be challenging, and it is important to stay consistent and follow the chosen plan. It may take longer for some babies to learn to self-soothe, and it is essential to be prepared to stop CIO training if the baby seems distressed or unwell. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician or healthcare professional before starting any sleep training method to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the baby.
While the CIO method may work for some families, it is not suitable for all. It is important to consider the baby's age and weight before starting sleep training. Pediatricians advise waiting until the baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before starting the CIO method. Additionally, the baby's sleep patterns and circadian rhythm should be considered, as sleep training may not be effective before they have adjusted to life outside the womb.
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When to start sleep training
Sleep training is a tool that can help your child fall asleep without your assistance. However, sleep training a newborn is not recommended as they are still getting used to life outside the womb, and their sleep is very disorganized. Newborns also do not have the ability to consistently self-soothe and still need to be fed throughout the night.
Most sources agree that babies are often ready to begin sleep training at around 4 months old. By this age, babies are typically old enough to learn to self-soothe, and they may no longer require night feedings. Their sleep cycles also begin to mature, and their circadian rhythm starts to take effect. However, some sources suggest that sleep training can begin as early as 5 to 6 weeks of age.
Before starting sleep training, it is important to ensure that your baby is developmentally capable of falling asleep independently. Some signs that your baby is ready for sleep training include the ability to self-soothe and evidence that their sleep patterns are maturing. For example, if your baby is taking longer to wind down and needs additional time to fall asleep, this could indicate that they are ready for sleep training. Additionally, if bedtime is taking too long or parents are looking to change their child's sleep space, sleep training may be appropriate.
It is important to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare professional before starting any sleep training method to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your baby. Different methods of sleep training exist, such as the pick up, put down method, the Ferber method, and the cry-it-out method, and it is worth researching these to find the best fit for your family.
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Helping your baby self-soothe
The cry-it-out (CIO) method is a sleep-training strategy that involves letting your baby cry until they fall asleep without any intervention from the caregiver. However, this does not mean ignoring the baby; instead, it encourages different ways to transition from parental soothing to baby-led soothing. The CIO method is generally not recommended for babies younger than 4 months old, as their circadian rhythm is still maturing, and feeding takes priority over sleep.
Understand your baby's sleep pattern
Just like adults, babies have different sleep preferences. Some are night owls, while others are early risers. Pay attention to your baby's sleep patterns and be open to adjusting their sleep routine. The most common reason a baby struggles to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own is that the caregiver resettles them instead of letting them do it independently.
Consistent routine and environment
A consistent bedtime routine and a calming environment can help your baby settle more easily. This includes maintaining a specific rhythm of daytime sleep and using sleep cues like white noise and a dark room.
Pacifiers
Pacifiers can help young babies learn to self-soothe before they develop other techniques. However, it is recommended to limit pacifier use to naptime and bedtime and combine it with other methods to prevent the baby from relying solely on the pacifier.
Gradually reduce night-time feedings
As your baby gets older, night-time feedings should become less frequent and gradually stop. This will help your baby learn to self-soothe and establish a healthy sleep pattern.
Controlled comforting
This technique involves allowing your baby to cry or fuss but providing comfort at scheduled intervals, such as every 2 or 5 minutes, gradually increasing the time over several days or weeks.
Remember, every baby is different, and learning to self-soothe takes time. It is important to consult with your paediatrician or healthcare professional before starting any sleep training method to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your baby.
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The Ferber method
Here's how the Ferber method works:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine: Create a calming routine that might include a bath, story, and cuddles—anything soothing that helps your child wind down and understand that bedtime is approaching.
- Put your drowsy infant into their crib while they're still awake, then leave the room. It's important to place them in their crib while they're still awake so they can learn to fall asleep independently.
- If they cry, wait for a short, predetermined period of time before returning to the room to briefly comfort them. Ferber suggests waiting for three minutes the first night, gradually increasing the time between check-ins on successive nights. Comforting can involve patting your baby or talking in a soothing voice.
- If your baby falls asleep but wakes up later, you can restart the intervals between check-ins.
- If there's no improvement in your baby's sleep after about a week, reevaluate your approach.
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When to seek help
Before starting any sleep training method or program, consult with your pediatrician or healthcare professional to be sure it’s safe and appropriate for your baby. It is advised to wait until your baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before starting sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. Before 4 months of age, a baby's circadian rhythm is still maturing, and feeding takes priority over sleep.
If you are considering sleep training and don’t know where to begin, you can take a free sleep assessment and get a personalized sleep plan to start working on sleep fundamentals and address your baby’s sleep challenges.
If your baby is distressed for reasons besides trying to sleep or seems unwell, you should stop CIO training immediately. If your baby ever sounds in pain, then it’s best to check in.
If there’s no improvement in your baby's sleep after about a week, you might consider adjusting your approach. Keeping a consistent pre-nap routine, using sleep cues like white noise and a dark room, and starting with the first nap of the day can all support your baby's ability to self-soothe during naps.
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Frequently asked questions
No. It is generally advised to wait until your baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before starting sleep training methods such as the cry-it-out method. Before 4 months of age, a baby's circadian rhythm is still maturing, and they are working on understanding the difference between day and night.
The cry-it-out method, also known as the CIO method, involves letting your baby cry until they fall asleep without any intervention from the parent. The goal is to help the baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
Most CIO methods recommend letting the baby cry for around 10 to 20 minutes before providing comfort or checking on them. Some sources suggest waiting for up to 45 minutes to an hour, but it is important to monitor your baby and ensure their needs are met.
