Ashwin Lewis
Sleep training is a tool that can be used to help babies sleep through the night. While some parents don't believe in sleep training, many people believe in its success. The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own. There are several sleep training methods to choose from, such as the Ferber method, the fading method, the pick-up/put-down method, and the Cry It Out method. The best sleep training method will depend on personal preference and the baby's temperament. Once a family has decided on a sleep training method, it is important to commit to a consistent schedule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal age to start sleep training | 4-6 months |
| Baby's development stage | Should be able to fall asleep on their own |
| Baby's feeding habits | Should be able to go through the night without a feed |
| Parental presence | Should be minimized |
| Consistency | Should be maintained for at least one week |
| Crying | Should be expected, but the baby should be safe |
| Self-soothing | Should be learned by the baby |
| Sleep training methods | Fading method, pick-up/put-down method, Ferber method, Cry-it-out method, etc. |
| Sleep training effectiveness | May vary for different babies |
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What You'll Learn
The fading method
To implement the fading method, parents should first determine their baby's natural bedtime by tracking their sleep patterns and behaviours. This can include observing signs such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, or falling asleep. Once the natural bedtime is established, parents can start to shift the bedtime earlier or later, depending on the desired schedule.
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The Ferber method
The ideal time to start sleep training with the Ferber method is when your baby is around 4 to 6 months old, as this is when they are developmentally capable of self-soothing and sleeping through the night without eating. It is recommended to establish a consistent bedtime routine before beginning sleep training, which can help set your baby's internal clock and teach them what to expect each night.
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Pick-up/put-down method
The pick-up/put-down method is a gentle sleep training approach that can be started when your baby is around 3-4 months old. It is a great method to choose if you want to be more hands-on with the sleep training process.
To implement this method, you would first place your baby in the crib while they are drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a little, and then pick them up to soothe them. After a few minutes, put your baby back into their crib. Repeat this process until they fall asleep. Over time, you would gradually increase the pause time before picking them up and reduce the time spent consoling them. This method can take a long time and requires dedication and patience.
Sleep training can be challenging, and it is important to find a method that works for your family and practice it consistently. It may be beneficial to join support groups or speak to a physician to learn more about what to expect.
Remember, the goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own. Once they have been sleep-trained, babies can sleep 9-12 hours at night, resulting in improved overall quality of life for the family.
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Cry-it-out method
The cry-it-out method, also known as the extinction method, full extinction, or CIO, is a sleep training technique that involves putting your baby to bed and allowing them to cry or fuss until they fall asleep without any intervention from caregivers. This method aims to teach babies self-soothing techniques to fall asleep independently, rather than relying on parental responses to drift off. While some parents and healthcare providers find this method stressful and rigid, it has not been found to be harmful to babies, and there is no evidence of long-term negative impacts.
The cry-it-out method can be implemented by following these steps: First, ensure that all caregivers are on the same page and committed to the chosen method. Next, establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities and meeting your baby's needs, such as feeding and changing. During the routine, use soothing words and light touch to comfort your baby, but try to avoid picking them up. After saying goodnight, leave the room and close the door. It is normal for babies to protest and cry when left alone, and you can use a video monitor to observe them if needed.
Let your baby cry until they fall asleep, which may take varying amounts of time. If you enter the room before they fall asleep, the method resets, and they may just need a few more minutes to settle down. If your baby wakes up during the night and still needs feeding, enter the room to feed them and then leave again. However, if they no longer require overnight feeds, there is no need to enter the room, as the goal is to teach them to fall back asleep independently.
The cry-it-out method can produce quick results, but it is not suitable for every baby or family. It may be challenging for parents to listen to their babies cry, and some may prefer gentler sleep training methods that minimise crying. Ultimately, the best sleep training approach depends on personal preference and your baby's temperament, so it is essential to research different options and consult healthcare professionals before deciding on a method.
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Gradual retreat method
The gradual retreat method, also known as the "fading method", is a popular sleep training technique that involves gradually reducing the amount of time spent on bedtime routines such as rocking, singing, or babywearing. This method is classified as a gentle sleep training approach that lessens the time a parent spends with their child at bedtime.
To implement the gradual retreat method, parents can start by putting their baby to bed while drowsy but awake. In the beginning, parents can offer physical and verbal comfort until their baby falls asleep. If the baby starts to get hysterical, it is okay to pick them up, calm them down, and then put them back down. After a few nights, instead of sitting right next to the cot, parents can try sitting across the room and gradually moving further away every few nights. This approach teaches babies to fall asleep independently while still having a parental presence in the room.
It is important to remember that sleep training takes time and consistency. Parents should be prepared to commit to a consistent sleep training schedule for at least one week to give their baby a chance to learn and master the skill of falling asleep on their own. Additionally, it is normal for there to be some crying or fussing involved in sleep training. As long as the baby is in a safe place, parents should try not to panic and give their baby the space to learn this new skill.
The gradual retreat method may not work for all babies, and it is important to be patient and persistent. Some parents have reported that it took several weeks for each step of the process to be accepted, and there may still be crying involved. It is also essential to consider the age of the baby, as younger infants may require more parental presence to feel secure. Sleep training is typically recommended for babies between 4 to 6 months old, as they are developmentally ready to learn the skill of falling asleep independently.
Before starting sleep training, it is beneficial to establish a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine. Additionally, parents should ensure that they are comfortable with the chosen method and have the necessary support from their partner or caregiver. It is also important to remember that sleep training may not necessarily result in babies sleeping through the night, but it will help them develop self-soothing skills to fall back asleep if they wake up.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep training is a tool to help your child develop good sleep habits as their routine changes as they grow. The goal is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own.
Most sleep coaches recommend starting when your baby is between 4 and 6 months old. At this stage, most babies are developmentally ready to learn the skill of falling asleep on their own.
Some of the most popular sleep training methods are the fading method, the pick-up/put-down method, and the Ferber method.
The fading method involves using soothing techniques to help your baby fall asleep independently, gradually reducing the time spent on these techniques over a period of time.
The Ferber method, also known as "Ferberization", involves putting your baby down for sleep and responding to their cries at set time intervals that gradually increase each night. Your baby will eventually learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
There are many other sleep training methods to consider, such as the pick-up/put-down method, the cry-it-out method, and more gradual techniques that involve sitting near your baby's crib until they fall asleep. It's important to find a method that works for your family and to be consistent.
