Herbie Murray
Sleep training is a way to teach your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own without help from their parent or caregiver. 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 that parents can use, and the best method for your family will depend on what you and your baby are most comfortable with. Some of the most popular sleep training methods are the fading method, the pick-up/put-down method, the Ferber method, and the Cry It Out method.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of the baby | 3 months, 4 months, 4.5 months, 5 months, 6 months, 10 months, 1 year |
| Baby's sleep schedule | Naps, night-time sleep, overnight feeds |
| Baby's sleep habits | Rocking to sleep, feeding to sleep, co-sleeping, use of pacifier |
| Baby's temperament | Crying, hysterical crying, teething pain, fussing |
| Parent's comfort level | Gentleness of method, tolerance for crying, consistency |
| Sleep training methods | Ferber, CIO, TCB, check-and-console, chair method, pick up put down, camp it out, Precious Little Sleep, The Sleep Wave, Taking Cara Babies |
| Sleep training resources | The Happy Sleeper, online research, ebooks, Facebook groups, pediatricians |
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What You'll Learn
The Ferber method
The goal of the Ferber method is to train young children to self-soothe and fall asleep without attention or intervention from a caregiver. It is intended to be more parent-friendly than the classic cry-it-out method, which requires parents to listen to their child cry for long stretches of time without intervening. The Ferber method allows parents to check in on their child at gradually increasing time intervals. On the second day, parents can let their baby cry for five minutes, then 10 minutes, and then 12 minutes. On the third day, they can start with 10 minutes, then 12 minutes, and then 15 minutes. The idea is that after a few days of slowly increasing the waiting time, most babies will eventually learn to fall asleep on their own, knowing that their parent is not going to pick them up when they cry.
The key to making the Ferber method work is consistency. It is important to establish a bedtime routine, including soothing activities such as bathing and reading books, by 6 to 8 weeks of age. This helps the baby learn what to expect each night and sets their internal clock. It is also important to avoid sleep training during big life changes for the baby, such as teething or starting at a new school. The process should take a few days or a week, and it may be difficult and stressful for some caregivers.
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The Cry-It-Out method
The CIO method is not intended to be cruel but rather an intentional tool to teach your baby self-soothing techniques. Jumping into action for every single outburst can establish a pattern that could be challenging to break, and you don't want your baby to become reliant on your response to fall asleep. While this method can be effective, it is not suitable for all families, and there are alternative sleep training methods available.
Before starting the CIO method, it is essential to ensure that all caregivers are on the same page, including partners, grandparents, and babysitters. Everyone must agree to follow the chosen method, as inconsistency can hinder the process. It is also crucial to determine your timeline and bedtime routine, including the time it will begin each night.
When using the CIO method, it is normal to experience a range of crying durations. Some babies may protest for 25 minutes, while others may cry for 65 minutes or longer. It is recommended to remain outside the room for the method to work, and remember that consistency and patience are key. By being consistent and patient, you give the CIO method the best chance to be effective and help your baby learn to become a strong, independent sleeper.
While the CIO method can yield quick results, it is not always successful for every baby. If your baby is not responding to the approach, you may need to adjust the timeline or consider trying a different sleep training method. It is also important to note that sleep training should not be started too early, as a newborn's circadian rhythm is still maturing during the first 12-16 weeks of life.
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The Fading method
To begin, you would ask your child to go to bed later than their desired bedtime—late enough that they experience a powerful physiological urge to sleep. Over multiple days, you would then gradually adjust their schedule until they are falling asleep at the earlier time you prefer. This gradual pace is crucial to avoiding the re-establishment of negative sleep associations.
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The Chair method
Every few days, the chair is moved a little further away from the crib, so the child gradually learns to fall asleep with less interaction from the parent. Eventually, the chair is moved out of the room entirely, but the parent can continue to re-enter the room if the baby cries, so they know they are supported.
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When to start sleep training
When it comes to sleep training, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to start. The "right" time to begin sleep training is dependent on several factors, and it's important to consider what works best for you and your baby. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
First and foremost, it's crucial to recognize your baby's natural sleep patterns and create a bedtime routine that aligns with their sleep rhythms. This means establishing a consistent and calming pre-sleep routine, which could include activities such as giving your baby a bath, dimming the lights, singing softly, reading, or cuddling. Start this routine before your baby is overly tired and put them in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them associate their crib with the relaxing feeling of falling asleep.
Most babies are not ready for "formal" sleep training until they are between 4 and 6 months old. However, that doesn't mean you can't start establishing healthy sleeping habits from birth. During the first few months, focus on understanding your baby's sleep cues and creating a foundation for good sleep habits. This includes things like teaching them to self-soothe, putting them down drowsy but awake, and establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
Another important consideration is your baby's overall health and well-being. Before starting sleep training, ensure your little one is healthy and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns. Additionally, look out for signs that your baby may be ready for sleep training, such as consistent crankiness and overtiredness, indicating they may not be getting the quality sleep they need.
Keep in mind that sleep training requires a commitment from parents. It's essential to be logistically ready and ensure that there are no upcoming disruptions, such as vacations or trips, that might interfere with the training process. Consistency is key, and it's important to stick to the sleep training method you choose.
Remember, every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. As a parent, you are the expert on what works best for your child and your family. By observing your baby's sleep patterns, establishing healthy sleep habits early on, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can determine the ideal time to start sleep training for your little one.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular sleep training methods are the fading method, the pick-up/put-down method, the Ferber method, the Cry It Out method, and the chair method.
Experts recommend starting sleep training when babies are 4 to 6 months old. This is because, by this age, most babies can sleep for 6-8 hours overnight without needing to eat, but they are not yet used to nursing or rocking to sleep.
Sleep training can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or more. It is important to remember that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to sleep training, and it may take some trial and error to find a method that works for you and your baby.
Here are some tips for successful sleep training:
- Be consistent with the sleep training method you've chosen for at least two weeks.
- Establish a bedtime routine to help your baby recognize what's about to happen and relax.
- Put your baby down when they are sleepy but not overtired.
- Delay your response time when your baby wakes up during the night.
- Keep nighttime interactions brief to avoid overstimulating your baby.
- Consider joining support groups or speaking with a physician for additional support.
