Colin Snow
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. If they wake up, they’ll learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep. There are several sleep training methods that parents can use, such as the Cry It Out method, Ferber method, and the fading method. While some parents worry that sleep training might harm their baby's health, research shows that it doesn't increase the risk of behavioural or emotional problems later in childhood. In fact, experts say that sleep training is not only safe but also important for babies' development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal | Teach the baby to fall asleep by themselves and self-soothe |
| Techniques | Cry-it-out, Ferber, fading, pick-up/put-down, chair, bedtime fading, and more |
| Consistency | Following a consistent sleep training method and schedule is important for success |
| Age | Experts recommend starting sleep training when babies are 4 to 6 months old |
| Time | Results may take a few nights to a few weeks, and may not always be successful |
| Customization | Different methods work for different families, and it may take some trial and error to find the right one |
| Benefits | Improved sleep for the baby and parents, leading to a better quality of life for the family |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods: Cry It Out, Ferber, Fading, and more
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. The goal is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night without any intervention from a caregiver.
There are several sleep training methods that parents can try, and it is important to find the right one for you and your baby. Here are some of the most common sleep training methods:
Cry It Out (CIO)
The Cry It Out method, also known as extinction or full extinction, involves putting your baby to bed and leaving them to cry until they fall asleep without any comfort or help from a caregiver. This method can be difficult for parents as it may involve listening to their baby cry for long stretches of time. While this method is well-known and proponents say that it works quickly, many parents feel uncomfortable letting their baby cry without providing comfort.
Ferber
The Ferber method, named after Dr. Richard Ferber, is a popular sleep training technique that modifies the Cry It Out method by allowing caregivers to provide periodic reassurances to crying children. This method is designed to be more parent-friendly and offers guidelines for how often to check in on crying children and how long to provide reassurance. Caregivers must monitor and progressively increase the time between each check-in, with the point being to empower the child to develop the essential skills of self-soothing and self-regulation.
Fading (Gradual Method)
The Fading method involves slowly weaning your child off the support you offer when falling asleep, typically over a few weeks or more. Parents reduce the amount of support they provide until the child is able to fall asleep on their own without any sleep association.
Other Methods
Other sleep training methods include the chair method, pick up/put down, and camping out. Camping out involves having the parent sleep next to the baby's crib and soothing them by patting or rubbing their back until they stop crying, before leaving the room.
It is important to remember that there is no "best" way to sleep train, and it may take some trial and error to find a method that works for you and your baby. Consistency is key when sleep training, and it is recommended to stick to a consistent bedtime and sleep training method for at least one to two weeks to give it a chance to work.
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Consistency is key
To achieve this, it's important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This means picking a bedtime and sticking to it every night. It also involves creating a consistent sleep training method and schedule that both caregivers agree on and commit to. This could be the cry-it-out method, the Ferber method, the fading method, the pick-up/put-down method, or a combination of different methods.
It's important to give your baby the space to learn this new skill and understand that it may take some trial and error to find a method that works for your family. Be prepared for some rough nights, as sleep training can be challenging for both parents and babies. It's also crucial to remember that sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and different methods may need to be adjusted or combined to suit your baby's needs.
While some parents worry about the potential negative effects of sleep training, research shows that it does not increase the risk of behavioural or emotional problems in childhood. In fact, experts say that sleep training is not only safe but also beneficial for babies' development. It's recommended to start sleep training when babies are between 4 to 6 months old, as this is when they are developmentally ready to sleep for longer stretches without needing to eat.
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When to start sleep training
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. It involves helping them learn how to fall back to sleep on their own if they wake up in the middle of the night, provided they are not sick, do not need to be fed, or require a diaper change.
There is no one "sleep training age" and the answer will differ for every baby. However, most babies are not ready for "formal" sleep training until they are 4 to 6 months old. At this age, they will have developed their internal body clock or circadian rhythm, and will naturally want to sleep more at night and be awake more during the day. This is also when they will start to learn to self-soothe and sleep for longer intervals.
Before starting sleep training, it is important to establish healthy sleeping habits and bedtime routines. This can include giving your baby a bath, dimming the lights, soft singing, reading, or cuddling. It is also important to ensure that your baby is put to bed while they are still awake, so they can learn to self-soothe and associate their crib with falling asleep independently.
The "right" time for sleep training is when you and your baby are ready. It is important to give your baby the space to learn this new skill and be consistent with the sleep training method you choose. It might take some trial and error to find a method that works for you and your baby, and that is okay. Remember, sleep training often involves tears for both you and your baby, but with time, consistency, and a bit of luck, you will both be sleeping peacefully.
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Sleep training doesn't always work
Sleep training is a process that teaches babies to fall asleep by themselves. While it works for many parents, it doesn't always work. Here are some reasons why sleep training may not be effective:
Not Focusing on the Whole 24 Hours of Sleep:
Naps and daytime sleep significantly impact bedtime for babies and toddlers. Sleep training should not be limited to bedtime routines but should also address daytime sleep schedules. The way a baby is put down for naps also matters.
Overtiredness:
Some parents keep their children awake past their bedtime or skip their naps, hoping they will quickly fall asleep during sleep training. However, overtiredness can lead to harder and longer crying spells, making it more challenging for the child to fall asleep independently.
Inconsistent Methods:
Consistency is crucial in sleep training. Sticking to a chosen sleep training method for at least one to two weeks is essential to give it a chance to work. Some parents may need to experiment with different techniques before finding one that suits their family.
Age and Temperament:
Different sleep training methods are more effective for different ages and temperaments. Gentle and gradual approaches may be more suitable for younger babies, while older children might prefer less parental hovering and shushing.
Individual Differences:
Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Some babies may need more soothing or check-ins, while others may prefer less. It's important to observe and understand your child's unique needs and adjust the sleep training approach accordingly.
While sleep training can be challenging, it's important to remember that it's okay to combine elements of different methods or consult a pediatrician or sleep expert for guidance.
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Sleep training is not harmful
Sleep training is a process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. The goal is for the baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night without any assistance.
The Cry It Out sleep training method, also known as CIO or extinction, is a well-known method where parents put their baby to bed and leave the room, not responding if the baby cries. The baby will eventually tire themselves out or self-soothe back to sleep. While this method can be uncomfortable for parents, it often works the quickest. Many babies are sleep-trained after three to four nights of this method. However, it is important to note that there is no "best" way to sleep train; it is about finding what works for your baby and your family.
Sleep training is a challenging process, and it is normal to encounter some rough nights. It is important to give your baby the space to learn this new skill and to be consistent with the sleep training method and schedule you choose.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. It involves helping them get comfortable with sleeping for several hours through the night without needing help from a parent or caregiver.
Sleep training works because it teaches babies to self-soothe and fall back asleep when they wake up in the middle of their sleep cycle. It also helps them establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Experts recommend starting sleep training when babies are between 4 to 6 months old. This is because, by 4 months, most babies can sleep for six hours between feeds, and by 6 months, they can typically sleep through the night.
Some popular sleep training methods include the Cry-It-Out or Extinction method, the Ferber or Graduated Extinction method, the Fading method, and the Pick-Up/Put-Down method. The right method depends on what works best for you, your partner, and your baby.
