Sleep training a baby involves teaching them to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, often leading to better sleep patterns for both the child and parents. In a general sense, sleep training can include methods such as creating a bedtime routine, allowing the baby to self-soothe, and gradually minimizing parental intervention at bedtime.
Understanding Sleep Training
What is Sleep Training?
Sleep training is the process of helping a baby learn to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Some babies do this quickly and easily. But many others have trouble settling down to sleep – or getting back to sleep when they’ve wakened – and they need help along the way.
Is Your Baby Ready for Sleep Training?
Generally, babies are ready for sleep-training methods at about 4 to 6 months old. By this age, most babies can go through the night without needing to feed and have developed a fairly regular sleep-wake cycle.
Preparing for Sleep Training
Creating an Optimal Sleep Environment
A comfortable, safe, and predictable environment can help support your sleep training efforts. Ensure your baby’s room is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using a white noise machine to drown out disruptive sounds. The crib should be free of pillows, toys, and bumpers to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Establishing a Calm Bedtime Routine
Consistency and routine are key. A bedtime routine might include a warm bath, a gentle massage, a soft lullaby, and quiet cuddle time. This routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Feeding and Naps
Ensure your baby is well-fed throughout the day, and adjust nap times if necessary. A baby who is either over-tired or not tired enough can have difficulty settling down for the night.
Popular Sleep Training Methods
The Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)
The Ferber method involves putting your baby to bed when they are drowsy but awake. If they cry, you wait for progressively increasing intervals before briefly checking in on them. You avoid picking up or feeding your baby; the check-ins are simply to offer a little comfort.
The Chair Method
This method requires you to sit in a chair next to your baby’s crib and gradually move the chair further away each night until you’re out of the room. This can be less stressful for the baby, as they can still see and be reassured by your presence.
Pick Up, Put Down Method
Here, if your baby cries after you’ve put them down, you pick them up and comfort them until they’re calm, then put them back down to sleep. Repeat as needed until they fall asleep on their own.
The ‘No Tears’ Approach
This method focuses on slowly building up a baby’s ability to sleep independently by comforting them as they learn to settle themselves to sleep, without leaving them to cry it out.
Extinction (Cry It Out)
With extinction, parents put their baby to bed at a set time and do not return until the morning. It can produce results quickly, but it’s also the most challenging method since it involves listening to your baby cry for prolonged periods without comforting them.
Implementing Sleep Training
Consistency is Crucial
Choose a method that you feel comfortable with and can stick to – consistency is essential for successful sleep training. Changing strategies halfway can confuse your baby and prolong the process.
Timing and Patience
Start sleep training when you and your family are ready for a few potentially rough nights. Avoid starting it before a big change like a vacation or a move. Patience is key; it might take a few nights or even a few weeks for your baby to adjust.
Handling Night Wakings
Even after successfully sleep training, babies may still wake up during the night. It’s important to manage these wakings with the method you’ve chosen, comforting without negating the progress you’ve made.
Adapting to Changes
Babies will go through sleep regressions, growth spurts, and illness, all of which might disrupt their sleep. You may need to provide extra comfort during these times, while still trying to maintain the sleep training principles you’ve established.
Top 5 Sleep Aid Supplements Recommended By GoodSleepHub.com
Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid Gels, Diphenhydramine HCI 50mg, 100 Count
7% Off
ZzzQuil ULTRA, Sleep Aid, Doxylamine Succinate 25mg, Sleep Aids for Adults, Nighttime Sleep Aid, 48 Tablets
11% Off
Hyland's Calms Forte' Sleep Aid Tablets, Natural Relief of Nervous Tension and Occasional Sleeplessness, 50 Count
30% Off
Midnite Sleep Aid for Occasional Sleeplessness, 30 Chewable Cherry Tablets Each (Value Pack of 4)
12% Off
Amazon Basic Care Nighttime Sleep Aid Tablets for Adults, Doxylamine Succinate 25 mg, 96 Count
18% OffWhen to Seek Professional Advice
If you’ve tried sleep training and your baby is not responding after a few weeks, or if there are signs of more significant issues, like respiratory problems or excessive fussiness, consult your pediatrician.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Teething and Illness
Teething pain or a cold can make sleep training difficult. Prioritize comforting your baby and try sleep training again when they’re feeling better.
Travel or Household Changes
Disruptions to a baby’s environment or schedule can impede sleep training. Try to maintain the routine as much as possible during these times.
Fear of Missing Out
Babies may have trouble sleeping if they sense that they are missing out on fun. Keeping the environment calm and boring at bedtime can mitigate this.
Maintaining Healthy Sleep Habits
Sticking to a Routine
Maintain the bedtime routine as your baby grows to continue encouraging good sleep habits.
Adjusting for Age
As your baby gets older, their sleep needs will change. Be prepared to adjust naps and bedtime accordingly.
Monitoring Sleep Progress
Keep an eye on how much your baby sleeps and their behavior upon waking up, so you can adjust routines and methods as needed.
Finishing Thoughts
Sleep training is a personal journey for each family and can come with its challenges. It’s essential to approach it with a clear plan, patience, and the flexibility to adapt as needed. Remember that the goal is to foster healthy sleep habits that will benefit both your baby and your own well-being. With dedication and the right techniques, sleep training can lead to more restful nights for the entire family.
