How To Sleep Train A Baby: Tips For New Parents

Basically, sleep training means putting the child to bed and letting them learn to fall back asleep on their own during the night or you can do it in the daytime as well. The major objective of training infants to sleep the night is to help them learn longer sleep as this positively impacts the child and their parents or caregivers. Actually, there are many sleep training techniques and every parent should use the one that they feel most comfortable with and that fits their child's personality.

Key Objectives of Sleep Training

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule
• Help babies learn to fall asleep on their own
• Reduce nighttime wakings
• Promote longer, more restful sleep for both baby and parents

When to Start Sleep Training

Sleep training time is crucial because it's about your baby's health as well. If you are thinking about giving training after a month, you are doing it completely wrong. Let's see which will be the best time to start sleep training.

1. Age Considerations

Most pediatric experts recommend starting sleep training between 4 to 6 months of age. At this age, babies:

• Have developed more regular sleep patterns
• Are physically capable of sleeping for longer stretches
• Have typically outgrown night feedings
• Have developed the ability to self-soothe

2. Signs Your Baby Might Be Ready

• A consistent bedtime routine is established
• Baby is gaining weight appropriately
• Nighttime feedings are becoming less frequent
• Baby shows signs of independent sleep skills

Preparing for Sleep Training

It is therefore necessary to prepare the child's bed and sleep environment before starting sleep training techniques. Here are some tips:

• Crib Safety: Ensure the crib meets safety standards such that the mattress is firm and there are no loose blankets or toys in the crib.
• Room Conditions: Make sure that the room is dark, quiet, and at an ideal temperature. You can use blackout curtains and a white noise machine to decrease interference.
• Consistent Bedtime Routine: Create a sleep schedule that prepares your baby for sleep and lets him or her know that it is time to be sleepy. The activities could be as simple as bathing, gentle massage, reading a book, or singing lullabies.
• Ensure Your Baby Is Well-Fed: Always keep in mind that hunger can disrupt sleep that's why make sure your baby has had a full feeding before bedtime, but avoid overstimulating them right before sleep.

Sleep Safety Recommendations

• Always place babies on their back
• Use a fitted sheet only
• Ensure proper swaddling techniques (until baby can roll over)

Before applying any sleep training method, keep in mind that a single approach may not work for everyone. Just because a method worked for your friend's baby, it doesn't mean it will work for yours (just an example). Always consider your child's individual nature or which you think will be easy for you to apply when choosing a sleep training method. Choose and act wisely!

1. Cry-It-Out (CIO) Method

Also known as the "extinction" method, CIO involves putting your baby to bed and allowing them to cry until they fall asleep without intervention. This method is emotionally challenging for every parent because who wants to see their child crying plus, no one wants to leave their child when they are crying. Thus, if you being a new parent decide to use this technique then it's obvious you should make yourself emotionally very strong.

This method is best for those parents who want quick results and have the emotional readiness to handle crying. Perhaps it sounds overly severe for parents, but if you make yourself stronger and try to be consistent then within three to four nights, your baby will sleep by themselves.

2. Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)

This method is less bitter than the above one, as parents or caregivers can monitor their baby by gradually raising intervals such as 1, 10, and 15 minutes.

Steps:

• Place your baby down while they are drowsy but still awake.
• Leave the room and wait for a predetermined amount of time (like the above example).
• If they are still crying after that time, go back in briefly to reassure them without picking them up.
• Gradually increase the waiting time over several nights.

This method is best for parents who want a balance between comforting their baby and encouraging self-soothing.

3. Chair Method

You can consider this sleep training technique one of the easiest because you do not have to leave your baby alone and can watch him/her while the baby is getting to sleep. To apply this method, you just have to sit in a chair beside the baby's crib as he or she goes to sleep (but don't interact with them more), then every night slowly move farther and farther until you are out of the room.

Steps:

• Sit in a chair next to the crib while your baby falls asleep.
• Each night, move the chair further away until you are outside the room.

This method is best for parents who want a gentler, less abrupt transition.

4. No-Tears Method

This gentler approach focuses on comforting your baby without letting them cry it out. It emphasizes creating a consistent bedtime routine and gradually helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently.

Steps:

• Set up a calming pre-sleep routine.
• Put your baby down while they are drowsy but awake.
• Stay in the room until they fall asleep but gradually reduce your presence over time.

Perfect for those parents who are okay with a slower approach.

5. Pick-up/Put-Down Method

This is a gentle method because you can take up your baby and hold him/her if they cry. To apply this technique follow these steps:

Steps:

• Whenever you leave them in the crib if they start crying, after a few minutes come inside the room (avoid coming immediately) pick them up, and hold them for a minute.
• Return baby to the crib while drowsy but awake.
• Follow a gradual sort of schedule where you have to reduce the picking up and holding time.

6. Bedtime Fading Method

Bedtime fading is a technique based on the theory that one cannot make a baby sleep when he or she is not tired or sleepy. This way also allows you to modify babies' circadian clock to get bedtime where you want it to be. Here's how it works.

• Watch these signs like the baby rubbing his or her eyes, yawning, turning away from lights or sounds, or becoming cranky.
• Bath or directly put them to bed, once your baby seems tired.
• If s/he is truly exhausted they should be asleep quickly, however, if they cry, take them out of the crib for a little while and then try again.
• After a few nights of putting your baby to bed at the same time, adjust it by 15 minutes earlier and continue with the same process at that new time.
• Keep moving bedtime earlier by 15-minute steps until you reach the bedtime you want.

We know training your little ones will be challenging and needs lots of emotional patience, however, after starting sleep training please don't stop them in the middle till your baby doesn't fall asleep independently. Below we have mentioned some tips that will help you to be successful in this training.

1. Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial, that's why it is advised that you continue applying the identified method for one week minimum before switching if it is suitable for your family and baby.
2. Respond to Night Wakings Strategically: It is also recommended that if your baby wakes up during the night, parents should not engage in any chattering or switching on the light. Try to be calm and quiet as possible when addressing them.
3. Stay Calm and Patient: Sleep training can take time, and it's normal to encounter setbacks. Stay patient and remember that every baby is different.
4. Involve Both Parents: Try to share sleep training responsibilities, as it helps reduce stress and ensures consistency.
5. Monitor Daytime Naps: Ensure your baby is getting enough daytime sleep. Remember, overtired babies can struggle more at bedtime.
6. Recognize Sleep Regressions: Sleep regressions, often occurring around 4, 8, and 12 months, are temporary disruptions in sleep patterns. Be patient and stick to your routine during these phases.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Baby Refuses to Sleep Alone: Gradually increase the amount of time you let your baby lie in the crib wake before intervening. Likewise, use a transitional object like a soft blanket (if age-appropriate).
• Resistance to Sleep Training: Begin sleep training during a calm period in your baby's life, avoiding major changes like teething or travel. You can adjust the sleep training method if it's not working after consistent application.
• Parental Guilt: It's natural to feel guilty hearing your baby cry, but remember that sleep training benefits their overall development and well-being.
• Night Walkings: It's common for babies to wake up during the night even after starting sleep training. If this happens, allow them some time to self-soothe before intervening.

Sleep training has several advantages for both parents and babies:

For Babies

• Promotes longer, more restful sleep
• Encourages self-soothing skills
• Supports healthy growth and development

For Parents

• Reduces sleep deprivation and associated stress
• Improves overall family dynamics
• Allows more time for self-care and bonding with your partner

Parental Self-Care During Sleep Training

• Practice self-compassion
• Share responsibilities with a partner
• Accept help from family and friends
• Prioritize your own rest
• Join support groups

Signs Sleep Training is Working

Look for these signs to know that sleep training is effective.

• Your baby sleeps at night with no troubles and does not need to be rocked or nursed to sleep.
• Night walking decrease significantly
• Your baby appears happier and well-rested during the day

Essential Reminders

• Every baby is different
• Trust your parental instincts
• Be consistent
• Stay positive
• Celebrate small victories

Consult a pediatric sleep specialist if:

• Baby consistently struggles to sleep
• Exhibits extreme sleep disturbances
• Shows signs of underlying health issues
• Parents feel overwhelmed or exhausted

Myths and Misconceptions about Sleep Training

• Myth: Sleep training damages emotional bonding
• Myth: Babies will always cry inconsolably
• Myth: There is a one-size-fits-all approach
• Myth: Sleep training happens overnight