8 baby sleep training methods: How to choose the right one for your child
There are several sleep training methods available but the key is in choosing the right one for your child. Factors such as a child’s age, temperament, family needs/preferences all help determine which approach is best.
sleep training method #1: Ferber method
Also known as the graduated extinction method, this method involves gradually increasing the amount of time before responding to a crying child during bedtime, aiming to teach self-soothing skills.
sleep training method #2: Cry it out
This is known as the extinction method. It is the method that most people think of when they hear the term “sleep training”. This involves allowing the child to cry for extended periods, without any intervention, gradually teaching the child to fall asleep independently.
sleep training method #3: chair method
This is also known as gradual withdrawal. It involves the parent(s) sitting near the child’s crib/bed during bedtime, gradually moving further away each night until they are out of the room and the child is able to fall asleep independently.
sleep training method #4: Bedtime fading
This involves adjusting the child’s bedtime gradually to match the child’s natural sleep patterns, aiming to reduce resistance to sleep.
sleep training method #5: pick up, put down
As the name suggests, parents pick up and put down the child when they are crying/agitated, and put them down once they are calm. This process repeats until the child falls asleep without crying.
sleep training method #6: Wake to sleep
This method involves briefly waking the child before they naturally wake during the night. The idea is to disrupt the sleep cycle and potentially prevent night waking.
sleep training method #7: baby-led sleep
Places an emphasis on a mother’s instinct and a baby’s cues. The approach looks at responsive parenting and attachment to the child. It is about improving sleep, not guaranteeing sleeping through the night.
sleep training method #8: Sleep Sense™ method
It is a step-by-step plan that allows you to make some choices about what is the right approach for your child. When I tried to DIY and sleep train Elliot on my own, I tried the Ferber and CIO methods with no success. I felt extremely disheartened and thought I would never have a child sleep through the night nor would I ever sleep train again. However, after seriously lacking good sleep, I decided it was important to get my life back on track. I hired a Sleep Sense™ certified consultant who laid out a clear plan with easy to follow steps. There were things that I had previously Googled about but doing these methods as a “cocktail” was something I would never have considered.
which sleep training is the most effective?
Whether a sleep training method is effective depends on several factors such as whether the method chosen is suitable for the child’s temperament and whether people in the household commit to the plan.
What is the best age to sleep train a baby?
A child should not be sleep trained before 4 months old. However, good sleep hygiene can start from birth and this can make the transition to your child being a good sleeper much easier. There is no best age on when a child can be sleep trained. As long as it feels right for the family, then it is always a good time to start.
If you have a newborn (0-3 months), find out about how we can help you lay the groundwork for healthy sleep habits that will benefit your child for years to come.
Other FAQs about baby sleep training
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Typically, the first two nights will feel extremely difficult as your child needs to adjust to a new routine and parents have to set new expectations. The initial stage will always see some resistance and protest. A week into the training, even after progress is made, it is common that a child experiences some setbacks.
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This refers to when a child’s behaviour temporarily worsens during sleep training, before it improves. This could manifest in difficulty during bedtime (more fussing, resistance) or during the night. This usually subsides as the child adapts to the new routine.
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It typically takes up to 3 weeks. Very often, improvements can be sighted during the first two weeks. But for it to be consistent and stick could take a bit longer.
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At Night Night, we prioritise your child’s safety. We will never ask you to adopt a sleep training method that will intentionally put your child at risk. It is important for your child to be sleep trained under a method that aligns with your parenting philosophy and your child’s temperament. Age appropriateness, health and development are all taken into consideration before determining whether a method is suitable for your child, and whether the child should be sleep trained at all at any point in time.
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There is no conclusive research that sleep training can cause psychological damage. Longitudinal studies on the effects of sleep training on children’s psychological well-being are limited. Maintaining healthy sleep habits can help your child get the rest s/he deserves and needs at this age. Children at a young age also thrive on routine and predictability - having a consistent sleep routine will help in this case.
does sleep training really work?
Yes - if the right approach is adopted and the plan is implemented in a consistent manner, sleep training can work. At the end of the day, it depends on your goals and objectives when it comes to sleep training. If you set realistic yet achievable goals and commit to a plan, it is likely that sleep training will work for you.
If you find yourself dealing with a baby who is having difficulty sleeping and need extra support, remember that you’re not alone. Night Night offers specialised baby sleep consultancy services to help guide you through this challenging phase. We understand that every family and child has unique needs and that personalised guidance and support is needed to ensure everyone gets the rest they deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out - we’re here to help your family sleep better & get the rest you deserve.
