Key Takeaways
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Sleep training a baby is not about less love, but all about teaching your baby the gentle art of rest while keeping your relationship intact.
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Every baby is unique, and therefore, it is practically not possible to have a generic sleep training method for all babies. The best sleeping method is the one that respects your child's sleep rhythm and brings peace to your nights.
In This Article
What Sleep Training Is And Why It’s A Common Concern For New Parents?
Pros and Cons Of Sleep Training
7 Reasons Why Sleep Training Is Not Working And What To Do About It
Popular Sleep Training Methods
Introduction
“Sometimes the smallest things can take up the most room in your heart” - A. A. Milne/ Winnie the Pooh.
Parenthood is the time when the days might feel long, but the years are going to feel very short. If you are a new parent, we understand that the midnight feeds, gentle rocking, and the soft humming of lullabies, along with choosing baby clothes online that are soft and comfortable, are absolutely priceless.. But come on, you also know the other side. Dreary eyes, sore back, and the endless question that keeps echoing: Will my baby ever sleep through the night? Using gentle routines and baby sleep products can make this journey a little easier for both you and your little one. We truly believe that every cuddle and every moment (even the sleepless ones) are part of this magical yet exhausting journey called parenthood. We also know that rest is a gift, not just for you, but also for your little one.
To that end, we are going to talk about the most tender topics in the parenting world: infant sleep training methods and also why sleep training doesn’t work for every baby.
What Sleep Training Is And Why It’s A Common Concern For New Parents?
Sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. It is more like a map that can guide you and your baby towards longer stretches of rest. For some families, a gentle sleep training method for newborns might mean following structured schedules, and for others, it can entail creating consistent nighttime rituals.
As American pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp suggests, [1] babies are born with an immature sleep system, and it is our job to gently teach them how to use it.
Sleep training has become such a hot topic today. After all, sleep is not just a luxury, but the foundation of healthy growth for babies, and emotional well-being for parents. In those first few months, when your world literally spins around your little bundle of joy, every tiny wink of sleep is absolutely priceless.
When To Start Sleep Training a Baby
Timing is everything, no matter if it is your life or the lullabies.
Experts suggest sleep training between four and six months of age [2] when babies begin to develop a more regular circadian rhythm. Before that, newborns need frequent night feeds and close contact so that they can feel secure. Having said that, it is very important to remember that sleep training is never about ignoring your baby but about understanding their cues and gently teaching them that night is for resting and day is for exploring the world.
Pros and Cons Of Sleep Training
Here are the pros and cons of different infant sleep training methods;
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Pros |
Cons |
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Popular sleep training methods can help babies (and parents) get longer, better-quality sleep |
It may be emotionally difficult for parents initially |
|
Can establish healthy, consistent sleep habits early when paired with sleeping suits for babies, baby night suits, baby swaddles, etc. |
Not suitable for very young infants or certain medical conditions |
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Supports better mood, focus, and development in babies |
Some babies may resist, leading to stress |
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Gives parents more rest and reduces burnout |
Requires patience and consistency |
|
Baby sleep training methods can be adapted to suit your family’s style |
Not all infant sleep training methods work for all babies |
7 Reasons Why Sleep Training Is Not Working And What To Do About It
Sleep training might not be working for you for the following reasons;
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Sleep training your child too early can backfire.
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Readiness and age appropriateness are very important for baby sleep training methods to work.
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If you are giving mixed signals to your child as a part of your bedtime routine, it will confuse your little one. Therefore, always stick to a steady plan.
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Skipping naps can make your baby overtired, making night sleep harder.
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Growth spurts, teething, crawling, or other developmental leaps can disrupt sleep.
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Too much light, noise, discomfort, or excitement can keep your baby awake.
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Acid reflux, a cold, colic, or allergies need to be taken care of before the sleep training to work.
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Sleep training needs a lot of consistency and patience. Do not keep unrealistic expectations; after all, progress is not linear.
How To Sleep Train a Baby: Popular Sleep Training Methods
“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before.” - Osho
Therefore, to help a mother tread with confidence on this new journey, here are some popular sleep training methods for you to refer to. [3]
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Ferber method
Ferber method sleep training is when parents can gradually check in to reassure that the baby is sleeping properly. The idea is to do so without fully picking up your child.
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Chair method
Sit near the crib and move your chair away each night.
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Fading method
Here, the idea is to slowly reduce your role in helping your baby drift off.
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Pick-up/put-down method
When your baby gets cranky or fussy, comfort them in your arms and then lay them down again.
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Cry-it-out method (CIO)
Allow your baby to cry for a set interval of time before responding.
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Respectful sleep training
This is a baby-led and gentle sleep training technique. Here, the focus is entirely on your baby’s emotional safety and readiness.
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Customised sleep training
You can even put together a unique blend of these methods to curate something that fits your baby's temperament.
References
[1] https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/baby/the-5-s-s-for-soothing-babies
[2] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-and-how-to-sleep-train-your-baby
[3] https://www.themotherbabycenter.org/blog/2023/07/sleep-training-methods/#ferber
FAQs on Sleep Training a Baby
1. Can sleep training harm my baby emotionally?
When done with love, patience, and responsiveness, sleep training is not going to harm your baby emotionally. What needs to be understood is that this practice is not about leaving your child to cry endlessly, but gently guiding them to self-soothe while still loving and comforting them.
2. At what age can you sleep train a baby?
If you are thinking about the best age to start sleep training for babies, hear us out. Experts recommend 4 to 6 months as the right age to start sleep training a baby.
3. Can sleep training affect the baby-parent bond?
When you approach sleep training with empathy, it is not going to affect the baby-parent bond. In fact, well-rested parents feel more patient and joyful, which eventually strengthens their bond with their child.
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With Love, from Cocoon Care
Dear Parent,
No matter where you are, your baby deserves gentle beginnings and comforting care. At Cocoon Care, we pour love into every stitch. From soft muslin baby swaddles to cozy sleep pods and thoughtfully made newborn clothing, our essentials hold your baby with the same tenderness as you do. You can find baby essentials on our website and also on Amazon, Firstcry, Myntra, Nykaa Fashion and DuckDuck baby.
Because every baby deserves to be cocooned in care.
About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.
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