Do you know about the most beautiful chaos of parenthood? It's the midnight cuddles, the endless rocking sessions, and the tiny hand grasping your finger, asking you to stay.
While it all sounds dreamy, it surely doesn't feel that way when it happens in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning. We are here to tell you that peaceful nights can become a reality once you muster the courage to take that first step towards sleep training baby and also with the help of baby sleep products, infant night suits and other amazing products from Cocoon Care. Studies have found that sleep training improves infant sleep problems.[1]
So, come along and let's explore the realm of sleep training that will make putting your baby to sleep a little easier and a lot sweeter. After all, parenting is nothing but a cycle of train, eat, sleep, repeat and then some!
When to Start Sleep Training Baby
If your baby is over 4 months of age, sleep training might just be the perfect thing for you to explore.
Yes, sleep training is going to come with a few tears, but those tears won't last forever, and neither will those sleepless nights. It's perfectly normal to feel anxious about how to make baby sleep, but believe us parents, a little patience, consistency, and lots of love will help your baby learn the magic of self-soothing and make your angel sleep like a dream.
Popular Sleep Training Methods
Here are the 5 popular sleep training methods explained in a chart.
|
Sleep Training Method |
Best For |
How It Works |
Time to See Results |
|
Ferber Method (Check & Console)[2] |
Parents okay with some crying |
Let the baby cry in timed intervals before offering comfort |
3-7 days |
|
Cry It Out (CIO/Extinction Method) |
Parents who need fast results |
Let the baby cry until they fall asleep without intervention |
3-5 days |
|
Chair Method |
Parents who want to be present |
Sit near the crib, gradually moving farther away each night |
1-2 weeks |
|
Pick Up, Put Down |
Parents who prefer gentle methods |
Pick baby up when crying, put down when calm |
2+ weeks |
|
Fading (No Tears Method) |
Parents who want minimal crying |
Slowly reduce help (rocking, feeding) over time |
2-4 weeks |
How to Choose the Right Method for Your Baby
When it comes to choosing the right sleep training method for your little one, the idea is to understand your child's needs and your parenting style:
1. Understand Your Baby’s Sleep Needs
Every baby is unique, and so are their sleep patterns. Before you figure out how to sleep-train your baby, it's important to observe your little one's sleep cues. Take note of how long they nap, when they seem tired, and how well they respond to soothing. If you are wondering about how to make baby sleep longer and peacefully, the first step should be to create a calm and cozy environment for them. Products like a snug sleep pod or a newborn baby sleeping bag from Cocoon Care can help your little one feel more secure and relaxed.
For further insights into your baby's sleep patterns, you can read our article on why your baby might not be sleeping deeply and how to fix it.
2. Choose a Sleep Training Method That Fits Your Parenting Style
Another thing that you need to consider while sleep training your baby is to reflect on your comfort level as a parent. Are you okay with some tears, or do you prefer something gentle? If you and your partner can tolerate short periods of crying, the Ferber method of sleep training will work wonders for you. But if you are looking for quick results, CIO can be an ideal pick for you. If you are someone who likes physical reassurance, the pick up put down method should be your choice. And? If you prefer gradual distance building over a period of days, the Chair method is what we would recommend. If you want to know about how to sleep train your baby with minimal crying, the Fading method should be a good approach.
If you are interested in learning more about creating a sleep routine, you may want to check out first our blog on newborn baby sleeping time by age
3. Stay Consistent & Patient
Night wakings and day hours can make putting baby to sleep feel like a daunting task. But trust the process. Keep being there for your child and remember that he or she is learning a lifelong skill. For support, you can always lean on comforting bedtime routines that can include muslin swaddle wraps and comfortable, nuanced sleep suits from Cocoon Care that can truly build the foundation for restful nights.
These sleeping tricks can be handy to make your baby sleep fast.
Conclusion
If your baby needs to be rocked to sleep every night or wakes up crying for milk or cuddles, you are not alone. With the right choice of sleep training methods, some courage, some consistency, and a whole lot of faith, putting baby to sleep is going to turn into a bonding ritual for you and your baby. For a smoother journey, Cocoon Care is the place for you to check out for online baby shopping in India. After all, we are here to help you navigate this beautiful chapter in your parenting story.
Frequently Asked Questions On Sleep Training Baby
1. What is the 3-Minute Rule of Sleep training?
The 3-minute rule is a version of sleep training where you let your child cry or fuss for 3 minutes before you comfort them or pick them.
2. How to make a baby sleep?
If you find yourself constantly Googling how to make babies sleep, you are not alone. The best thing would be to start with a calming bedtime routine that could include a warm bath, a gentle massage, some swaddling, etc. To supplement your efforts, you can use a consistent sleep training method, and soon you will notice your baby drifting off into sleep peacefully.
3. When is the right time to start sleep training?
Experts suggest that for sleep training a baby, he/she has to be at least 4 months old.
4. How long does sleep training take?
The duration of sleep training will depend upon your choice of method and your baby's temperament. Some methods can take 3-5 days, while gentler approaches may take 2-4 weeks. No matter how your baby progresses, we suggest it would be best for you to stay consistent and not lose heart.
References
[1]Korownyk C, Lindblad AJ. Infant sleep training: rest easy?. Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(1):41. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5962992/
[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferber_method
With Love, from Cocoon Care
Dear Parent,
No matter where you are, your baby deserves gentle beginnings and comforting care. At Cocooncare, we pour love into every stitch. From soft muslin 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, Nykaafashion 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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