Are you curious about sleep training? Maybe you’re here because you’re looking for answers to all of your sleep training questions, or maybe you’re feeling confused about what sleep training really entails. I’ll answer the most common questions and explain what sleep training is, if sleep training is necessary, if sleep training is effective, and what’s considered gentle sleep training.
What is sleep training?
Sleep training is a way of intentionally helping your baby or toddler to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night.
What do I mean by that? Sleep training can help your baby or toddler:
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Fall asleep independently: They can be laid down awake and fall asleep on their own.
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Sleep through the night: They can sleep 10-12 hours at night. They may wake up, but they can fall back to sleep on their own. (Note: Some babies who can “sleep through the night” do maintain a night feeding until around 9 months).
Please know: Sleep training does not “turn off” your baby’s crying. Your baby will still cry out to you when they need you, and you can go to them! In fact, so many parents tell me that after sleep training, it’s much easier to know that their little one isn’t feeling well or needs help because that’s the only time they cry out.
What are popular sleep training methods?
Here are some sleep training methods you may have heard about:
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Cry it out: (Also called total extinction or abbreviated CIO) A method that involves simply laying a baby in the crib, closing the door, and coming back to get them in the morning. If you’re wondering if Taking Cara Babies is Cry It Out, you can read more about it in my blog. (Spoiler: Taking Cara Babies does not recommend cry-it-out.)
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Graduated extinction/Interval-based reassurance: A method that involves checking in on a baby at set intervals throughout the night (One specific form of this is called the “Ferber Method.”)
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Chair method: A method where the parent sits in a chair next to the child’s crib or bed and gradually moves the chair farther away until they are out of the room.
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Pick up, put down: A method in which, any time a baby is crying, the parent picks them up. As soon as the baby is calm, the parent returns them to the crib.
Word of Caution: There’s a big difference between choosing a sleep training “method” and actually having an effective sleep training “plan.” A method simply tells you how you’re going to react when your little one awakens in the night. But baby sleep is about much more than just your reaction to night wakings.
Think about this: If you have a rough night of sleep, is it simply a question of what you did when you woke up in the night? No. It could also be connected to: what and how you ate the day before, how you’ve been doing emotionally, whether you were physically active, if you took a late afternoon nap, or any number of other factors. Just like you need to look at the holistic “big picture” of your life to understand your rough night, a true sleep training plan needs to account for the “big picture” of your child as a whole human… not just their night wakings.
What is gentle sleep training?
We all have different ideas of “gentle” and what this may look like for your family. In my sleep training courses, I offer various methods that allow you to choose what feels right for your family and to meet your comfort level.
Does sleep training always involve crying?
I understand why you might be asking this question. Hearing your baby cry can be upsetting. It's something we all try to avoid as parents. But, we also know that crying is a way that babies communicate and so most change does result in some crying.
I’ve created a step-by-step sleep training plan that sets you up for the fewest tears possible when it comes to sleep training. My 5-24 Month Collection and Toddler Sleep Training classes will guide you through exactly how to set up your days and bedtime routine to have the best success, as well as several ways you can customize your plan to fit your family’s needs.
On the other hand, my Newborn Sleep Bundle (0-4 months), although not actually sleep training, will help you set your days and nights up for success, from the very start, with a no-cry approach.
Does sleep training work?
Yes, sleep training is very effective when we’re consistent! Research shows us that sleep training significantly reduces bedtime struggles and night wakings in babies and young children. (1)
You can read more about the research along with my own personal story here.
Is sleep training necessary?
No, sleep training is not necessary for every child or every family. If what you’re doing is working and safe, then there’s no need to change things! But please know that if what you’re doing stops working and you need help, I’m here for you.
My 5-24 Month Collection and Toddler Sleep Training classes will teach you specific, customizable methods to establish 10-12 hours of consolidated nights and solid naps. I’ll make sure you know exactly how to gradually wean or maintain night feedings, how to ease the stress of bedtime, and how to remain emotionally connected through the whole process.
