Do you rock your baby to sleep, or do they wake up multiple times a night crying for breastmilk, a bottle, or snuggles before falling asleep? If this sounds familiar, it is probably time to start sleep training your baby if they are at least four months old. By this age, babies should be able to drift to sleep on their own, using self-soothing techniques. However, if you’re worried about sleep training, remember that it is faster than parents expect, and it doesn’t have to be stressful. To help everyone get a good night’s sleep, look here to start sleep training your little one.
What is Sleep Training for Your Baby
Sleep training a newborn teaches your infant to drift asleep without your assistance. This process means you place your baby in bed drowsy but awake. This technique teaches them to fall asleep on their own without being rocked. Also, it teaches your baby how to go back to sleep should they wake up in the middle of the night.
When Should You Start Sleep Training
Sleep training begins when babies are at least four months old, according to experts. This age is ideal because babies can sleep for six to eight hours without needing to eat, but they are not at the stage where the comfort you bring develops into their sleep association.
What Are the Sleep Training Methods
There are a few different ways you can sleep train. You might even need to combine a few methods to find what works best for you. Here are some of the ways you can sleep train your baby:
- The Ferber Method involves your baby crying, but only for a short period. After a minute or two, you need to go and check on them and provide comfort. Remember, you want to train them to sleep, not traumatize them.
- The chair method involves sitting in a chair next to your little one in their crib. Each night move the chair further away until they eventually fall asleep without you present. This method is more comforting for you and your baby.
- The bedtime fading away method is another way to slowly remove yourself from your baby’s presence as they learn to fall asleep.
- The pickup and put down method involves you putting your baby in their bed drowsy and then walking out. If they start to fuss, give them time to settle down, but if they do not, go and soothe them back to the tired point. Then start the process over again.
Try these different techniques out and see what works the best for your baby. After all, that is what matters.
How Long Does Sleep Training Take
The chair method takes about a week before many babies sleep through the night. However, there are still a few minutes of fussing before they finally drift off, but go in and comfort your baby if they cannot calm down. On the other hand, the remaining training methods require more time, but it is better for you and your baby’s stress level. But, be consistent with whatever way you use. It typically takes two full weeks to start to see results.
What Are Some Sleep Training Tips
No matter the method you want to try, use some of these tips to help you along your process:
- Create a bedtime routine by having at least thirty minutes of downtime before putting them to bed. Start early enough so they will not become overextended, making the process harder. This step trains their brain to know that bedtime is approaching.
- Make sure the time is right. If any disturbances are in their lives, such as a move, wait until you are settled and start this routine.
- Know when your baby is getting tired by watching for their cues. Rubbing their eyes and crankiness are two major ones.
Combine these tips with one of the sleep training techniques for an easier transition.
Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s lives, including your baby’s. You want to make the sleep training transition as painless as possible. Start with one of these methods and use the tips for a healthy process.