The Ultimate Guide to Sleep Training: What Method is Best for Your Baby

Navigating the sleep training universe can be overwhelming, with so many approaches and opinions vying for your attention. Let's clarify some of the most controversial methods, backed by science in this ultimate guide to sleep training methods, to assist you in making a decision about what might be best for your family.

Cry It Out (CIO) Method

Better known as "full extinction," this method involves placing your baby in their sleep space and allowing them to put themselves to sleep, even if they cry. The idea is that, eventually, they will settle and fall asleep without intervention. Research has shown that sleep training benefits infant sleep problems, assisting 1 in 4 to 1 in 10 families more than having no sleep training, with no ill effects discovered after five years.

Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)

Developed by Dr. Richard Ferber, this technique involves checking on your baby at increasing intervals but not feeding or rocking them to sleep. The goal is to provide reassurance without creating a sleep association. Research indicates that sleep training methods can improve parental mood disorders and change babies' sleep patterns in the short term.

Chair Method (Camping Out)

This gentler approach is to have parents sit in a chair next to the crib, gradually moving the chair further away each night until they are out of the room. This allows parents to offer presence and comfort while allowing the baby to learn to sleep independently.

Pick Up/Put Down Method

Suitable for younger infants, this method is to take up the crying infant to soothe them and then place them back in bed when awake. It's a balance between soothing and promoting self-soothing.

Bedtime Fading

This technique adjusts bedtime to the baby's natural sleep time and shifts it progressively earlier. The aim is to minimize crying by aligning bedtime with the baby's natural sleepiness.

Low Tears Methods

These techniques work to minimize crying by employing tender techniques like rocking or feeding the baby to bed and then systematically eliminating these tools over time.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Sleep Training Method

• Age Appropriateness: Most professionals recommend that sleep training begins at 4 to 6 months of age, when circadian rhythm is developed and they have some semblance of object permanence if you're using an out of the room method

• Consistency: Whatever method you choose, consistency is important. Mixed messages confuse your baby and hinder progress.

• Parental Comfort: Choose a method that fits your parenting style and comfort level. If you don't feel comfortable with a technique, it might be harder to remain consistent.

• Individual Differences: Every baby is unique. What works for one baby may not work for another. Being flexible and adjusting to your baby's needs is important.

Evidence-Based Insights for Sleep Training

There is evidence that sleep training can lead to improved infant sleep and parental wellbeing. A trial reported infant sleep problems were enhanced by sleep training, with 1 in 4 to 1 in 10 gaining benefit compared with no sleep training, and no adverse effects noted after five years. A further trial showed reduced levels of cortisol (an indicator of stress) in babies who had been sleep-trained, which was an indication of less stress.

Ultimate Guide to Sleep Training: Final Thoughts

There is no magic one-size-fits-all solution for sleep training. It's all about finding your family's best fit and being gentle with the process. Keep in mind that it's okay to seek help. We're here to support you at Raising Happy Sleepers. For personalized guidance and resources, feel free to browse our services and use the code FIRSTMONTH for $10 off your first month's membership.

Wishing you peaceful nights to come!