What is sleep training?
If you are here, then you are probably tired and wondering “What is sleep training? What does it mean and is it for me? I, too, had all of the same questions when I started out on my sleep training journey with my first son 8 years ago. There is SO much buzz about these two very simple words and I wanted to expound on them to clarify any misconception or misunderstanding surrounding sleep training.
The actual term ‘sleep training’ refers to various methods that are used in order to teach a baby or child how to fall asleep independently. Formal sleep training methods are generally used with babies 4 months and up, although some methods begin as early as 3 months (12 weeks old) depending on the baby’s weight/growth and their overall health.
Sleep training can be broken down into 3 categories that each offer different levels of comfort for a baby or child during the process. Luckily for you, not all methods are created equal and definitely not one-size-fits-all, so rest assured, you can devise a plan that feels right for you and your baby.
Let’s briefly break down these categories of sleep training.
1. Gentle methods
Gentle methods take on a more slow-paced approach, generally described as “no-cry” methods, (although there will always be some crying in this process, no matter how you cut it). They are focused on offering full support and comfort throughout the process by doing this in the room with your child.
2. Intermediate methods
These methods involve a bit more crying, allowing the child time and space in their room but offering comfort and support intermittently throughout the process.
3. ‘Cry-It-Out’ methods
‘Cry-it-out’ approaches usually entail giving the child space and time alone in their room to ‘cry-it-out’ until they fall asleep. Some cry-it-out methods do offer support but generally advise against interfering too much while the child is learning their new skill.
I bet reading all of that has left you feeling a bit uneasy, either worried about having to leave your child to cry or not knowing which category you fit into, but you can breathe a sigh of relief! You don’t have to fall into any one category, and no, you don’t have to leave your baby alone to cry in order to yield success. Some find themselves in one extreme or the next and others fall somewhere in between, and the method you choose to implement will be largely based on your sleep training preference and comfort level, your baby’s sleep needs and challenges and of course their age and temperament.
If you are as confused as I once was about all this sleep training jargon and mumble jumble, then don’t worry, I got your back and won’t leave you hanging! Not that long ago, I, too, was once in your shoes, searching for all the answers and trying to understand what sleep training was and come up with the best approach that felt right for me and my baby. That’s why I love what I do; I get to walk moms like you through this journey and create individualized plans that are right for your family.
What does sleep training entail?
Embarking on a sleep training journey and implementing any method means that you are setting out to make big changes in your child’s sleep, which ultimately means better sleep for the rest of the family as well. First of all, that’s amazing! I know what it took to get here and make that decision, so go you!
“But how do I do this?”. This is the question I get all the time from parents desperately trying to get their little ones to sleep time and time again, from one unsuccessful attempt to the next.
Although there are many factors that play a role in a child’s sleep, or lack thereof in this case, there are 2 main factors that play the biggest role when trying to make positive changes. The first is getting to the bottom of your child’s sleep issue and figuring out the root cause. Ask yourself WHAT are my child’s challenges and WHY are they present? Once you figure this out you can begin creating your sleep plan. Having a solid plan in place is the second key factor to successfully implementing a sleep training method. Taking these steps will propel you forward toward promoting better sleep for you and your little one.
What about my newborn?
This is one of the most popular questions I get when discussing sleep training. To put it bluntly, no you will not be sleep training your newborn. Newborns are an entirely different entity and traditional sleep training methods are not used for babies 3 months and under. ‘Sleep shaping’ or ‘sleep learning’ is what I use to teach my newborns how to sleep independently from the start! And I can’t wait to dive more into that in another post.