Tips for Successful Sleep Training
Sleep training is a valuable step in helping your baby (and you) get the rest you need. I’m not just saying this because I make my money by teaching sleep training methods, but to share the importance of prioritizing baby and toddler sleep needs. While every baby is unique, there are universal tips that can make the process smoother and more effective. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the journey with confidence.
Create a Consistent Routine
Babies thrive on predictability. Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal that it’s time to wind down for the night. This routine could include:
A warm bath
Reading a favorite bedtime story
Singing or playing soothing lullabies
By repeating the same steps in the same order each evening, you help your baby recognize that it’s time to sleep.
Set the Stage
Creating the right sleep environment is crucial for successful sleep training. Consider the following:
Blackout Curtains: These help block out any outside light, creating a dark and soothing atmosphere.
White Noise Machine: Gentle white noise can drown out household sounds and mimic the comforting hum your baby experienced in the womb.
Cot Setup: Ensure the cot meets safety standards, and avoid adding pillows, blankets, or toys that can pose a risk.
A cozy and distraction-free environment helps your baby feel secure and ready to rest.
Be Patient
Sleep training doesn’t happen overnight. It’s normal to face setbacks, and progress may come in small steps. Stay consistent and remind yourself that it’s a process. Celebrate small victories along the way, such as an extra hour of uninterrupted sleep or a night with fewer wake-ups. Realistically, it can take 4-5 days to see the most change. After that, it’s usually a case of ironing out the kinks.
Stay Flexible
Not every sleep training method works for every baby. If you find that a particular approach isn’t effective (after trying it for about a week or two), don’t hesitate to try another. For example, you might start with the ‘Sleep Lady Shuffle’ and decide that the Ferber Method feels like a better fit for your family. The key is to adapt while staying consistent with your overall goal of independent sleep.
Listen to Your Baby
Your baby’s cues are essential in guiding the sleep training process. If they seem unusually distressed or the training feels too overwhelming, take a step back. Sometimes, pausing and reassessing your approach can make all the difference. Remember, no one knows your baby better than you.
When to Hold Off on Sleep Training
While consistency is important, there are times when it’s best to delay sleep training to prioritize your baby’s well-being. Here are a few instances when waiting is the better option:
During Illness
I actually have a client whose baby has tonsilitis and conjunctivitis after getting jabs two weeks ago and we are having to wait till he is completely better before starting on day 1. It can be very frustrating when all you want is to sort out your baby’s sleep and they just keep getting sick but you want to be confident they are not in need in another way instead of getting over tired.
If your baby is sick or teething, they may need extra comfort and care. Sleep training during this time can add unnecessary stress for both you and your baby. Wait until your baby is healthy and feeling well before resuming sleep training. However, if its just a runny nose and ultimately they are happy in themselves, go ahead and begin or resume sleep training.
If you want more info on managing sleep through illness check out this blog where I go into a lot more detail.
Major Life Changes
Big transitions, like moving to a new home, traveling, potty training or adjusting to a new caregiver, can disrupt your baby’s sense of security. In these situations, hold off on sleep training until your baby has settled into their new environment.
Quick story for you. When we recently moved to Worcester from Hereford, my daughter (2 yo) got VERY clingy. She constantly wanted to be held by me and me only. Tilly began fighting bedtime and delaying going to sleep. We made some changes to her bed, had some one on one time, and stuck to bedtime rules. She soon got loads better but it was just a reminder that major life changes can trigger regressions, not just age. Kepp this in mind when preparing to sleep train.
Parental Readiness
Sleep training can be emotionally taxing, especially if you’re trying methods like Controlled Crying or Cry It Out. Make sure you and your partner are mentally and emotionally prepared to stay consistent and support each other through the process.
I recently had a client who could not deal with the crying in the room and could only deal with very short amounts of time out of the room. It took a little longer to see lasting results but they have been so consistent and are taking strides in progress now. It is possible but if you are more sensitive to hearing your baby cry, try a more responsive method and/or get some accountability and support around you. It is essential to make sure you are ready for lasting change, not just your baby being the right age.
Successful sleep training requires patience, flexibility, and attentiveness to your baby’s needs. By creating a calming routine, setting up the right environment, and staying adaptable, you’ll set the foundation for healthy sleep habits. Remember, it’s okay to take a break or seek advice from a pediatrician or sleep consultant if needed.
With time, consistency, and love, you’ll help your baby learn to sleep independently, paving the way for better rest for the whole family.
