With that in mind—how long does sleep training take, and when can you expect to get an uninterrupted night of sleep again?
The answer to those questions depends on when you begin sleep training your baby and which sleep training methods you use to get the job done. We understand that sleep training is a fraught subject, but we assure you it's a natural part of parenting an infant. We've created this guide to help you choose the method that will lead to a cozy, comfortable night of sleep for you and your little one.
Read our complete guide to baby sleep training guidelines, and before long, your sleepless nights will seem like a distant dream.
Deciding When to Start Sleep Training
Many new parents wish they could begin sleep training their newborn on day one, but there's no benefit to starting too soon. The right time to sleep train your baby will depend on their unique developmental level. On average, most babies begin to display signs of readiness between four and six months.
You might think this seems early, but that's why experts recommend it. Babies love routines and quickly develop expectations surrounding what is "normal" or "expected" in their worlds. The longer you wait, the more challenging it will be to break established habits and promote independent sleep skills.
Experts also recommend beginning around four months because that's an age when many babies experience a developmentally appropriate sleep regression. It's a moment of dynamic developmental change. You can take advantage of this natural transition to encourage new skills, such as self-soothing and emotional regulation.
With that said, it's never too late to start. Many parents are successful when their baby is about nine months old, as they no longer wake up for nighttime feedings. An older baby's level of cognition might help them grasp new routines.
Ultimately, your baby's age and developmental level can help you choose the ideal sleep training method for your family.
How Long Does Sleep Training Take?
The length of sleep training depends on the age of your baby and which method you choose. Some methods, such as the Ferber Method or Cry-It-Out, take about a week on average. Gentler methods such as The Chair Method, Pick Up, Put Down, and Phasing-Out can take longer.
Specialists recommend sticking with a method for two weeks before deciding whether it's working for you and your baby. Not all techniques will be the ideal match for all infants. Be consistent, flexible, and patient, and you will eventually see results.
Popular Sleep Training Methods
Sleep experts have outlined methods and techniques to help parents sleep train their babies for years. The Ferber Method, for example, has been a popular method since the 80s. As our understanding of parenting and child development has evolved, new techniques continue to emerge.
We'll briefly describe five of the most popular sleep training methods below.
The Ferber Method
The Ferber Method is also known as the "check and console" method. Parents check on their baby at specific intervals but do not intervene by rocking or feeding. Instead, they use their voice or a gentle touch to reassure the baby.
After your baby has settled, leave again, returning at the next interval. The length between checks should increase over time until your baby falls asleep. If they wake up, repeat the process from the beginning.
The Cry-It-Out Method
The Cry-It-Out method is the most controversial sleep training method. Parents put their baby to bed, then leave the room, leaving their baby to cry. Some parents choose to comfort their baby once or twice during the night, while others leave their baby until morning.
Cry-It-Out is one of the most emotionally taxing sleep training methods. Listening to your baby cry can be upsetting for many parents, especially in the beginning. With that said, it's one of the fastest sleep training methods, with many families seeing results in as few as three days.
The Chair Method
The chair method is a slow and gradual sleep training technique. Parents put the baby in the crib, then sit in a chair nearby. Once the baby is asleep, the parent leaves the room, returning to the chair each time the baby cries.
Each night, move your chair further and further from the crib until it's no longer in the room. It generally takes about two weeks before receptive babies can fall asleep on their own. With that said, this method can be confusing for some babies.
The Pick Up, Put Down Method
The Pick Up, Put Down method is ideal for very young babies. Parents let their babies fuss for a moment, pick them up to comfort them, but put them down before they fall asleep. Over time, the baby will learn to self-soothe without intervention.
The Bedtime Routine Phase-Out Method
Phasing out your baby's bedtime routine is a gentle, gradual way to help your baby learn to self-regulate. In essence, begin with your regular bedtime routine, but slowly reduce how long you spend engaging in comforting activities such as feeding or rocking. With consistency, you won't need to comfort your baby before bed, and they'll be able to fall asleep independently.
While this is arguably the gentlest method on the list, it can take two weeks or more to accomplish.
Sleep Training Is Simple With Pixsee
How long does sleep training take?
Whichever method you choose, sleep training takes time, patience, and a great baby monitor. The key to success is remaining consistent, even when things seem hard. Before you know it, you'll find yourself enjoying an eight-hour night of sleep, which will improve your parenting and your life.
The Pixsee smart baby monitor is the perfect companion for your sleep-training journey. The award-winning Pixsee App is Android and iOS compatible, allowing you to look in on your sweet baby from anywhere. Sharp, full high definition video gives you the best view of your child. It's so clear, it's like you're in the same room. You can see visible details even in total darkness. Visit our online store to explore the features that make Pixsee the ideal tool for sleep training your little one.
