Sleep Training Techniques. The 101
Parents use sleep training to help their children learn how to sleep independently. However, the abundance of different sleep training techniques available may leave parents overwhelmed and unsure of which technique to choose. From the Ferber method to pat and shush, each technique promises to help your little ones get better sleep, but they differ in their approaches, philosophy, and even outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore different sleep training techniques and provide an overview of each one’s pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits you and your child’s needs.
Sleep training is a process that helps children learn to fall asleep independently and get themselves back to sleep when they naturally wake up and aren’t hungry or need other assistance. There are several methods that parents can use to train their baby to sleep, ranging from gentle techniques to more intensive ones. Let’s take a closer look at four sleep training methods, including the pick-up, put-down method, the Michi method, the fading method, and the Ferber Method. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to find the best one for your child. No matter your chosen method, it’s important to be consistent, patient, and compassionate.
Pick-Up, Put-Down Method.
The Pick-Up, Put-Down method is a popular sleep training technique for babies from 4 months old. As part of this method, parents pick up their baby when they start to cry, spend a little time soothing them, and then put them back down. The aim is to help the baby fall asleep without needing constant comfort. This method is a little more gentle and gradual, making it a great alternative for parents who prefer a slower approach. It’s important to remember to reassure your baby with a gentle “shhhh” or key phrase before picking them up.
The Michi Method.
This is my sleep training technique and is suitable for laidback children from 4 months old and those more intense from 6 months old. Preparing for the start of sleep training is an important step, ensuring your child is napping at the perfect time for them, helping them become more comfortable with their bed, and beginning to get you less involved if you rock or feed your child to sleep. The sleep training part is easy to follow. Lay your child down, relaxed but awake. When they need some help, pick them up and soothe them however you want. When they’re soothed, lay them back down. Repeat until you reach your cut-off point, or they begin to get sleepy. When they get sleepy now, you’re helping them fall asleep by being hands-on, jiggling, patting, singing, etc. is all okay.
As the nights go by, you plan for slowing and gradually getting less involved. As you become less involved, your child becomes more independent.
The Fading Method.
The Fading Method is a gentle approach to sleep training that aims to help babies fall asleep independently while also following their natural sleep/wake cycle. Unlike some more extreme methods, the Fading Method involves paying attention to your baby’s sleep habits and cues and gradually adjusting their schedule to find the best bedtime. With this method, parents rely on soothing techniques to help their baby fall asleep, gradually fading out their involvement. While it may take anywhere from three weeks to three months to see results.
The Ferber Method.
The Ferber, Graduated Extinction, or Cry it Out method involves allowing your baby to cry at increasingly longer intervals until they fall asleep. You do the same with your during the night wakings and naps throughout the day. Parents should not attempt this method before four months, as it requires the baby to be able to go longer periods without feeding. This technique can be challenging for parents, as you need to ignore your child’s cries.
Finding the best technique for your family.
After learning about the various sleep training methods, it’s important to find the best one for your baby. Every child is different, and what may work for one may not work for another. Consider your child’s temperament or sleep personality (you can take my sleep personality quiz HERE), age, and sleep routine.
It’s also important to be consistent and patient during the process. Remember that it’s a learning experience for both you and your child. It may take some trial and error, but with perseverance and the right technique, your little one will eventually become a great sleeper.
