GETTING STARTED:
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sleep training techniques. Different ages and personalities do better with different sleep training techniques. If you haven’t already, take my sleep personality quiz to help you identify your child’s temperament and guide you in choosing the gentle sleep training technique that will work best for your family.
As you’re the one who’s doing the gentle sleep training, you need to be comfortable with the technique you’re using. Follow your instinct on which technique you feel will be a good fit for you and your child.
The Michi Method
This is a technique I developed after working with families where the other gentle sleep training techniques weren’t quite gentle enough, and they needed more support.
You can pick up your child whenever you want and soothe them however you need to. You’ll physically help them fall asleep in their bed, and you’ll become less involved as the nights go on.
Who is this technique for?
Laidback
Shy
Intense
The Chair Method
You’ll remain with your child until they fall asleep and sit in a chair next to them. You can touch your child and talk as much as needed.
You move further away every three or four nights, heading to the door and out of the room.
Who is this technique for?
Laidback
Shy
Intense
Pick Up, Put Down
After popping your child into their crib, wait a few minutes to see if they settle. If they’re crying, you can pick your child up and soothe them however you want to, then lay them back in the crib, repeating until they are asleep. You’re hands off as they fall asleep.
Who is this technique for?
Laidback
Shy
Intense
Why no Ferber or Wave method?
Wondering why I don’t have the Ferber or Wave method here? I know many sleep consultants call Ferber a gentle sleep training technique, but I don’t think it is. I believe any technique where you leave your child alone to cry themselves to sleep, even if there are timed checks, is cry it out.