When it comes to sleep training for your little one, there is no one-size-fits-all rule to follow.
Sleep training is a consistent bedtime routine parents use in aiding their babies to rest comfortably throughout the night. Sleep training consists of various options ranging from little parental involvement to mild. The sleep training method chosen during the baby’s night routine will determine how long it will take for a child to sleep independently. Some methods can help babies sleep in a few days, whereas others can take weeks.
Although there is no right way to sleep train, here are a few options other parents have found helpful.
Cry-It-Out Versus Ferber Training Method
The cry-it-out method involves letting your little one cry until he or she falls asleep. Similar to a baby learning other skills, learning to soothe themselves is another addition to their development. After meeting your baby’s needs and placing them down for a restful night, it is important not to reenter the room once you hear wailing. Cry-it-out is classified as a non-parental involvement. Eventually, the crying will cease, and your baby will be sound asleep.
While it is just as difficult for parents not to comfort their baby, there is an alternative option, which is a moderated version of the cry-it-out method. Ferber sleep training involves parental intervention based on time intervals. This sleep method is best suited for babies who are easygoing and are less resistant to change.
Gentle Sleep Training Method
The gentle sleep training method may be another choice for parents who would like to participate more. This technique includes the “Pick Up, Put Down” routine. This routine involves picking the baby up when they fuss and reassuring them until they calm down. Although this option allows for more parental involvement, it may become exhausting for caregivers. The parents are expected to soothe the child each time he or she is upset. As a result, this method can involve multiple pickups.
Chair Method Sleep Training
To avoid the “Pick Up, Put Down” routine, the chair method teaches your bundle of joy to fall asleep without being picked up. This sleep training method involves a rocking chair and comforting the baby with coos or soft pats on the back if needed. When first trying the chair method, the chair should be placed close to the crib or sleeping area. Gradually, the chair will be moved away from the crib and closer to the door each night until training is no longer necessary. While the pro of the chair method is less crying, the drawback is that it takes more patience and time to see results.