- 1 week ago
Sleep Training Steps for Babies and Toddlers
What Is Sleep Training?
Sleep training refers to teaching a baby or toddler to fall asleep independently without relying on external aids like nursing, rocking, or holding. It’s not about “crying it out”—but about building skills with responsive, age-appropriate guidance.
Sleep training can:
- Improve sleep for both child and parents
- Reduce night wakings
- Support healthy growth and brain development
- Encourage emotional self-regulation
Not all families need formal sleep training. But if sleep challenges are affecting well-being, it can be transformative.
When to Start Sleep Training?
- Most babies are ready around 5–6 months, when they can go longer stretches without night feeds
- Babies should be healthy, gaining weight, and developmentally ready
- Sleep training should be delayed during illness, teething crises, or major life transitions
The best time is when both baby and parents are ready and consistent support is possible.
Preparing for Sleep Training
Before starting any method, make sure:
- Day and night sleep schedules are stable
- A consistent bedtime routine is in place (start 1 week prior)
- Sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool
- Bedtime is age-appropriate (not overtired)
- Parents agree on the plan and will remain consistent
- Baby is placed in crib drowsy but awake
Popular Sleep Training Methods
1. Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)
- Place baby in crib awake
- Let them fuss or cry for short intervals
- Return briefly to check in and comfort, increasing the time between visits
- Goal: baby learns to self-soothe between check-ins
✅ Evidence-based
⛔ May involve some crying, which can be hard for parents
2. Chair Method
- Parent sits beside crib and offers verbal comfort without picking up
- Every few nights, move the chair farther away
- Gradually phase out presence as baby gains confidence
✅ Gentle and responsive
⛔ Takes time and patience
3. Gradual Withdrawal (Fading Method)
- Slowly reduce the level of assistance (e.g., from rocking to just patting)
- Focuses on gentle transitions and reduced sleep associations
- Best for families wanting minimal stress
✅ Flexible and adaptive
⛔ Slower results compared to structured methods
Tips for Success
- Be consistent—don’t switch methods too often
- Stick to the same bedtime and routine every night
- Be patient—it may take 7–14 days to see results
- Expect protest crying—it’s normal during change
- Use naps as practice for independent sleep
- Reassure your child, but don’t revert to previous habits
Common Sleep Training Mistakes
- Responding to every cry immediately (without giving a chance to self-soothe)
- Mixing multiple methods at once
- Inconsistent routines or bedtimes
- Using screens before bed
- Dropping night feeds too early
- Giving up too soon
Sleep Support with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu
- Sleep readiness evaluation by age and development
- Choosing the most suitable method for your family
- Personalized sleep training plans and routines
- Support through night wakings and sleep regressions
- Coordinated care with pediatric developmental specialists
- Strategies to prevent parental burnout during sleep transitions
