• 1 week ago

Sleep Training for Babies Aged 0–6 Months

Sleep Training vs. Sleep Support in the First 6 Months

The first half-year of life is not the time for strict “sleep training” methods. Instead, it’s a developmental phase where gentle guidance, comfort, and observation lay the foundation for future independent sleep.

During this time, babies don’t yet have the physical maturity or neurological regulation to consistently sleep through the night. They wake often due to hunger, digestive changes, and emotional needs. Rather than trying to eliminate night wakings, our focus should be on building secure, predictable, and responsive sleep environments.

What Sleep Looks Like from 0 to 6 Months

Age

Total Sleep

Naps

Night Sleep

Sleep Behavior

0–2 months

16–18 hours/day

4–5 naps

Frequent waking

Sleep while feeding or rocked

2–4 months

15–17 hours/day

3–4 naps

2–3 hour stretches

Needs physical contact

4–6 months

14–16 hours/day

3 naps

4–6 hour blocks

Sleep patterns start forming

Note: The 4-month sleep regression is a normal developmental shift. Sleep cycles mature, and babies begin transitioning through sleep stages more consciously—often leading to disrupted sleep.

What Can You Do to Gently Support Sleep?

1. Establish Simple, Consistent Routines

  • Use short, calming bedtime sequences: bath, massage, lullaby
  • Dim lights and reduce stimulation before sleep
  • Learn and respond to early sleepy cues: yawning, zoning out, rubbing eyes
  • Begin these routines before the baby is overtired

2. Allow and Encourage Contact-Based Sleep

  • Holding, rocking, nursing to sleep are all normal and developmentally appropriate
  • Skin-to-skin and scent familiarity are calming tools—not “bad habits”
  • Babies crave proximity—it regulates their heartbeat, temperature, and stress

3. Watch Wake Windows

  • 0–3 months: 45–60 minutes of awake time
  • 4–6 months: 75–90 minutes

Letting your baby stay awake too long can lead to overtiredness, making it harder to fall or stay asleep.

4. Start Laying the Groundwork for Self-Soothing

  • Begin placing your baby in the crib drowsy but not fully asleep
  • Stay nearby to comfort with touch, voice, or presence
  • Gradually reduce your help as your baby begins to associate crib = safe space

What Not to Do in the First 6 Months

  • Cry-it-out (CIO) or extinction methods:
    Babies this age cry to communicate needs. Leaving them alone undermines trust and may heighten stress.

  • Forcing rigid sleep schedules:
    Flexibility is crucial. Sleep should follow developmental cues, not strict clocks.

  • Confusing hunger cues with sleep cues:
    Not all night wakings mean hunger—but some do. Careful tracking and observation help clarify.

Gentle Sleep Tools That Work at This Age

  • Swaddling (up to ~8 weeks): reduces Moro reflex
  • White noise: calming and masks external noises
  • Morning light exposure: helps set circadian rhythms
  • Responsive holding or nursing: builds attachment and regulation
  • Dark, quiet environments for night; light for day

Support from Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

  • Personalized wake window and sleep need analysis
  • Sleep diary review and daily rhythm planning
  • Safe co-sleeping and crib transition guidance
  • Gentle strategies to reduce night wakings
  • Integrated feeding–sleep support based on your baby’s needs
  • Holistic support without pressure or unrealistic expectations