Navigating the world of sleep training for your baby can be a daunting process, but understanding when the best time is to begin is crucial to introducing your little one to a good bedtime routine.
In this blog, we’ll look at when the ideal time is to begin sleep training, and run you through a few methods that can help with your approach.
What Is Sleep Training
Sleep Training is where you get your child used to that moment before bed where they begin to ‘wind down’.
As your baby grows and their needs begin to change, your naptime and nighttime routines will have to adapt to keep the process ongoing. It’s also important to follow the guidelines on safe sleep for your baby to keep them safe and reduce the risk of SIDS. These guidelines include controlling the temperature in your baby’s room, using safe baby bedding, keeping duvets, pillows and toys out of the cot and making sure their cot is safe for use.
When To Begin Sleep Training
You may begin to notice around the 3–6-month mark that your baby is sleeping for longer at night, and whilst they won’t be able to begin sleep training just yet you can start introducing a bedtime routine which will help to avoid some sleep difficulties in the future – adhering to their needs in the newborn stage will be easier and better for your baby, with experts recommending sleep training should begin from around 6 months old.
Sleep Training Methods
New to sleep training? Here are some methods you can use to get your baby used to a routine through those early few months and years.
Pick Up, Put Down – This is a method you can use if your baby or toddler finds it a struggle to settle at nighttime. If they begin to cry after being put to bed to sleep, pick them up to comfort and reassure them, and then put them back to bed and leave the room. Repeat this method until they are sound asleep. It’s one of the most effective sleep training methods, but can take a few hours in the beginning to get your baby into a routine.
Gradual Withdrawal – It’s normal for babies to feel separation anxiety, and for ones who find it difficult to sleep without being held sleep training can be a little more difficult. For gradual withdrawal, put your baby in their cot and sit near them – if they cry, reach out a hand so they know you’re still in the room, and then return to your chair when crying stops. Keep using this method and move your chair a little further from the cot each time until they’re able to sleep without you needing to be present in the room.
Bedtime Fading – From 6 months old, bedtime fading can be introduced to help you discover what time is best to put your baby to bed. Move bedtime a few minutes later each night until you start noticing your baby is beginning to become sleepy and is able to drift off on their own. You can then use this to decide what time would be best to put your baby to sleep that works for you and them.
Calming Bed Time Routine – A calming bed time routine includes doing an activity with your baby to relax them ahead of them going to sleep. Giving them a bath, changing them into clean pyjamas and keeping lights dimmed can help to create a sense of peace and security. Singing lullabies and reading to them are also great ways at getting them to settle for sleep too, avoiding anything too overstimulating that will keep them awake.
Sleep training can take a little while, so don’t get frustrated if your baby or toddler doesn’t adapt straight away. If one method doesn’t work, simply try another way and find what is best for your child moving forwards. If you have any concerns about sleep, it’s best to get in contact with a professional who can advise on different ways to get them sleeping at nighttime.