No one tells you that sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of parenting. Sleep Training 101 is here to help you navigate those restless nights with calm, confidence, and practical solutions. Whether you’re rocking your baby for hours or pacing the hallway at 2am, there are ways to gently teach your child how to self-soothe and sleep longer. Because good sleep isn’t just a dream, it is doable. Sleep Training 101 is a crucial guide for parents seeking restful nights and better sleep for their little ones. BYY parenting and sleep expert, Sr Ann Richardson, gives us the lowdown on getting your baby to self-soothe so you can both sleep peacefully.
Top tips before you start sleep training:
- Decide on an appropriate time to begin.
- Rule out medical causes of night waking.
- Ensure your baby’s diet is adequate for his age, with sufficient milk and age-appropriate solid food.
- Your baby’s sleep zone must support sleep and be a consistent and calming environment.
- Encourage a comfort object (dummy, soft toy)
- A consistent bedtime routine is an excellent way of preparing your baby for sleep.
- Limit your babies awake time in between naps – an overtired baby will struggle to fall asleep without assistance.
- Get to know your babies signals of tiredness – these can include irritability, sneezing, hiccupping, and loss of eye contact.
- If you have other children or demands, try to elicit help and support from other caregivers for the first few days, so that you can invest sufficient time and energy into the programme. Reassure your other children that you will make it up to them later – don’t forget to do this!
- Earmark a reward for yourself at the end of it all.
If your child has developed a habit whereby, he is dependent on you for sleep, he will protest within minutes (probably even seconds!) of you doing things differently!
This is where the hard bit comes in. Accept that your baby is going to cry, however, you are going to control how long he is going to cry for, and you are going to be there for him every step of the way.
There are two methods of handling this – neither one is better than the other – do what feels right for you at the time. One thing though, remember to be consistent and stick to one method for at least a week.
ALSO READ: How much sleep does your baby need?
Staying with your baby
If you are anxious about separating from your baby, and if you feel uneasy about leaving your baby on his own whilst he is learning to put himself to sleep, you may want to stay with him for the process.
All sleep coaching is hard work and may be very emotionally draining, so if you feel angry and frustrated when your baby cries and feel that you might physically harm your baby out of tiredness and frustration, then this is not the sleep coaching method for you.
Leaving your baby for short periods of time
This method allows you to pick up your baby when he is crying and comfort him until he is calm, but it differs from the first method in that you leave the room for short periods of time (slowly increasing the duration) from the beginning, before returning to pick him up to calm him once more.
If you feel that you could possibly harm your baby physically (out of sheer exhaustion and frustration) this may the method of choice for you as you are able to step away from the situation for very short periods of time to catch your breath and re-focus on the goal in sight.
Changing unhealthy sleep habits is exhausting and the key to its success is to focus on the goal at the end of it all. Accept that you will be tired and frustrated at times but try not to get bogged down in the immediate drama of the moment, and rather look at your long-term goal.
The process of falling asleep unassisted is a skill that needs practice, so bear in mind that success comes only after a period of practice, so don’t give up!
CHECK OUT: Is your baby ready for sleep training & how to stop a baby from waking up so often
BabyYumYum FAQs: Sleep Training 101: Parent’s Survival Guide
What is sleep training?
Sleep training is the process of helping your baby or toddler learn to fall asleep and stay asleep independently, often by establishing consistent routines and sleep associations.
When is the best time to start sleep training?
Most experts recommend starting sleep training from around 4 to 6 months of age, once your baby is developmentally ready and no longer requires frequent night feeds.
Is sleep training the same as “cry it out”?
No. “Cry it out” is just one method. Sleep training includes a variety of approaches from gentle techniques like gradual retreat to more structured routines like Ferber or pick-up/put-down methods.
Will sleep training harm my baby?
When done appropriately and with care, sleep training is safe. It can help babies develop healthy sleep habits and give parents much-needed rest. Always respond to your baby’s needs and consult your health visitor if unsure.
How long does sleep training usually take?
It varies. Some babies respond within a few days, while others may take a week or more. Consistency and patience are key to seeing lasting results.
Do I need to follow a strict schedule for sleep training to work?
A flexible routine that includes consistent nap times, bedtimes, and a calming bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. It doesn’t need to be rigid, just regular.
What if my baby cries a lot during sleep training?
Some crying is expected as your baby adjusts, but it’s important to offer reassurance and choose a method that feels right for your family. You don’t have to ignore your baby’s cries to succeed.
Can I sleep train during a regression or teething?
It’s best to wait until your baby is healthy and settled. Teething, illness, or developmental changes like crawling or separation anxiety can temporarily disrupt sleep training progress.
Should both parents be involved in sleep training?
Ideally, yes. Consistent responses from both caregivers help reinforce new routines and offer emotional support to one another during the process.
Is sleep training suitable for toddlers?
Yes. While it may take a bit longer with toddlers due to habits and strong will, many of the same principles apply – consistency, routine, and reducing reliance on sleep props.
What if sleep training doesn’t work?
Every child is different. If you’ve given a method a fair try and it’s not working, it may help to speak to your GP, health visitor, or a certified sleep consultant for personalised support.
What are the long-term benefits of sleep training?
Better sleep for your child means improved mood, growth, and development and better sleep for you means improved mental health, energy and patience as a parent.
Disclaimer: This information is for general parenting support and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your health visitor or GP before starting sleep training, especially if your baby has health concerns or special needs.
Sleep Training 101 offers simple, effective tips to help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Restful nights are within reach.
