Baby Sleep Training: What Works and What Doesn’t

If you’re reading this at 2 a.m. with one eye open and a baby who just won’t sleep—you’re not alone. Baby sleep training is one of the most debated and confusing parts of early parenting. Should you let your baby cry it out? Rock them to sleep every night? Stick to a strict schedule?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But there are patterns that work—and a few that often backfire. Here’s how to figure out what’s right for your baby and your sanity.

1. What Sleep Training Really Means

Perfect For: Clearing up common myths

Sleep training isn’t just about letting your baby cry until they sleep. At its core, it means helping your baby learn how to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own. That includes setting routines, responding consistently, and making sure your baby is developmentally ready.

Most experts agree that sleep training can start around 4 to 6 months—once babies are able to self-soothe and no longer need frequent nighttime feeds.

2. Methods That Often Work (If Done Consistently)

Perfect For: Parents who want gentle but effective sleep tools

Some popular sleep training methods include:

The Ferber Method (Gradual Check-ins)
Let your baby cry for timed intervals before checking in with brief, soothing words. You gradually increase the time between check-ins. This method helps build self-soothing skills.

Pick Up, Put Down
Pick your baby up when they cry and put them down once calm. Repeat until they fall asleep. This is gentle but requires patience and consistency.

Chair Method (Fading)
Sit in a chair near your baby’s crib while they fall asleep and slowly move the chair farther away each night. It’s a slow weaning of your presence.

Bedtime Routines and Sleep Associations
A consistent pre-sleep routine (bath, book, lullaby, feed) signals that it’s time to wind down. This can dramatically reduce bedtime resistance.

Helpful read: Postpartum Recovery: What Moms Should Expect

3. What Doesn’t Work (For Most Families)

Perfect For: Avoiding common sleep training frustrations

Inconsistent Responses
Switching between rocking, feeding, and letting them cry sends mixed messages. Babies learn sleep habits through consistency. If the response changes every night, it confuses them.

Skipping Naps or Keeping Baby Awake Longer
A tired baby doesn’t always sleep better. Overtired babies often sleep worse. Avoid skipping naps thinking it will make bedtime easier.

Letting Baby Cry It Out Without Any Plan
The cry-it-out approach without a structured routine, timing, or check-ins often causes stress for both baby and parent. If you’re going to try it, do it mindfully with guidance.

4. Sleep Tools That Can Help

Perfect For: Supporting your routine without stress

White noise machines to mask background noise
Blackout curtains for longer naps and early bedtime
Swaddles or sleep sacks to promote comfort and security
A breathable, firm crib mattress for safe sleep

Bonus Tip: Always Rule Out Discomfort First

If your baby suddenly resists sleep, check for common causes—teething, growth spurts, illness, or a change in routine. Sometimes the issue isn’t the method, it’s timing or comfort.

Final Thoughts

Sleep training doesn’t have to mean tears and frustration. With the right approach and realistic expectations, your baby can learn to fall asleep peacefully—and you can finally get some rest too.

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Baby Sleep Training: What Works and What Doesn’t