There are many different methods when it comes to sleep training. Finding a method that works best for you & your baby are paramount for sleep training success.
What I can tell you is that 90% of my clients come to me and say, "I want to sleep train my baby, but I do not want them to cry excessively."
The top 2 reasons they want to avoid crying are:
I don't want my baby to feel neglected
Listening to my baby cry makes me anxious
As a mom of 3 with 25+ years of experience working with newborns, infants & toddlers I can completely relate to these two primary concerns. The good news is that excessive crying does NOT need to occur during sleep training. There are ways to successfully sleep train & eliminate excessive crying.
Ferber Method / Check & Console - Checking in on your baby during set intervals during the night. To start, we begin with short intervals and slowly increase the amount of time between check ins until baby settles. This is my most preferred method as it focuses on more of a gentle approach to sleep training & eliminates excessive crying.
Chair Method - This allows mom or dad to sit in baby's nursery until the baby falls falls asleep. Each night the chair is gradually moved closer to the door until baby acclimates to no longer having a parent present for sleep.
Cry it Out (CIO) - Baby is placed in crib for sleep and the parent does not return until morning. This method can involve excessive crying, but typically works the fastest. Lots of self soothing occurs during this process.
Pick Up, Put Down - Baby is picked up as soon as they start crying and returned to their sleep space upon settling.
Camping Out - Parent sleeps on the floor until baby falls asleep & quietly leaves the room.
While each of these methods involve a different approach to sleep training, it is important to note that in any sleep training method, consistency is key. You will also need to thoroughly review your babies routine, sleep habits, wake windows and environment in order to make sleep training successful.
Sleep training is a learned behavior. While some methods work quicker than others, it is important to note that each baby is different. Some babies will acclimate to sleep training quicker than others, while some may take longer to adjust to the sleep training process.
If you are considering sleep training and looking for more information regarding my 1:1 customized sleep plans, book a free consult today!
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