Sleep training is a valuable approach that can help both infants and their parents establish healthy sleep patterns and promote overall well-being. It involves teaching babies how to fall asleep and stay asleep independently. While sleep training is a personal decision that every family should consider in light of their unique circumstances, it offers several benefits that can significantly improve the quality of life for both babies and parents.
Leann Low, a certified baby sleep consultant, sheds light on the most common concerns and questions parents have on how to sleep train your baby, as asked in the second part of the webinar, “Baby Out! What’s Next? Postpartum Nutrition and Sleep Training for Happy, Healthy Babies.”
Sleep training topics and related questions you’ll find in this article:
- When to Start Sleep Training Your Baby
- Dos and Don’ts of Sleep Training Your Baby
- Nursery Setup for Sleep Training
- Sleep Training While Breastfeeding
- What to Do When Baby Wakes Up at Night
- How to Keep Your Baby Awake During the Day
- Typical Baby Sleep Routine and Habits
- When Sleep Training is Disrupted
- Sleep Training a Toddler
- Helping Older Siblings Adjust to a New Baby
When to Start Sleep Training Your Baby
When should I start to sleep train my baby?
I recommend waiting until your baby is around four months old before beginning any kind of formal sleep training. At this age, babies have developed a more predictable sleep pattern and are better able to self-soothe. However, instilling good sleep habit can start from day one.
When is an indication that I should sleep train my baby? Any tell tale signs?
If your baby is taking only short naps (30-40 mins), consistently waking up throughout the night, seems to be unable to soothe themselves back to sleep, always grumpy, and falls sick often, it may be time to consider sleep training.
Can we start sleep training the babies when they are still in the tummy?
Sleep training involves teaching babies to fall asleep and stay asleep independently, usually by gradually reducing or eliminating sleep associations such as feeding or rocking. While it’s not possible to directly sleep train babies in the womb, you can start instilling the good sleep habits start from day one.
Will it be too late to sleep train an eight-month-old?
It is not too late to start sleep training an 8-month-old baby, but it may take longer for them to learn new sleep habits compared to younger babies.
Dos and Don’ts of Sleep Training Your Baby
How to train newborn to sleep through the night?
Newborns typically need to wake up and feed during the night, so it’s not realistic to expect them to sleep through the night right away. However, you can start establishing healthy sleep habits from the beginning by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calm sleep environment, and teaching your baby to self-soothe. You can also try to encourage longer stretches of sleep by gradually increasing the amount of time between feedings at night.
Is it okay to carry my baby often? I heard that it would pamper a baby and cause him/her to require carrying before he/she can sleep.
It’s perfectly fine to carry your baby often, especially in the early months of life. In fact, it can be very beneficial for your baby’s development and emotional well-being. But do not carry your baby to sleep, you should put her down into the cot when she is wide awake so that she can learn how to self soothe to sleep.
Is it okay to sway newborns to sleep or will that be a habit for future?
It is common for newborns to have sleep associations, such as being rocked or swayed, to fall asleep. However, these sleep associations can become problematic if the baby is unable to fall asleep without them. If your baby becomes reliant on this method to fall asleep, it may become more difficult to transition them to falling asleep independently.
It’s generally recommended to gradually wean your baby off of being rocked to sleep as they get older, so that they can learn to fall asleep on their own. To correct this, parents can gradually wean the baby off these associations by introducing other calming techniques, such as white noise, and slowly reducing the amount of swaying or rocking.
I have read many stories about SIDS from babies sleeping prone. Is it safe for my newborn to be trained to sleep on tummy since birth?
It is recommended placing babies on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is not recommended to place newborns on their stomachs to sleep. It is important to prioritise the safety of your baby.
My baby likes to tummy sleep. So far no issues, but I’m concerned about safety. How to fix this?
It is important to follow safe sleep guidelines and place your baby on their back to sleep. You can try to gently roll your baby onto their back if they roll onto their stomach during sleep.
Why do I need to bring my baby out and about even as a newborn? What benefits does it bring?
Bringing your baby out and about during the day can actually be beneficial for their sleep routine. When babies are exposed to daylight and fresh air during the day, it can help regulate their circadian rhythm and make it easier for them to differentiate between day and night. Taking your baby out for walks or engaging in other activities during the day can help them expend some of their energy, which can lead to better sleep at night.This can be helpful in preventing day-night confusion and encouraging longer stretches of sleep at night.
How long should we let baby sleep through the night until we wake them up for milk?
Depends on baby’s age. It’s generally recommended to let babies sleep through the night without waking them up for a feed once they reach a healthy weight and are gaining weight steadily. This is usually around three to four months of age. However, it’s still important to follow the baby’s cues and not let them go too long without feeding, especially during the newborn period. Keeping track of how long your baby sleeps through the night without needing a feed can be helpful in determining when to start waking them up for milk.
Is it true that feeding the baby more milk at night lets him/her sleep through or longer at night? It seems like a practise with a lot of confinement nannies.
It is not necessary to feed the baby more milk at night to help them sleep through or for longer periods. In fact, it’s important for babies to have a balanced feeding schedule and not to overfeed them. Overfeeding can lead to discomfort and colic, which can further disturb their sleep.
How to coax my baby to sleep in a cot if I put him down before he is asleep?
If you want to encourage your baby to fall asleep independently in their crib, try to establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes a wind-down period before sleep. This could involve a bath, a story, or some quiet playtime. Then, put your baby in their crib while they are awake, and offer some soothing words or gentle touches to help them relax.
If your baby cries, you can try some graduated extinction or check-and-console methods to help them learn to fall asleep on their own. Remember to be patient and consistent, as it may take some time for your baby to adjust to this new routine.
How to make my baby sleep through the night when I need to change her diapers at night, too?
If you need to change your baby’s diaper at night, try to minimise any stimulation or interaction during the diaper change to help them stay drowsy. Use a dim light or nightlight to avoid bright light exposure that may disrupt your baby’s sleep.
If my newborn can sleep through the night, should I wake the baby up to feed? I heard that a baby should be fed every two to three hours.
If your newborn is sleeping through the night and gaining weight appropriately, there is no need to wake them up for feedings. However, if your baby is not gaining weight or has health concerns, your healthcare provider may advise waking them up for feedings.
Is it safe for twins to be put in the same cot for the first few months?
It is generally safe for twins to sleep in the same cot for the first few months (weeks), but it is important to monitor their movements and make sure they have enough space to move around comfortably.
Sounds like I should just put my baby down and don’t do anything? Everything is bad habit.
It is true that some habits, such as rocking or nursing a baby to sleep, can become sleep associations that may make it difficult for the baby to sleep independently. However, it is important to note that not all habits are bad and that each family should find a sleep routine that works best for them and their baby. If a habit is causing sleep problems, it is possible to gradually transition the baby to a new sleep association over time.
How to change bad habit to sleeping independently?
To change a bad habit of a baby not sleeping independently, you can look into the whole day schedule, make sure she is not overtired or undertired, follow the eat-play-sleep routine, putting them down in their crib while they awake.
Letting Your Baby Cry It Out
Should I let my baby cry it out and self-soothe back to sleep? What should I do if my baby keeps waking up one to hours hours every night?
I do not recommend cry-it-out. To teach your baby to fall asleep on their own when they waking up in the middle of the night, you can train them how to fall asleep independently, by establishing good sleep habits and schedule.
Nursery Setup for Sleep Training
Is it recommended to let baby sleep with minimal sunlight in the room during day time so as to teach them when is daytime?
You should keep the room dark even for naps, that helps baby to create sleep association. To avoid day-night confusion, make sure your baby gets plenty of exposure to daylight during playtime.
What’s an ideal setup for the nursery?
The ideal setup of a nursery will depend on the needs and preferences of the parents and baby. Some essential items to consider include a safe and comfortable crib or bassinet, a changing table or pad, and a dresser or storage for baby’s clothes and accessories. A nursing chair or glider can also be helpful for feeding and soothing the baby. A nursing pillow can provide additional support during feeding, but is not essential. It is important to prioritise safety and comfort in selecting nursery items.
Can a newborn use a pillow to sleep?
Newborn babies should not use pillows to sleep as these increase the risk of suffocation or SIDS. It is recommended to place the baby on a firm and flat surface, such as a mattress with a fitted sheet, and ensure that the baby’s head and face are uncovered during sleep.
Should parents avoid cot bumper for newborn?
Cot bumpers are not recommended for newborns. It is a suffocation risk.
Is it okay to still swaddle my two-month-old baby?
Swaddling can be a helpful technique to soothe newborns and promote sleep, and it’s generally safe to swaddle babies until they start showing signs of rolling over. At two months old, your baby may still benefit from swaddling to feel secure and calm, but it’s important to follow safe swaddling practices, such as using a lightweight and breathable swaddle blanket, not swaddling too tightly, and making sure your baby’s head and neck are uncovered. However, once your baby starts rolling over, it’s important to stop swaddling them to avoid the risk of suffocation.
when should we stop swaddling baby?
It is generally recommended to stop swaddling the baby around 2 to 3 months of age or when the baby shows signs of rolling over. This is to prevent the baby from rolling onto their stomach while swaddled, which can be dangerous.
If I want my baby to sleep in a crib in the same room with me, how should I do up the sleep environment?
If you cannot prepare a separate nursery for your baby, consider using a bassinet or a crib that can fit in your room, and follow the same safe sleep guidelines. You can also try to create a visual barrier or partition between your bed and the baby’s sleep area to help minimise disruptions. Additionally, using a white noise machine or a fan can help create a soothing background noise that can help your baby sleep.
Can I let my baby sleep in a cot in the next room from the start instead of moving baby over after four to six months?
It is generally recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months of life to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, every family is different and ultimately you need to do what works best for you and your baby. If you do choose to have your baby sleep in another room, make sure you have a reliable baby monitor and that the room is a safe sleep environment.
Can I let him/her sleep in a cot with us for the first one to two years?
It is generally recommended that babies sleep in a separate cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months of life. This is because it is believed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and allows for easier monitoring and feeding during the night. But you can also choose to move baby to his/her own room if you think that you are the one disturbing baby’s sleep.
Why is cot bumper not encouraged ? Isn’t the gaps in the crib not safe?
Cot bumpers are not recommended for newborns. Newborns lack the strength and ability to push themselves away from anything that might obstruct their airways, including cot bumpers. Additionally, newborns are usually swaddled, which means they are less likely to get trapped in any gaps or spaces in the crib.
I plan to let my baby sleep in her own room after the nanny leaves. Is that cruel?
It’s not cruel to let your baby sleep in their own room, but it’s important to make sure that the environment is safe. It is generally recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months of life to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, every family is different and ultimately you need to do what works best for you and your baby. If you do choose to have your baby sleep in another room, make sure you have a reliable baby monitor and that the room is a safe sleep environment.
Do I keep the room dark even for day naps?
Yes, you should keep the room dark even for naps, that helps baby to learn that it is time to sleep.
Sleep Training While Breastfeeding
How to sleep train a one-year-old gently without crying? She latches to sleep currently.
You can try establishing a consistent bedtime routine, providing comfort in other ways such as with a favourite toy, or gradually reducing the amount of time spent nursing before sleep. While some amount of crying may be inevitable during the sleep training process, it’s important to prioritise your child’s emotional well-being and to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their sleep difficulties.
How to manage sleeping during breastfeeding?
To manage sleep during breastfeeding, it’s important to establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes feeding, but also other soothing activities like reading a book, singing a lullaby, or a warm bath. The key is to ensure that your baby is not falling asleep while feeding. Instead, aim to feed your baby when they just wake up from a nap, this will allow baby to drink more (more energetic). And then place them in their crib while they are still awake. This will allow them to practice self-soothing and learn to fall asleep on their own, without relying on feeding.
How can I sleep well with a newborn, when I would need to wake up to pump and latch.
Newborns require frequent feeding for their development and growth, so it’s important to prioritise their needs when it comes to sleep. However, around four months old, babies may start to develop the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep independently, which can make things easier for parents who need to wake up to pump or feed. It’s important to note that every baby is different and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to sleep training. Some parents may choose to wait until their baby is older before starting sleep training, while others may start earlier.
My three-month-old baby needs to latch to sleep. Is that alright?
It is common for babies to need to be latched to sleep, especially at 3 months old. However, it can become a sleep association that may make it difficult for your baby to fall back asleep on their own when they wake up during the night. Gradually helping your baby learn to fall asleep without being latched, such as using the eat-play-sleep routine, may be helpful.
What to Do When Baby Wakes Up at Night
My baby sleeps all day and is up and cranky late night until 3AM. How to deal with it?
This could be due to the baby having their days and nights mixed up. To help your baby establish a regular sleep schedule, try to expose them to natural light during playtime and let them sleep in dark and quiet room for all sleeps. Also, establish a calming bedtime routine to signal to the baby that it is time to sleep. This may include activities like taking a bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.
My baby is active at night, but not cranky. How to make sure she sleeps?
It’s possible that day-night confusion could be a factor in a baby being active at night but not cranky. To help with day-night confusion, encourage exposure to natural light during the day, use dim lights and calm sounds at night, to signal to your baby that it is time to sleep. However, other factors could also be at play, such as an inconsistent sleep schedule, over-stimulation before bedtime, or discomfort.
My one-year-old daughter usually wakes up at 2AM recently and will stay awake for two to three hours. We do not know why her sleep pattern changes. How do we deal with such changes?
Sleep disruptions can be common in children, especially during periods of development or changes in routine. Some potential causes of nighttime awakenings in a one-year-old include teething, separation anxiety, or hunger. You can try to establish a consistent bedtime routine, ensure your child is getting enough daytime sleep, and address any underlying issues such as teething discomfort or hunger. It is also likely a sleep pressure issue. Managing a better schedule will help with the prolonged night wake.
How do I deal with the very well known 4-month sleep regression?
The 4-month sleep regression is a common developmental phase where a baby’s sleep patterns may become disrupted. This is due to changes in their sleep cycle and increased awareness of their surroundings. It is important to continue with consistent sleep routines and offer comfort to the baby as needed. It is also a good time to consider starting sleep training if desired, as the baby is developmentally ready for it.
Sleep regression is a common phenomenon that occurs when a baby who was previously sleeping well suddenly begins to have difficulty sleeping. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including growth spurts, teething, developmental milestones, or changes in routine. The best way to handle a sleep regression is to continue with consistent sleep routines and offer comfort and reassurance to the baby as needed.
Is there such a thing as 8-month sleep regression?
The only real sleep regression happens at four months old. Eight months is most likely due to teething, separation anxiety, or a developmental leap. During this time, it’s important to stick to a consistent sleep routine and to respond to your baby’s needs with patience and understanding.
How to prevent my newborn from waking up at night and sleeping during the day?
To help avoid day-night confusion, there are several things that can be done to encourage your newborn to sleep at night and be awake during the day. These include: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine every night, such as a warm bath, a lullaby, and a story before bed. This will help your baby associate these activities with sleep. Make sure your baby gets plenty of exposure to daylight during playtime, such as by taking them for a walk outside.
What to do when baby wakes 15-20 min into sleep?
If your baby wakes up 15-20 minutes into sleep, try to determine the reason for the wake-up. It could be hunger, discomfort, or simply a need for reassurance. If they need reassurance, try to soothe them with a gentle touch or by speaking softly. If your baby continues to wake up frequently, it may be a sign that they are not getting enough sleep overall and may need some adjustments to their sleep schedule and routine.
If newborn are used to a two-hour nap in between, how will it affect the nighttime sleep?
Newborns typically have short sleep cycles and need frequent naps throughout the day. If a newborn is used to two-hour naps in between, it is important to continue providing opportunities for naps during the day to ensure that they get enough sleep. However, it is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and avoid over-tiredness, which can lead to difficulty falling and staying asleep at night.
How to set up good sleep habits for my newborn who cries every two hours?
To set up good sleep habits for a newborn who cries every two hours, it is important to establish a consistent sleep routine and create a calm and soothing sleep environment. This can include using white noise, swaddling, and keeping the room dark and quiet. It is also important to try to encourage the baby to self-soothe, by allowing them to fall asleep on their own and not picking them up immediately every time they cry.
How to Keep Your Baby Awake During the Day
How do I keep the baby awake while feeding? My baby kept sleeping just drinking a little bit.
Some ways to keep your baby awake while feeding include changing their diaper, talking to them, and changing their feeding position.
Should I wake the baby to feed?
It depends on the age and weight of your baby. Newborns typically need to be fed every 2-3 hours during the day and 4-5 hours at night, in order to maintain their weight and ensure proper growth and development. As your baby gets older and gains weight, they may be able to go longer stretches without feeding at night. If your baby doesn’t feed very well, they might need to feed more frequently.
My seven-week-old baby refuses to wake up from her naps no matter how we try to, and is super awake at night, where she is fully awake the whole night without sleeping. what should I do?
Sounds like a case of day-night confusion! Bringing your baby out and about during the day can actually be beneficial for their sleep routine. When babies are exposed to daylight and fresh air during the day, it can help regulate their circadian rhythm and make it easier for them to differentiate between day and night. Taking your baby out for walks or engaging in other activities during the day can help them expend some of their energy, which can lead to better sleep at night.This can be helpful in preventing day-night confusion and encouraging longer stretches of sleep at night.
Typical Baby Sleep Routine and Habits
What is an example of a regular sleep schedule?
When babies are at a young age, I recommend parents to follow an “eat-play-sleep” routine and use the recommended wake windows as a gauge to how long babies should stay awake. The “eat-play-sleep” routine starts with feeding your baby when they wake up from sleep. This can be a breast or bottle feed, followed by some playtime with your baby. Playtime can involve things like tummy time, singing, talking, or playing with toys. After playtime, it’s time for your baby to sleep.The “eat-play-sleep” routine helps your baby to develop good sleep habits by ensuring that they don’t associate eating with sleeping. It also helps you to establish a predictable routine for your baby, which can help them feel more secure and comfortable.
By following the eat-play-sleep routine, shall I change diaper during “playtime”?
During “playtime” in an “eat-play-sleep” routine, you can change your baby’s diaper if needed.
What does a regular sleep routine look like?
Bedtime routine should last 20-30 minutes, and no longer than 45 minutes. Once baby completes the last feed of the day, give him/her a bath and pyjamas, read a storybook, sing a song, place your baby in his/her cot awake, turn off the light, and close the curtains.
My newborn sleeps at night for five hours from 8PM to 1AM, then feeds to sleep again after till 5AM. Is it considered a good sleeping habit?
Newborns typically have an irregular sleep pattern and may wake up frequently to feed. Sleeping for five hours straight at night is a good start, but it is important to continue to follow the baby’s cues and feed on demand. As the baby gets older, their sleep pattern may become more regular.
Should I give my baby a pacifier?
From the perspective of sleep training, the use of a pacifier can be a negative sleep prop. While pacifiers may be helpful for soothing and calming babies, they can also create a dependency that can interfere with a baby’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own. If a baby wakes up and is unable to find their pacifier, they may cry and need parental intervention to fall back asleep. This can result in fragmented sleep for both the baby and the parents, which can lead to sleep deprivation and other issues.
My child didn’t use a pacifier, but when she started to suck her thumb at one, I gave her one. Now when I wean her off the pacifier, she goes back to thumb sucking. How can I wean her off when she sleeps?
Cold turkey will be the quickest way. It is important to be patient and consistent, as it may take some time for the child to adjust to sleeping without the pacifier.
Should we play soothing music to let baby sleep?
Playing soothing music can be a helpful tool in creating a relaxing sleep environment for a baby. Soft lullabies or white noise can help soothe and calm a baby, and can also create a consistent sleep association.
Do babies snore?
Yes, babies can snore. Snoring in babies is usually caused by a blocked or narrow airway, and can be a sign of a cold or other respiratory illness. However, it’s important to note that some degree of snoring is normal in babies, especially in the first few months of life, as their airways are small and their breathing patterns are still developing. If your baby snores loudly or persistently, or if they seem to be having trouble breathing, it’s important to talk to your paediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Why do babies crying when they awake?
Babies cry after waking up for many reasons, including hunger, discomfort, feeling wet, needing a diaper change, feeling too cold or too warm, or just needing a cuddle. Crying is the only way for newborns to communicate their needs, so it’s important to pay attention to their cues and respond appropriately.
When Sleep Training is Disrupted
Sleep training doesn’t work every time, such as when a new tooth comes or there’s an illness. I would need to retrain.
It is common for sleep training to have setbacks when babies experience changes such as teething, developmental leaps, and illnesses. However, this does not mean that sleep training is not effective. It is important to remain consistent with the sleep routine and to adjust it as necessary to accommodate changes. Sleep trained baby generally can adapt to changes better than those who are not.
Sleep Training a Toddler
I sleep trained my son when he was one, but when he learnt how to climb out of his cot, we had to accompany him to fall sleep. Now he’s almost three and I haven’t been able to sleep train him back because he won’t stay in bed when I leave even if I say I’m coming back soon. How to sleep train a toddler who won’t stay in bed?
Sleep training a toddler who won’t stay in bed can be challenging, but it is important to establish consistent sleep routines and stick to them as much as possible. You may want to try gradual methods of sleep training, such as gradually decreasing the amount of time you spend inside your child’s room at bedtime, or implementing a reward system for staying in bed throughout the night. It is important to remain patient and consistent.
We sleep trained our baby when he was eight months old. When he hit 18 months, he started night wakings several times and always wanted mummy to sleep beside him. What could have happened and do we need to do sleep training again?
It is possible that your child is experiencing a sleep regression or is going through a developmental milestone that is causing night wakings. It is important to rule out any medical issues and make sure your child is not experiencing any discomfort. Remain consistent with the sleep routine and to adjust it as necessary to accommodate changes. If everything checks out, it may be necessary to retrain your child to help your child learn to self-soothe and sleep through the night.
How do I sleep train a toddler that is super energetic?
When it comes to sleep training a super energetic toddler, implementing a reward system can be helpful. For example, create a sticker chart where your child earns a sticker for each successful night of staying in bed and falling asleep on their own. Once they reach a certain number of stickers, they can earn a small reward, such as a special toy or activity. This helps motivate them to stick to the new sleep routine and reinforces positive behaviour. It’s important to be consistent and praise them for their efforts, even if they don’t earn a sticker every night. Over time, they should start to form a habit of sleeping through the night on their own.
At six weeks old my baby started sleeping on her own without me doing anything. But since 1.5 years old, she’s been waking up frequently at night and would need me to hold her hand. Does it mean I need to sleep train?
If your 1.5-year-old is waking up frequently at night and needing you to hold her hand, it may be a sign that she needs to learn to fall asleep independently. Sleep training can be a helpful approach, but it’s important to choose a method that you’re comfortable with and that takes your child’s temperament and needs into account
Both my kids are now used to co-sleeping with us. Is it too late to sleep train them now?
It’s never too late to establish healthy sleep habits. However, the older the child, the more challenging it may be to make changes. It’s important to be patient and consistent, and to involve your child in the process as much as possible. Start by gradually moving your child to their own bed or room, and establish a consistent bedtime routine.
Helping Older Siblings Adjust to a New Baby
I am a mother of three young children, aged 9, 3, and 1. How do I let my youngest one get used to a new baby in the house and the rest of the children know that the baby needs more attention now. Attention is very divided now, but I want to them to know that I love them equally.
While sleep training is not directly related to helping your older children adjust to a new baby, establishing consistent sleep routines can help to reduce stress and anxiety for everyone in the family. This may include setting consistent bedtimes and nap times for all children, as well as creating a calming bedtime routine that involves activities like reading a book or taking a bath. By establishing predictable routines and schedules, you can help to create a sense of stability and comfort for your children during a time of transition. Additionally, allowing your older children to be involved in the care of the new baby can help them feel included and valued, which may help to reduce feelings of jealousy or resentment.
About the Expert:
Leann Low is a Sleep Sense Certified Baby Sleep Consultant at Sleepy Bubba. As a certified baby sleep consultant, Leann’s objective is to provide parents with personalised plans and support to help them teach their children how to sleep independently. Having been a sleep-deprived mum herself, Leann is confident that she can assist families in achieving the quality sleep that both parents and little one require.