How to Sleep Train Your Baby

How do I get my baby to fall asleep on their own? Every one has this question in mind. The answer is very simple. You have to teach them. That’s it. The baby has to learn how to fall asleep and stay asleep on his own. So how do you sleep train a baby? Keep reading!

Sleep Training Methods

There are many ways of teaching the baby how to sleep on his own. And the most common and famous method is sleep training. There are different types of sleep training methods such as Ferber Method, 4 S’s method etc. All these methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Which method you want to use totally depends on you.

How to know if your baby is ready for sleep training

Before you start to sleep train, you have to know if your baby is ready for it or not. There are some signs which show that your baby is ready for sleep training.

• Your baby should be able to sleep for at least 5-6 hours at night without waking up.
• If your baby is taking naps regularly during the day, then it is also a good sign that your baby is ready for sleep training.
• Another sign is that your baby should be at least 4 months old.

These are the general signs which show that your baby is ready for sleep training. But every baby is different and you should start the sleep training only when you feel that your baby is ready for it.

The Ferber Method

A common sleep training style that a lot of parents use is known as “The Ferber Method” or “Ferberizing”. The method is named after Dr. Richard Ferber who wrote the best selling book ” Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems “.

The Ferber Method involves letting the baby cry for brief periods of time and then progressively lengthening the intervals between your visits.

Here is how it works:

1. Choose a bedtime when your baby is typically sleepy but not yet asleep. For example, if your baby usually falls asleep at 7:00 pm, put him to bed at 6:45 pm.
2. Put your baby in his crib awake. Say goodnight and leave the room.
3. If your baby cries, go to him at regular intervals. For example, you might go in at 3 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes the first night. Then, go in at 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 12 minutes the next night. Slowly increase the intervals between your visits until he is sleeping through the night. For example, you might go in at 15 minutes, 17 minutes, and 20 minutes on the fifth night.
4. If your baby cries during the night, use the same progressive schedule.

The key to this method is to be consistent. It might be difficult to listen to your baby cry, but if you stick with it, he should learn to fall asleep on his own.

The Ferber Method is a great way to teach your baby how to sleep on his own. However, it can be tough for parents to follow through with. If you are finding it difficult to let your baby cry, there are other options available. You can try the “4 S’s”

4 S’s Gentle Sleep Training Method

The 4 S’s method is a more gentle way of sleep training. This method was created by Dr. Harvey Karp in his book ” The Happiest Baby on the Block “.

The 4 S’s stands for setting the stage, swaddling, sitting, and shushing/patting.

The Breakdown:

1. Setting the stage means getting your baby ready for sleep. This includes making sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool. You should also make sure your baby has a full tummy and a clean diaper.
2. Swaddling means wrapping your baby in a tight blanket so that he feels secure and warm. This will help your baby to stay calm and fall asleep.
3. Sitting means holding your baby upright in your lap. This will help to soothe your baby and get him ready for sleep.
4. Shushing/patting means making a shushing sound and patting your baby’s back. This will help to calm your baby and get him ready for sleep.

The 4 S’s is a great way to get your baby to sleep on his own. It is a more gentle method than the Ferber Method, and it can be easier for parents to follow through with.

Wrapping Things Up

If you’re like me, and have a baby that likes to party all night long, then you need to try to sleep train your baby using these methods and tips. I guarantee your little one will be catching some zzz’s in no time! And who knows, maybe you’ll even get a chance to catch up on your own beauty sleep.

For more information on your little one’s sleep, check out the Baby Sleep Cheat Sheet. Let us know your sleep training successes in the comments 🙂