What are the 4 main sleep training methods?
So you’re thinking about sleep training, but you’re not really sure where to start? There are SO many methods to read online, so many different books claiming they are the solution—but who is actually right?
The short answer is: all of them.
Yeah, that’s right. You can successfully sleep train your child using a different method than your friend’s did, a different method than your mom chose, heck - maybe even a different method than you used with your first child.
So, what are these main sleep training methods and HOW do you choose which one to use?
Stay in the Room Method: This method allows you to stay with your child in their room as they fall asleep. You gradually wean yourself out of the room by physically moving yourself closer to the door each night. This method is great if you have anxieties around leaving your child alone because you can actually see them - not just through a monitor. This particular method is also great for toddlers since they are able to be reasoned with and are generally motivated to stay in their beds with you present in the room with them.
Extinction Method or “Cry It Out”: This method refers to finishing up your bedtime routine, laying your child down in their crib awake, and then leaving and shutting the door for the night. This method is often referred to as CIO (cry it out) and is most commonly linked to traditional sleep training. It has a bad reputation for being “cruel” but it is a method that works. This method generally sees huge improvement in the first 3 nights. This method is not great for parents who have high anxieties with crying. I don’t recommend this method to my clients because I find it vague and very hard for both the baby, and the parent.
Leave and Check Method: This method requires you to do your bedtime routine, lay your child down fully awake, and then leave the room for a set time. This time could be anywhere from 3-20 minutes. This sleep training method can also be referred to as the “Ferber Method.” While it does require the parent to leave the room while the child protests, it does allow you back in to check in and comfort them, only to leave again. This shows the child that they are still supported and that you are still there for them and love them, but sleep is now their job. This method is great for babies and toddlers who are still in a crib. It is also great for parents who don’t want to be in the room while their child is protesting the sleep changes.
No-Cry Sleep Method: This method is as it sounds - a no-cry sleep solution. While this works for some, the results take a very long time (6-8 weeks) to be shown. It requires heavy parental intervention and can often be confusing for the baby as they learn these new skills. Although it does take time, it does work. Dr. William Sears (who is against sleep training) says: “The way an infant goes to sleep at night is the way she expects to go back to sleep when she awakens. So, if your infant is always rocked or nursed to sleep, she will expect to be rocked or nursed back to sleep. Sometimes nurse her off to sleep, sometimes rock her off to sleep, sometimes sing her off to sleep, and sometimes use tape recordings, and switch off with your spouse on putting her to bed.”
With those 4 sleep training methods, I recommend that you research each one completely and then when trying to implement it, dive all the way in. Be consistent & predictable. I also want you to make sure that you feel confident in the method that you choose. Out of these 4 main sleep methods, the 2 I teach my families are: Stay in the room, and Leave and Check. I find those 2 give the best outcomes and quick results. One beauty of working with a sleep consultant is that even though I have 2 main methods I recommend, we aren’t only limited to those. There are hybrid versions of each and I am able to assess each situation based on the preliminary questionnaire I send out before our consultation to properly evaluate which method would work best.
One thing that remains consistent between all of the methods is the need for a solid bedtime routine. Bedtime routines are vital in order to have a great night’s sleep. The first thing I teach my clients is the importance and reasoning behind a solid bedtime routine. It is also super important to have a great feeding schedule stabilized so that you can feel confident that your child can become a pro sleeper!
Here are some downloadable bedtime routine charts to have handy on your phone or printed off for easy use.
Downloadable Bedtime Routine 0-12 Weeks
Downloadable Bedtime Routine 3-5 Months
Downloadable Bedtime Routine 6-12 Months
Downloadable Bedtime Routine 12-36 Months
Downloadable Bedtime Routine 3-6 Years
If you’d like some guided support on how to sleep train your baby, I’d love to work with you. Schedule a free discovery call with me today to chat & see if we’d be a good fit.
