If you have a child, you know that one of the most constant thoughts you have early on is: "When will they sleep more through the night... so that I can sleep more through the night!?" Some parents opt for sleep training sooner, and some get to it later, but whenever the time feels right, it's important to consider all the options so that you can choose the method that's right for your unique little one. When it comes to sleep training methods for babies and toddlers, there are several approaches that parents can consider. Here are some commonly mentioned sleep training methods:
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Ferber Method or Graduated Extinction: This method, popularized by Dr. Richard Ferber, involves gradually increasing the amount of time between checking on your baby when they cry at night. The goal is to teach them to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. Parents start with short intervals of comforting, gradually extending the time between checks to promote longer periods of sleep[3].
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Cry It Out Method: Also known as the "extinction" method, this approach involves allowing your baby to cry without any intervention until they fall asleep. It can be challenging for parents to listen to their baby cry, but proponents of this method argue that it teaches the baby to self-soothe and establish a sleep routine[4].
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Pick-Up, Put-Down: This gentle method involves picking up your baby when they fuss or cry, soothing them, and then putting them back down to sleep once they have calmed down. It aims to provide comfort and reassurance without allowing the baby to fully fall asleep in your arms. This method can be repeated as necessary until the baby falls asleep independently[5].
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Bedtime Fading: This method involves gradually shifting your baby's bedtime to a later time, closer to when they naturally feel sleepy. It helps to synchronize their internal sleep-wake clock with their desired sleep schedule. Over time, the bedtime is gradually shifted back to the desired earlier time[6].
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Chair Method or Camping Out: With this method, a chair is placed next to the baby's crib or bed. Initially, parents sit in the chair until the child falls asleep, gradually moving the chair closer to the door over time. Ultimately, the goal is for the child to fall asleep independently without the parent sitting in the chair[7].
It's important to note that these methods should be approached with care and tailored to the individual needs of the child and family. Consulting with a pediatrician or sleep specialist can provide additional guidance and support in choosing and implementing a sleep training method.
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