Sleep Training Techniques: Best Postpartum Relief
You waited nine months for this moment, and finally, your cutie pie is now in your arms. Nothing can aptly describe your excitement and keep you from cuddling her. A few weeks have passed, and she’s still as cute as ever, but her sleep tantrums are now unbearable, and you don’t know what to do.
Dear new parent, you are not alone. Many families are in the same boat, with either parent taking a night shift to get the baby to sleep. You should know that sleep difficulties are normal for children and will become more stable and consistent over time.
But, there are ways to help your baby learn to sleep independently, peacefully, and without fuss. You can apply sleep training techniques to make your baby fall asleep without help. This article explores some of the best sleep training methods and why you should or shouldn’t try them.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
How Does Sleep Training Work?
The concept of sleep training is to teach your baby to fall asleep independently. In other words, without your input or pacifying them. There are well-established sleep training techniques you can use (which we discuss here), or you can create something that works for you.
Some people think Sleep training is a bit harsh because babies will have to get used to a new system, usually after crying and discomfort. However, if your focus on the result, which is a win-win for you and your baby, it’s worth it. Now let’s see popular sleep training methods to try.
Sleep Training Techniques
Ferber Method
The Ferber Method, named after the pediatrician Dr. Richard Ferber, suggests that you place your baby in their crib when they feel sleepy. Come back to check on your baby when the crying starts but only after a few minutes. When you get in the room, don’t pick up or rock your baby; a rub or pat should do.
Keep coming back to check on your baby at preset intervals, and increase the time interval each time. So, for instance, you can start with 4 minutes, then 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and so on. Continue this practice daily and over the week, and you should see improvements.
Pros
- After a few days, your baby will learn to soothe and fall asleep without your help
- You’ll have more time for yourself and your spouse
- Arguably a better approach than the Crying It Out Method
Cons
- Your baby might feel frustrated when crying, and nobody shows up immediately
- The crying can take a long time and can leave you emotional and worried
- You’re leaving your baby on their own for some time
Cry It Out
This is undoubtedly the most controversial and ‘gangster’ approach to sleep training. You tuck your baby in for the night, say good night, and ignore them till morning. You’re not to respond to the crying when it starts, and it’s expected that your baby will cry it all out and learn quickly to sleep without help.
There are conflicting views about this method among sleep consultants and experts. While some believe it’s a quick, safe, and effective way to get your baby to sleep, others think it poses a real danger and should be avoided. We think you can explore this sleep training technique but feel free to customize the approach.
For instance, you can return to the room and comfort your baby after a while or feed them at preset times if needed.
Pro
- It helps your baby sleep independently after a very short time.
Cons
- Your baby will cry for a long time, and you might feel guilty.
- Babies might become adapted to crying before bed.
- Some people think leaving your baby to cry is harmful, but there are no studies to back this up.
- This technique may not work for older babies because they might pick on your antics.
Pick Up and Put Down Method
This is a more gentle and reassuring approach to sleep training. If you use this method, you won’t have crying bouts and long nights thinking about how insensitive your actions are. This approach demands that you stay in the room or close by and attend to your baby whenever needed.
You can decide to give them a pat on the back, nudge them gently, rub their back, or scoop them into your arms for a few minutes. After soothing your crying baby and they are calm again, return them to their crib.
Pros
- This is a no-cry method.
- It’s a more gentle approach to getting your baby to sleep.
Cons
- It will take a long time to see lasting results.
- You and your baby will get exhausted after a while with these repetitive actions.
- Babies may get used to this technique and not be motivated to settle in and sleep independently.
- You will have a difficult time if your baby is weighty.
Other Sleep Training Techniques That Work
Chair Method: You must enter your baby’s room when the crying starts and sit on a chair. It gives your baby a sense that mommy is there for them. However, you shouldn’t attend to them; many experts don’t support this method.
Fading Method: You will do everything from rocking, singing, patting, and cuddling your baby to help them fall asleep. It’s a gentle approach that aims to make babies more independent over time, and the con is that it takes time and physically drains you.
How Long Does Sleep Training Take?
There is no fixed time frame for sleep training to work; however, the technique you choose will determine if it takes too long or not. For instance, the Cry It Out approach takes a relatively shorter time to see results than other methods. Generally, expect to see results after a few weeks.
Last Words
Sleep training helps if you want your baby to learn to settle in and soothe themselves to sleep. Try any technique that works for you, and be consistent. It is also best to consult an expert so they can help you make the best decision for your baby.
Originally posted 2022-07-14 21:53:19.
Megan Santiago
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