Sleep Training Newborn Babies

New or expecting moms often come across different Sleep Training techniques.

But what is Sleep Training?

Sleep training is the act of teaching a baby how to fall asleep independently and stay asleep throughout the night.

As a first time mom, I read a ton of books while preparing to welcome my new born baby girl. I was so excited and determined to do things the ‘right‘ way. I had her on a sleep schedule in no time and I was very strict. It gave me the confidence I needed when I had my second baby. Well guess what, no two babies are the same even if they are siblings.

When is the best time to sleep train a baby?

Experts recommend beginning sleep training when babies are 4 to 6 months old. This age range is the sweet spot, since babies are old enough to physically make it for six to eight hours overnight without needing to eat but aren’t quite at the point where the comforting you provide has become a sleep association.

Does sleep training work for all babies?

Yes, sleep training works for all babies if done properly and consistently at the right time.

My son’s sleep cycles were all over the place. They were very inconsistent and it was overwhelming. I knew the benefits of Sleep training very well. Sleep training teaches your baby healthy sleep habits, so they fall asleep faster, stay sleeping longer, and can get themselves back to sleep if they wake up in the middle of the night. It’s also beneficial for parents and allows new parents to get the rest they need. But it’s crucial that you remain consistent with the training.

I was always afraid of waking up my eldest that I ran to soothe my youngest at the slightest signs of crying, which eventually backfired because he got used to me being there for him all the time.

My son is over two years old now and his soothing methods are still lacking. But that’s okay. Every baby is different and it’s okay if some babies require extra cuddles in the middle of the night to help calm them down. They grow up so fast and soon enough we mom will miss the days when our babies needed our hugs to help make them feel better.

Here are some of my favorite books which helped me Sleep train my two toddlers:

On Becoming Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Dr. Robert Bucknam