Sleep is essential for a baby’s growth and development, but it can be challenging to establish healthy sleep habits. Sleep training is a technique that parents use to help their infants or toddlers learn to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own. One of the most popular methods of sleep training is the cry it out method.
What is Cry It Out Sleep Training?
The cry it out method, also known as controlled crying or extinction sleep training, involves allowing your child to cry themselves to sleep without offering any comfort or intervention. The idea behind this method is that babies and toddlers will eventually learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own without needing assistance from their parents.
The cry it out method was first introduced by Dr. Richard Ferber in his book “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems.” According to Dr. Ferber, the cry it out method can be effective for babies as young as 6 months old.
How Does Cry It Out Sleep Training Work?
The cry it out method involves putting your baby down to sleep while they are still awake and then leaving them alone in their crib. If they start crying, you wait a set amount of time before going into the room to check on them. Each subsequent night, you gradually increase the amount of time you wait before checking in on them.
For example, on the first night, you might wait five minutes before going into the room to check on your baby. On the second night, you might wait ten minutes before going in. On the third night, you might wait fifteen minutes before going in, and so on.
The goal of this method is to teach your baby how to self-soothe and fall asleep without needing assistance from you. Over time, your baby will learn that crying doesn’t result in you coming to their aid, and they will eventually learn to fall asleep on their own.
Benefits of Cry It Out Sleep Training
The cry it out method can be effective for establishing healthy sleep habits in babies and toddlers. Some benefits of the cry it out method include:
- Improved sleep for both parents and baby
- Teaches babies how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own
- Can lead to longer stretches of sleep during the night
- Can help establish a consistent sleep routine
Challenges of Cry It Out Sleep Training
The cry it out method is not without its challenges. Some parents may find this method difficult to implement due to:
- The emotional toll of hearing their baby cry for extended periods of time
- Guilt or anxiety over leaving their baby alone to cry
- Fear that their baby will never learn to trust them or feel secure
- The possibility of negative effects on attachment or emotional development
It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. What works for one family may not work for another. It’s essential for parents to consider all options and choose a method that aligns with their values and parenting style.
Cry It Out Age: When Can You Start?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby is at least six months old before attempting any type of sleep training. This is because younger babies may still require nighttime feedings, and it’s essential for them to receive proper nutrition.
However, every baby is different, and some babies may be ready for sleep training earlier than others. It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and work with your pediatrician to determine the best time to start sleep training.
Cry It Out Nap Training
Sleep training isn’t just for nighttime sleep. Many parents also struggle with getting their babies to nap during the day. The cry it out method can be used for nap training as well.
When using the cry it out method for nap training, it’s important to establish a consistent nap routine and follow the same steps you would for nighttime sleep training. However, keep in mind that naps may take longer to establish than nighttime sleep, and it may require more patience and persistence.
Gentle Sleep Training Techniques
If the cry it out method doesn’t feel right for your family, there are other gentle sleep training techniques you can try. These methods involve gradually reducing your involvement in your baby’s sleep routine over time, rather than leaving them alone to cry.
Some gentle sleep training techniques include:
- The fading method: Gradually reducing how much help you offer your baby in falling asleep
- The pick-up-put-down method: Picking up your baby when they cry and putting them back down when they’re calm but still awake
- The chair method: Sitting next to your baby’s crib until they fall asleep, then gradually moving further away over time
Conclusion
Sleep training can be a challenging process, but it’s an essential part of establishing healthy sleep habits in babies and toddlers. The cry it out method is one popular technique that can be effective when used correctly. However, it’s important to consider all options and choose a method that aligns with your values and parenting style.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. What works for one family may not work for another. With patience, persistence, and a little bit of trial and error, you can find a sleep training method that works for you and your baby.