6 Sleep Training Tips and Tricks for New Parents (from a Professional Sleep Trainer)

Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about Sleep Training Tips for New Parents.

Photo by Laura Garcia from Pexels

As new parents, many of us realize that sleep deprivation will be par for the course when raising newborns. 

What happens, though, when your baby starts to get a little older and routine sleep habits are still non-existent? 

In times like these, it might be best to contact a professional sleep trainer; however, you can still find trusted sleep training tricks and tips to get your baby on a sleep schedule that works for your family.

In addition to choosing evidence-based sleep science techniques to help structure your little one’s routine, there are also six key tips you need to know.

What are the Five Best Sleep Training Methods?

When it comes to sleep training tips, one of the first things you should look at is whether one of the most common techniques for getting babies to sleep will work for your child. Whether you’re interested in cry-it-out or non CIO sleep training options, there are five evidence-based sleep science techniques you should know about.

Cry-it-Out

While the cry-it-out sleep training method is one of the most controversial options available, it’s proven to be an effective way to provide baby sleep help. What’s more, studies have shown that during a study of 43 babies who were left to self-soothe, none of them showed significant signs of emotional distress or attachment issues a year later.

Ferber Sleep Training

The Ferber Method is known as a graduated extinction sleep training method. This technique involves teaching baby to self-soothe by leaving them to cry in their crib for certain periods. Then, after the period is over, you can quickly check on them before leaving and extending the amount of time you stay away.

Chair Method

When it comes to sleep training infants, many parents don’t like the idea of leaving them alone in their room. In situations like this, the chair method can be helpful. You simply sit in a chair near the baby’s bed until they fall asleep.

Bedtime Fading Method

As with many other aspects of infant care, paying attention to your baby’s cues is essential during the sleep training process. 

When you’re trying to get them into bed at a certain time, their bodies might not feel “ready” to go to sleep. Instead of forcing them to go to bed when they’re not tired, wait for babies’ sleep cues before laying them down. Then, gradually make their bedtime earlier in 15-minute intervals.

Pick-Up, Put-Down Sleep Training Method

If you’re interested in non-CIO sleep training options, the pick-up, put-down method could be for you. First, you’ll simply go through your little one’s usual bedtime routine.  Then, you’ll lay them down in their crib. If he or she starts to cry, give them a couple of minutes to see whether they’ll settle themselves. If they don’t, quietly go back in, pick them up to comfort them, put them back down, and leave the room. You can do this until they eventually fall asleep.

6 Sleep Training Tricks for Successful Sleep Habits

Whether you choose one of the sleep training methods above or create your own method for getting babies to sleep, it can be helpful to have some trusted sleep training tips on your side.

Consider the following suggestions during your quest to figure out how to put a baby to sleep:

• Create a regular bedtime routine and stick with it. Spend 30-45 minutes before putting your baby to bed doing things like giving a bath, rocking them, reading a story, or nursing.
• Establish a safe sleep environment for your little one. This includes buying a safe crib, laying them down on their back, and not using blankets.
• Put your baby down for the night while they’re awake. No matter which sleep training method you choose, you should always lay your baby down while they’re awake.
• Time your sleep transition accordingly. Times when your baby is facing difficulties, like getting over a cold, a sleep regression, or you’re getting ready for vacation are not the best for establishing bedtime routines.
• Search for sleep cues. Look for signs your baby is tired, like when they’re yawning or rubbing their eyes.
• Don’t rush to their side. Here’s a well-known fact about babies – they make a lot of strange noises. If you hear your little one crying in their sleep, give them a chance to calm down before rushing in to help them.

Choosing the Best Sleep Training Tips & Techniques for Your Baby

When you’re ready to help your baby learn how to sleep alone and stick to a sleep schedule, consistency is key. So, before you choose a sleep training method or start using one of these trusted sleep training tricks, it’s important to find a process that works for your family’s unique needs.

If you want to learn more about your options, be sure to find a sleep consultant who can offer reliable sleep training tips you and your baby are sure to love!