The Best Sleep Training Methods: What Works and How to Choose

If you’ve found yourself searching "What is sleep training?" you are not alone. Thousands of parents and caregiver like you have searched for solutions to help their baby sleep better at night. Most eventually stumble upon Sleep Training and realize that it is a crucial step in helping your baby develop healthy sleep habits. But with so many methods out there, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for your family. In this guide, we’ll explore the top sleep training methods, backed by science, so you can make an informed decision that works best for your baby and your lifestyle.

What Is Sleep Training?

Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep independently and stay asleep through the night. This involves helping your baby develop the skills they need to self-soothe and transition between sleep cycles without needing your help. The ultimate goal is to improve sleep for both your baby and your family.

Why Is Sleep Training Important?

Quality sleep is essential for your baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being. By establishing healthy sleep habits early on, you’re setting the foundation for better sleep throughout their childhood and beyond. Sleep training helps prevent issues like frequent night wakings, short naps, and difficulties falling asleep, all of which can disrupt your baby’s sleep and your own.

Top Sleep Training Methods Backed by Science

 

1. Cry It Out (CIO) / Extinction Method

   • What It Is: The Cry It Out method, also known as the extinction method, involves providing your baby the space to cry until they learn to fall asleep on their own. This method aims to break the cycle of sleep associations, such as needing to be rocked or fed to sleep.
   • Success Rate: Studies show an 80-90% success rate within 1-2 weeks, making it one of the most effective sleep training methods.
   • How Long It Takes: Most babies adjust within 3-7 days, though it can take up to two weeks for some.

2. Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)

   • What It Is: The Ferber Method, or graduated extinction, is a gentler variation of CIO. Parents gradually increase the time between comforting their baby as they cry, helping them learn to self-soothe with less distress. Note, for some babies the checkins do upset them more. In these cases, the method should be changed to CIO.
   • Success Rate: Research shows a 70-80% success rate, with noticeable improvements in the first week.
   • How Long It Takes: Typically 4-7 days, with some parents seeing results by the third night.

3. Chair Method

   • What It Is: The Chair Method involves parents sitting in a chair next to the baby’s crib, gradually moving the chair farther away each night until the baby can fall asleep without their presence. This method provides comfort while encouraging independence.
   • Success Rate: Around 60-70% success rate, though it may take longer to achieve results.
   • How Long It Takes: This method can take 1-3 weeks, depending on your consistency and your baby’s temperament.

4. Pick Up/Put Down Method

   • What It Is: With the Pick Up/Put Down Method, parents pick up the baby to comfort them when they cry and then put them back in the crib to sleep. This process is repeated until the baby learns to fall asleep independently.
   • Success Rate: Approximately 60% success rate, but results can vary based on the baby.
   • How Long It Takes: This method usually takes 2-3 weeks, with gradual improvements.

5. Bedtime Fading

   • What It Is: Bedtime Fading involves putting your baby to bed at a later time when they are more likely to be tired, then gradually moving bedtime earlier as they adjust. This method helps babies fall asleep more easily without significant crying.
   • Success Rate: Success rates are around 70-80%, particularly effective for babies who struggle with falling asleep at the desired bedtime.
   • How Long It Takes: Bedtime Fading typically takes 1-2 weeks, with most parents seeing improvements in the first week.

6. No Tears Method

   • What It Is: The No Tears Method is a gentle approach where parents comfort their baby whenever they cry, gradually reducing their involvement over time. This method is ideal for parents who prefer to minimize crying but requires more patience.
   • Success Rate: Around 50-60% success rate, with slower but steady progress.
   • How Long It Takes: Can take several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly your baby adapts.

What Does the Research Say About Sleep Training?

Scientific research shows that all of these sleep training methods can be effective, but the success rates and timelines vary. The Cry It Out and Ferber methods are consistently among the most effective, offering the highest success rates in the shortest time. Importantly, studies have shown that these methods do not cause long-term emotional harm to babies, making them safe and reliable options for parents.

Gentler methods like the Chair Method, Pick Up/Put Down, and No Tears also work but require more time and patience. These methods are often preferred by parents who are uncomfortable with letting their baby cry, though they may take longer to see results. Some parents start with these methods but ultimately switch to Ferber or CIO to see success.

Choosing the Right Sleep Training Method for Your Baby

When it comes to sleep training, the best approach depends on your comfort level, your baby’s temperament, and your ability to remain consistent. Research shows that methods like Cry It Out, Ferber, and Bedtime Fading tend to offer the quickest and most reliable results. However, gentler methods can also be effective if you’re willing to invest more time.

The Simple Parenting Sleep Training Plan includes options for Cry It Out and Ferber and has an almost 100% success rate for parents who follow it consistently for 14 days.

 

Conclusion

If you’re searching for the best sleep training method for your baby, understanding the science behind each approach can help you make an informed decision. Whether you choose a method that works quickly like Cry It Out or a gentler approach like the No Tears Method, the key is consistency and patience. By selecting the right sleep training method for your family, you’ll be on your way to helping your baby develop healthy sleep habits and enjoy more restful nights for everyone.

If you are ready to sleep train, and Cry It Out or Ferber seem like a good fit for you, the Simple Parenting Sleep Training Plan is a great fit for you.