Sleep Training
Sleep training isn't a one size fits all deal. Your child is like any other individual and has their own personality, needs, and goals. You might find yourself wanting to do the chair method where you give your child plenty of time to acclimate to your presence being further and further away from their crib. Alternatively, you might try the cry it out method (We STRONGLY advise against this) where your child eventually cries themself to sleep. You love your baby. You don't want them to be sad and you don't want them to think you're leaving them but you don't know what to do. You don't know how to handle this. Luckily someone came before us and figured out the best approach to this. Dr. Richard Ferber found a great way to give your child the gradual time to acclimate themselves to sleeping on their own but still allowing you to be present and remind them you're still around and they're still safe.
How does it work?
Ferber sleep method (otherwise known as the graduated extinction method) can be introduced typically between 4 months to 1 year of age. My experience has been successful introducing this sleep method around the 6 month mark when your child is already transitioning from a bassinet to a crib in their own room. It involves a gradual increase in time spent away from your child while they develop coping skills to sleep on their own. The ideal transition follows the chart below. :
| First Check in | Second Check in | Third Check in | Subsequent check ins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| 5 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| 12 | 15 | 17 | 17 |
| 15 | 17 | 20 | 20 |
| 17 | 20 | 25 | 25 |
Your child might adjust sooner than seven days, they might adjust slower. This is the guideline for what is commonly recommended by the American Association of Pediatricians.
Things of note
- When checking on your kiddo remember not to pick them up. You can pat or rub their back but you cannot pick them up as this will reset the clock for the day
- Start winding down 30-60 minutes prior to starting bed time. This can be accomplished by dimming lights, reading a couple books, and creating a relaxed space
- For best results try not to use screens 30-60 minutes before your kiddo goes down. Engaging content on TV or bluelight off phones can be detrimential to your kiddos sleep.
Benefits
- Allows you the comfort of knowing your baby still knows you're there
- Endorsed by the American Association of Pediatrics with numerous studies being conducted to prove its value
- Timeline can typically be accomplished within a week
Always remember any additional questions can be answered by your pediatrician. If you don't have one, we would recommend calling your local clinic or hospital and having them advise you how to get started with one.