Is it too early to start sleep training?

Many of you may have questions about sleep training, such as, ‘Do you think I need to sleep train my little one?’ and ‘When is the right time to start sleep training?’ So let us discuss this topic further and delve a little deeper into how to know when you can start to sleep train your little one.

How soon can I start?

Research suggests you can start sleep training any time after your baby is six months old. This allows your little one to undergo the four-month developmental progression, during which huge changes occur, and your baby’s circadian rhythm becomes established. Their sleep cycles mature into a more adult-like sleep pattern, and melatonin levels are regulated. While these changes are happening, their sleep can often be disrupted. Ultimately, the best time to start sleep training is from six months onwards, allowing your baby to progress through these permanent developmental changes. And do remember that it's definitely possible to help your little one develop healthy sleep habits, no matter their age. Whether you have a baby, toddler, or an older child, there are effective and customizable methods for establishing better sleep patterns.

Why might I want to sleep train?

Typically, the primary reason parents consider sleep training is when their current sleep situation is no longer sustainable. You might struggle to continue rocking or bouncing your little one to sleep multiple times during the night, or maybe these methods no longer help your baby sleep. It could also be a case of your little one just not getting a sufficient amount of sleep, whether that be due to multiple night wakes, bedtime resistance, early rising, or short day naps, for example. You may be in a situation where your sleep is suffering day after day, and it is beginning to impact your physical and mental health, as well as your ability to function well during the day.

Whatever your circumstance, if you feel that you need to make a change, sleep training can help your child learn healthy sleep habits, resulting in better sleep for everyone involved. Additionally, sleep training can help establish a consistent sleep routine, making it easier to plan your day and reducing stress and anxiety related to bedtime.

Ensure that it is a good time for your little one to be sleep trained

It is important that your little one is well and that no sickness is looming when you begin sleep training. I always suggest that you remedy any medical issues, such as reflux or colic, before commencing. You certainly don’t want to implement changes when your child is uncomfortable or unwell.

Are you ready for it?

You must be truly ready and want to change the current sleep structure. There is no perfect time to sleep train your little one; the best time is when it is right for you and your family.

I always recommend having an honest conversation with your partner to ensure that you are both on the same page. If they are happy with how things are going and don’t really see your struggle, I want you to try and have an open and honest discussion with your partner about the challenges you are facing. Sleep training is a process and requires consistency, so it is important for your partner to be on board.

Set realistic expectations

Sleep training doesn’t necessarily equate to zero night wakes, so depending on the age of your baby, they may still require night feeds.

Prepare for sleep training

If you are ready to sleep train, I always suggest being prepared for the process. To see positive changes to your little one’s sleep can take 2 weeks, although many see improved sleep a lot sooner. So, please plan ahead and try to clear your schedule for a couple of weeks. It's much easier for your little one to adapt and learn new sleep skills when they are in a routine. Find a time when you are home for the next few weeks and have no travel plans or visitors at home. Often, the first few days can be tiring, and sleep might be worse for you and your partner! But I promise that it gets so much better very quickly, so please don’t give up. Do remember that as the first few nights might be tough, it is important to plan a start date accordingly so that you don’t have crazy work deadlines or heavy meetings in place just as you begin.

Ready to make the change and restore quality sleep for your family?

Sleep training is a personal decision, and the right time to start varies from family to family. Once you are ready to start sleep training, it is so important to be consistent with the process and to follow through with it. If you have a partner, they need to be one hundred percent on board so that you can support one another and stay on course and consistent in your approach throughout the process. It really is a team effort.

It's important to remember that sleep training is a process, and so it can take time for your little one to adjust to a new routine. However, with patience, consistency, and dedication, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit the entire family.

If you have decided that it’s time to make some changes but don’t quite know how to begin your sleep training journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I offer a free, no obligation introductory call to better understand your needs, which is the first step to restoring sleep for your family.