7 things to consider before 'Sleep-Training' your baby.

If you're reading this, you may well be at the point of thinking that you have no other option but to sleep train your baby. Perhaps you are exhausted from weeks without proper rest, emotionally drained and seriously questioning your abilities as a parent??  This is by no means an uncommon situation for parents with young children and although 'Sleep School' or hiring a sleep consultant may seem like the quick fix solution, there are a few things I'd like you to consider, before going down this particular route.


#1. Are you sure Sleep Training is the only answer?

Babies change at all ages and stages so you need to research reasonable expectations for babies of your child's age. Be kind to yourself. If you and your baby are well and happy, then you probably need not change a thing.  However, if your current routine is negatively impacting you and perhaps the whole family, or you are starting to feel angry, frustrated or resentful, then it is likely that some changes to routine would be beneficial.
Be warned however, sleep training is not for the faint hearted so you may like to consider some simple alternatives, first. Perhaps you could use some extra practical support? A trusted carer to take the baby while you sleep or a cleaner to help you stay on top of the housework, for a while? At the very least, this may help to take the pressure off you, as you take time to consider your situation. 

#2. Is your baby ready for a structured approach?

Most sleep training routines are designed for babies over 6 months of age. Below this age, parent training is much more appropriate! Learning how to recognise early tired signs and make modifications to routines, will allow you to provide your baby with the optimal opportunities and conditions for good sleep. Your Maternal Child Health Nurse or a midwife would be able to help with this.

#3. Do you have enough mental headspace and focus?

Is your diary free of holidays and big events, over the next couple of months? Disruptive situations are never helpful when planning changes on this level and the same is true regarding emotional disruptions. Most parents will experience relationship issues at some point in their parenting journey, particularly when they are sleep deprived. Be aware of your relationship challenges before you embark on sleep training your little one. It may be a stressful few weeks and mutual support and understanding is vital to your success. While the return of sleep may make the world of difference to your relationship, it is certainly going to require effort on both parts, in order for you to achieve your desired goals. 

#4. Do you know which method is most appropriate for you and your baby?

The answer to this question is, the method you are most likely to stick to! There are at least half a dozen popular sleep-training options, ranging from "cry it out" to 'gentle no-cry' methods. None have been proven more effective than the others so pick something that feels right for you. Go with a method that seems to match your parenting style in general. Ultimately, you have to live with your parenting choices and you know your baby better than anyone.

#5. Are you well supported?

Do you have family or friends who can lend a hand or at least an ear? Are they supportive of your choices? The decision to sleep train is rarely made lightly and certainly requires commitment. You will have thought long and hard about your options, so choose your support team wisely. If you are unsure how best to proceed, lack confidence or are confused about the most appropriate method for your style of parenting, then seek professional help. Calm confidence is the key and a professional can guide you every step of the way.

#6. This is the big one!

      Are you aware that sleep training may well make things worse, before they get better? 

Babies often, already have certain sleep associations when parents decide their only remaining course of action is to sleep train. Losing those associations may involve anything from a slight disruption to routine, to outright rebellion on the part of your baby or toddler. As a result your child may sleep less or wake more frequently before she settles into a new routine, so try not to be discouraged or lose sight of your reasons for change. This is quite normal.

#7. Did you know that teaching your baby to sleep, is not a one-off deal? 

Like many other lessons of childhood, such as eating healthily or cleaning teeth, learning to sleep well can often be an on going battle. Frustrating as it may be for exhausted parents, with consistent, loving repetition your child will eventually come to accept the inevitability of bedtime and most little ones eventually thrive on it's cosy predictability. However, even after your child learns to sleep through the night, sleep complications can still occur at any age. With each stage of development your child will naturally test boundaries and exercise resistance.  This is normal but it's always worth having a maintenance plan in mind, to ensure that your previous hard work and dedication, don't go to waste.


Just a few things to consider and discuss, before you decide to make that call.
I hope it helps you decide on the best course of action, for you and your family.



Katie Cortes
( Registered Midwife )
www.katiesbabies.com.au