Sleep Training: Does It Work, and What’s the Impact on You and Your Baby?
One of the most common conversations among new parents revolves around sleep. How much sleep are you getting? Is your baby sleeping through the night? If you’ve ever been asked that question—or found yourself anxiously googling it at 3 a.m.—you’re certainly not alone.
It’s natural to wonder if there’s something you should be doing to help your baby sleep longer or more soundly. That’s often when sleep training enters the conversation.
What Is Sleep Training?
Sleep training is a broad term used to describe methods aimed at encouraging babies to sleep independently—either by addressing perceived sleep issues or by building healthy sleep habits early on.
Generally, sleep training falls into two main categories:
1. Reactive Approaches (to “fix” sleep issues):
These include more structured methods like controlled crying or cry-it-out (CIO). These techniques usually involve letting your baby cry for short intervals before responding, in an attempt to help them learn to self-settle.
2. Preventative Approaches (to build good habits early):
These involve gently introducing routines and sleep cues—like dimming the lights, using white noise, or establishing a consistent bedtime routine—to help babies learn the difference between night and day.
Should You Sleep Train Your Baby?
This is a deeply personal question, and the answer will vary for every family. While some parents swear by sleep training, others prefer to follow their baby’s natural rhythms without formal intervention.
It’s also important to understand that frequent night waking is biologically normal for infants—especially in the first six months. In fact, regular waking may have a protective benefit, as studies suggest it can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Before deciding to sleep train, consider other potential reasons for frequent night waking, such as reflux, colic, growth spurts, or developmental changes. Not all night waking is a “problem” that needs solving.
Does Sleep Training Work?
The research on sleep training is mixed—especially for babies under six months. Some studies suggest that methods like controlled crying can improve sleep for many families. However, other reviews have found no significant long-term benefits for babies or parents in terms of sleep quality or emotional well-being.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on a baby’s stress levels. One study noted higher stress hormone levels in babies who experienced “cry-it-out” training. However, critics argue that more research is needed to determine the long-term effects.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Deciding whether or not to sleep train is a big decision and depends on your parenting style, your baby’s temperament, and your family’s overall well-being. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. What works for one baby might not work for another.
- There is no rush. Sleep patterns evolve naturally over time.
- You’re not doing anything wrong if you choose to rock, feed, or cuddle your baby to sleep.
- You’re not spoiling your baby. You’re comforting them—and that’s okay.
Need Support?
If you’re struggling with sleep and unsure what’s best for your family, consider reaching out to your health visitor or local sleep support services. They can help guide you through your options and tailor a sleep strategy that aligns with your parenting values.
And remember—whether your baby is sleeping through the night or waking every few hours—you’re doing a great job.
