Sleep training aims to help babies develop consistent sleep patterns to sleep more independently from you. It has long been a topic of debate among parents and child development experts, with both sides touting emotional claims that can overwhelm new parents.
The research doesn’t help, as studies are limited (see a deep dive on this from Dr. Cara Goodwin of The Parenting Translator, “What does the research actually say?”
Hint: There’s not a compelling case for sleep training, even from the academic world, so give yourself some grace to choose what feels best for your family. Let’s break down some key thoughts from our perspectives here at Joy:
Sleep training doesn’t necessarily mean “cry it out.”There are more responsive methods and some that are “no-cry” alternatives, where sleep educators will work with you on soothing strategies and consistent routines that can help. However, even many gentle or gradual methods do involve some crying.
It’s not something you have to do as a parentSleep training is more of a recent emphasis in Westernized cultures, while co-sleeping and close physical contact are the norm in other cultures. Many families sleep train, and many families co-sleep. They are both “normal” and can be healthy choices based on the individual circumstances of your family.
Babies don’t inherently need to be trainedSleep training doesn’t guarantee a sleeping baby, and co-sleeping doesn’t mean your baby won’t sleep. One study shows that it doesn’t matter in the long run either, as children all pretty much slept the same by about age six.
Your baby’s temperament can be an important factor.Anecdotally, it’s common for parents of more sensitive babies to report better sleep with close, responsive nighttime parenting. In contrast, parents of more independent babies take fine to self-settling strategies found in sleep training.
Are there gains?
There aren’t clear benefits to sleep training for babies and children, but there is some evidence that it can improve parent sleep by 15 minutes — or parent perception of the baby’s sleep.
Is it harmful?
There is no evidence that sleep training is harmful, but this is also hard to study in the first place, which makes it hard to say anything definitively.
Is it for you?
If you feel like it calms you and supports developmentally-appropriate sleep needs in your baby, then it may be worth the effort. It may be worth skipping if it adds stress and leads to heightened expectations for your baby’s sleep. Note: many experts don’t recommend sleep training before six months old.
Looking for an objective voice to learn more about sleep training? Consider following Parenting Journalist Amanda Ruggeri, who specializes in studying and reporting on infant sleep research from all angles, including the history/anthropology of parenting practices.