Restful Nights Ahead!
Let’s Get You Ready to Sleep Train!
Thank you for purchasing a package with Sleep Baby Consulting! Before your consultation, this guide will help you understand what sleep training is, and how to begin laying the foundation so your baby is set up for success before our call.
What is Sleep Training?
Sleep training is the process of helping your child fall asleep and stay asleep on their own by removing the sleep associations they’ve come to depend on or things like rocking, holding, feeding, or co-sleeping.
These associations act like vehicles that carry your baby into sleep.
Right now, you might be doing all the driving, rocking them to sleep, feeding them to sleep, or lying next to them. Our goal is to teach your child how to drive their own sleep vehicle. That means giving them the tools and space to fall asleep independently, something they can absolutely learn with time and support.
What to Expect While Sleep Training
Sleep training isn’t always a smooth ride, it’s more like a rollercoaster, with some great days, some tough ones, and plenty of little ups and downs. This is completely normal. But here’s something important to remember: sleep training also requires a mindset shift for you as the parent. It’s a big change, not just for your child, but for you too.
You may be used to helping your child sleep in specific ways, and change can feel uncomfortable. We want you to know: your child can do hard things and so can you.
Before we begin, take a moment to reflect on your “why.” Why are you choosing sleep training?
Is it to protect your mental health or help with postpartum anxiety or depression? To get better rest yourself? To have time to connect with your partner or care for your other children? To feel like you again? Whatever your reason, hold onto it. Let it be your anchor when the ups and downs feel overwhelming. Because this is temporary and the long-term benefits for your baby and your family are so worth it.
How to Prepare
Here are four important steps you can start now to gently prepare your child for sleep training.
1. Prep the Sleep Environment
White noise: Use a sound machine with continuous white noise (not music or nature sounds).
Blackout curtains: These help your child’s brain understand it’s time to sleep, no matter the time of day.
Separate sleep space: If you're co-sleeping, begin transitioning your child to their own sleep space—a bassinet, crib, or pack n play, whether in your room or their own.
Sleep sack: This wearable blanket keeps your child cozy and helps cue sleep time, while staying safe.
2. Protect Daytime Sleep
For now, your goal is simply to keep your child be well-rested during the day. A well-rested child learns better and adapts more easily during sleep training. So go ahead and support naps in whatever way works best right now:
Rocking
Holding
Feeding to sleep
Babywearing
Stroller walks
Car rides
This stage is about avoiding overtiredness—not creating new habits.
3. Work on Full Feeds
Start encouraging full feeds during the day instead of frequent "snacking." This helps support better sleep patterns and ensures your child is getting what they need during waking hours.
4. Start Waking Your Baby at a Consistent Time
Begin gently guiding your child toward a regular wake-up time each morning. Choose a time that feels realistic for your family and allows enough overnight sleep. Don’t worry about making it perfect, your consultant will help fine-tune this during your call. For now, consistency will help set your baby’s internal clock and lay the groundwork for a smoother daily rhythm.