Is it time to Sleep Train your Baby?

How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Ready to Sleep Train?

One of the most common questions we hear from parents is, “How do I know if it’s the right time to sleep train?” The truth is, there is no magical age when every baby is ready. Each child and each family is unique. But there are some signs that can help you decide whether now might be the right time to start working on independent sleep.

First Things First: Age Matters

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend waiting until your baby is at least 12 weeks old (adjusted age if born early) before beginning formal sleep training. Before that point, your baby’s sleep cycles are still maturing, and night waking for feeding are very normal.

If your baby is under 12 weeks old, don’t worry, you can still set them up for great sleep! Simple steps like following age-appropriate wake windows, offering full feedings during the day, creating a consistent bedtime routine, and exposing your baby to natural light during the day can all help improve sleep without formal sleep training. These small changes often make a big difference and can help your baby be ready for sleep training later if you choose to do it. We have more tips here.

Signs It Might Be Time to Sleep Train

Here are some clues that sleep training could be a helpful next step for your family:

• You feel like you’re doing “all the things” to get your baby to sleep.
  Rocking, feeding, bouncing, holding, co-sleeping…yet your baby is still waking frequently through the night and naps.

• You feel completely tapped out.
  When you’re running on empty and craving a little more independence from your baby, it’s a sign that something needs to shift.

• You’re returning to work (or already working) and exhaustion is taking a toll.
  If you’re worried that lack of sleep is affecting your focus, productivity, or mood, sleep training can help you get the rest you need to function at your best.

• Your relationship needs attention.
  If you and your partner feel like ships passing in the night and long for some quality time together in the evenings, helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently can give you back those quiet moments.

A Mindset Shift: It’s About Your Family

Many parents think sleep training is solely about the baby, but the decision is often about the whole family. If having a more predictable bedtime and longer stretches of sleep will help your household thrive, then it may be the right time to begin.

Sleep training is not about being a “perfect parent” or following someone else’s timeline. It’s about making sure everyone in your family (baby included) can get the rest they need to grow, connect, and enjoy life together.

Do you think it’s time?

If you want to speak to a consultant about how Sleep Baby can help your family, click here and someone will be in touch.