Sleep Training

If your infant regularly wakes up during the night and it’s affecting your health or quality of life, consider sleep training. At Newton Pediatrics, the expert pediatricians regularly work with parents to establish sleep training protocols.

What is sleep training?

Sleep training teaches your infant how to self-soothe and fall back asleep if they wake up during the night. The goal is to get your child to be comfortable on their own, even when you’re resting. Once a child is sleep trained, they can sleep for 8-12 hours per night. That equates to more energy during the day, less fussiness, and improved overall quality of life for your entire family.

When should I start sleep training my baby?

Newton Pediatrics recommends you start sleep training between the ages of four and six months. Before that, infants haven’t developed a natural circadian rhythm, so they’re more likely to wake up at unusual times. If you’re a new parent, it’s normal to wonder if you’re starting sleep training too soon. Even so, if your baby falls asleep on their own at night, it’s a good sign that you can move forward.

Is sleep training absolutely necessary?

Sleep training is a personal preference. Your child’s provider at Newton Pediatrics won’t force you to participate. After all, everyone learns to fall asleep on their own, even if it takes a while. That said, sleep training has a proven record of success, and it can improve your and your baby’s lives for the better. If your baby doesn’t sleep well, it’s distressing for you and your child. What’s more, if your child doesn’t get into the habit of falling asleep on their own, they might develop a long-term condition like pediatric insomnia. When your baby gets a full night’s sleep, they’ll function and feel their best.

What does sleep training involve?

No two sleep training regimens are exactly alike, but Newton Pediatrics recommends adhering to a few specific guidelines:

Allow your baby to self-soothe. If they start nodding off, put them in their crib.
Separate yourself from your baby, so they’re encouraged to self-soothe.
Go to bed at the same time each night.
Know there will be rough nights.
Be patient and keep a positive attitude.

Sleep training isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Following an in-office consultation, your child’s Newton Pediatrics provider can make recommendations that align with their needs.

Are there different types of sleep training?

Yes. Newton Pediatrics teaches parents several types of sleep training, including the cry it out method, the Ferber method, and the fading method. After an in-office discussion and a review of your child’s medical history, Newton Pediatrics can make a recommendation that makes the most sense for your family. It may take several tries to find the type of sleep training that meets your child’s needs.

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Your child deserves compassionate, high-quality medical care at every stage of growth.