How do I sleep train my baby?
1 min read
Around 4 months and older, the gentlest approach is to put your baby to bed drowsy but still awake so they learn to fall asleep on their own, in their own bed.
Babies don't have regular sleep cycles until about 4 months, so before then the focus is meeting needs and building good habits rather than formal training. If you always rock or hold your baby fully to sleep, they may struggle to resettle when they naturally wake during the night. Self-soothing is a learned life skill, not "crying it out" or ignoring your baby.
When your older baby stirs, give them a few minutes before rushing in, since brief night waking and resettling is normal. Of course, still respond if they're hungry, need changing, or seem unwell.
What you can do
- Put your baby down drowsy but awake so they learn to settle themselves.
- Build a calm, consistent bedtime routine each night.
- Pause before rushing in; give your baby a chance to resettle.
- Keep nighttime check-ins quiet, brief, and low-key.
Based on AAP guidance. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
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