Sleep training can be a beneficial process for many babies and their families, helping to establish healthy sleep patterns and promote better rest for both the baby and the parents. Sleep training involves teaching babies to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, which can reduce nighttime wake-ups and the need for parental intervention. For parents who are sleep-deprived, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can lead to improved well-being for the whole family.

One of the main benefits of sleep training is that it encourages babies to develop healthy sleep habits early in life. This can lead to better emotional and physical development, as sleep is essential for brain growth and overall health. Babies who learn to sleep through the night may experience improved moods, better focus during waking hours, and even stronger immune systems.

There are various methods of sleep training and parents should choose one that aligns with their values and their baby's needs. While some critics believe sleep training can be stressful for babies, most pediatricians agree that when done properly and with sensitivity, sleep training is safe and effective. It's important to remember that every baby is different, and parents should consult their pediatrician to find the best approach for their family.

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While formal sleep training usually begins around 4 to 6 months, you can start laying the groundwork for independent sleep with newborns. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine early on can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Simple practices like swaddling, using white noise, and dimming the lights can create a calming environment. Encouraging self-soothing is also key; allowing your baby a few moments to fuss before intervening can help them learn to settle themselves. Additionally, differentiate day and night by keeping the environment bright and engaging during the day while making nighttime quieter and darker. These early habits can set a solid foundation for sleep independence as your baby grows, making the transition to more structured sleep training easier if the time comes. Of course, always consult with your pediatrician for tailored advice based on your baby's specific needs.

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Sleep training is the way that a little one learns how to fall asleep on their own. For some, this means no longer needing to be fed to sleep. For others, it means no longer needing a parent to lay with them to fall asleep.

No matter what sleep prop (outside assistance) you are trying to remove, sleep training will help your baby learn to sleep independently.

Once sleep trained, your child will have the skills they need to soothe themselves to sleep for daytime sleep and nighttime sleep. This new skill allows them to get the quality sleep they need because their sleep is less disrupted by searching for, crying for or waking for their previous sleep props.

Sleep training also helps to increase the quantity of sleep (for both days and nights) because once a child has the skill to fall asleep, they fall asleep more quickly and with less stress than not having the skill. Less time getting to sleep means more time sleeping.

This is great news for the little one and also for their caregivers – reclaiming rest is a win-win for everyone!

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Yes! Sleep consultants can be very helpful, especially if you’re struggling with sleep issues like your child waking multiple times at night or if you're trying to establish healthy sleep habits for your child. A sleep consultant provides personalized strategies, a plan, and support, which can be extremely beneficial.

When you hire a Sleeper Teachers baby sleep trainer, you work one-on-one to get a customized sleep plan and daily support for your family. You will have a step-by-step plan to guide you on how to implement the changes to teach your child the skill of independent sleep. When you are up in the middle of the night, you won’t need to search for answers online or second guess your decision because you will have a specific plan that has been made for your family. Your Sleeper Teachers consultant will be there alongside you to troubleshoot, answer your questions, and celebrate your successes!

But don’t take my word for it, here’s a recent review from a parent:

“Stellan had yet to sleep through the night when he was about to turn 4 years old. We reached out to
Missy and from the word go, she was so kind and reassuring! She spent the time getting to know
everything about Stellan and his routines, then worked up a step by step plan tailored specifically to
his needs (including considerations for our family’s crazy busy lifestyle). She was so encouraging
through all the hard parts and the victories, helping us pivot when we needed to and celebrating all
the steps forward! Stellan sleeps through the night now and the whole family is doing so much
better! 1000% recommend Missy and am so grateful for her!”

Kristin, mom of 4 year old