When should I start sleep training my baby?
INFANT
The appropriate time to start sleep training your baby can vary, but most experts suggest that it's best to begin between 4 and 6 months of age. It's important to remember that every baby is unique, and the ideal time for sleep training may differ for each individual child.
Before you consider sleep training, ensure that your baby has reached the following developmental milestones:
Ability to self-soothe: Your baby should be able to self-soothe, which means they can calm themselves without needing your intervention. This typically develops around 3-4 months of age.
Consistent weight gain: Make sure your baby is gaining weight steadily and is not experiencing any growth issues. This is important to ensure that they can sleep for longer stretches without needing to be fed.
Established circadian rhythm: At around 4 months of age, most babies start to develop a more consistent sleep-wake cycle, which means they are better able to distinguish between day and night.
Once your baby has reached these milestones, you can start thinking about sleep training. It's essential to choose a sleep training method that aligns with your parenting style and your baby's temperament. There are various methods to choose from, including the Ferber method, the "no-cry" approach,