As you may know, sleep training is a process of teaching babies to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night without parental assistance. The age at which sleep training can begin depends on a variety of factors, including the baby's temperament, health, and development.
Sleep training is a personal choice for parents. It is certainly not just for babies. Sleep struggles can exist at any age and it is never too late. However, it is recommended to wait until a baby is at least four months old (16 - 18 weeks from due date) before starting any formal sleep training program. This is the earliest you can formally sleep train, because babies younger than four months have immature sleep patterns, and their sleep cycles are not well-established.
At around four months, most babies have developed an internal biological clock and can start to learn self-soothing skills. It is around this time that they are also going through the 4 Month Sleep Regression. One might think that this is not a good time to sleep train, it is a great time to sleep train because the 4 Month Sleep Regression is a sign that your baby is ready for a sleep schedule and independent sleep.
Things to consider before sleep training:
Consult with your pediatrician:
Before starting any sleep training program, it's important to consult with your pediatrician to make sure your baby is healthy and ready. This step can also help to give you, the parent, peace of mind.
Consider your own readiness:
Parents should also consider their own readiness for sleep training, as it can be a challenging process that requires a lot of research, patience and consistency.
Consider hiring a Certified Sleep Consultant:
A Certified Child Sleep Consultant is a professional who specializes in helping families create healthy sleep habits for their children. With their expertise in sleep science and child development, they work with parents to create personalized sleep plans and provide support throughout the process.
If you are considering hiring a Certified Sleep Consultant, it is important to do your research and hire one that is well suited for your family, has experience, a certification from a well renowned program and beliefs that match your values. Ensure that you schedule a free introductory consultation so that you can be sure that you and they are a good match!
Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a well-rested family with the help of a Certified Child Sleep Consultant.
Wishing you rest,
