Wondering if sleep training is for you? There is SO much information online about what sleep training is and what it isn’t. It can be so hard to find someone you trust. I totally get that. In the beginning stages of newborn life, I was quite literally feeling helpless. I was googling information at all hours of the day (and night). I found so much conflicting information on sleep training. Let’s dive into 5 sleep training myths to help you learn what to expect from your little one and from sleep training.
What is Sleep Training?
Sleep training can be a taboo subject for many people. Sleep training is simply teaching your child the very important, life-long skill of independent sleep — to fall asleep and stay asleep on her own.
We teach our children how to roll, sit, crawl, walk, eat and speak; sleeping should not be any different. Sleep dependencies such as rocking, swaying, and feeding can lead to inconsistent naps, bedtime battles, very late bedtimes, multiple night wakings, and disrupted, restless sleep. The sooner we can help our babies learn to fall asleep on their own without our assistance, the better.
5 Sleep Training Myths
You may be a brand new mom googling “how do I get my baby to sleep,” or a veteran mom struggling with a 2 year old who refuses to nap. No matter where you are in the spectrum of motherhood, you’ve probably encountered a hurdle with your infant or toddlers sleep.
The struggle is real, and you may be left thinking, what can I do to fix this? While having those thoughts, you stumble across articles online (maybe you consulted with ChatGPT), and you are unsure what the truth around sleep training really is. Let’s dive into 5 Sleep Training Myths or misconceptions to address any questions you may have!
Myth #1: All babies will naturally start sleeping independently.
I don’t know about you, but as an adult, I never sleep all night. To expect our children to do so would be unreasonable. Sleep training helps our children learn to put themselves back to sleep without our assistance. Something as an adult we are capable of doing every night.
Falling asleep independently, staying asleep, and connecting sleep cycles are skills that are learned. For some babies, it may come naturally, like any skill, but for others it may take practice. Sleep training is an intentional way of helping teach your little one how to independently fall asleep and go back to sleep through the night.
Myth #2: Sleep training requires you to drop all night feeding and nursing.
Dropping feedings is totally dependent on the child and the family. There is ABSOLUTELY space in the sleep training world to hold on to overnight feeding or nursing sessions while still obtaining optimal sleep. Weaning night feedings is totally different for every child. You can choose a more gentle approach (slowly weaning) or a more firm approach (cold turkey). The bottom line is, you can maintain overnight feedings and nursing sessions while sleep training.
Myth #3: Sleep training is just the cry-it-out method.
Sleep training is SO much more than just cry-it-out. Cry it out specifically means extinction. Extinction is when you do your bedtime routine, put your baby in their crib, say goodnight, and leave the room. They may protest and let you know they aren’t happy, but with this specific method, you don’t reenter their room.
For some families, this type of strict and firm method can be difficult and may not be right for you or your baby. When sleep training your child, you should have a variety of methods to choose from (ranging from a more strict method like Extinction to a more gentle method like Camping Out). Check out our blog to explore what method would be best for you and your family: 5 Different Sleep Training Methods for Babies.
Myth #4: If your child is over one-year-old, you can’t sleep train.
We actually do not recommend sleep training until your newborn is transitioning into the infant stages of development (which typically occurs during the 4 month sleep regression). You will see signs of readiness during this transition.
Toddler sleep training is way more extensive than infant sleep training. It focuses more on behavioral strategies and support. Toddler sleep is NOT talked about enough. So many toddlers struggle with nap resistance, bedtime resistance (the power struggle is real), and overnight wakings. Many parents will feel like they are in the newborn stage all over again. I promise that it is normal, especially between the ages of 2-4, and sleep is not a lost cause.
Myth #5: If I sleep train my child, all naps will have to be at home.
Sleep training is a means to an end! It does NOT mean that you are handcuffed to your house. Once you put in the one or two weeks of work, you will have a magnificent little sleeper who can handle naps on-the-go or skipped naps. They will be able to handle a contact nap here or there without having their overnight sleep fall apart. Finding balance and figuring out what works best for you and your family is key!
Understanding and addressing sleep training myths helps YOU feel more confident. Sleep training can bring your little one and your entire family much needed sleep. Sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all journey. You should be able to choose whatever journey fits your child and your family best.
Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting
Are you ready to tackle sleep training because your little one struggles with independent sleep skills? If your child is unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up at a normal time, it may be time to consider sleep training. Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts, Central Michigan (Midland, Clare, Mt. Pleasant) and Traverse City, Michigan. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too! See what this mama had to say about our sleep services below:
“My husband and I reached out to Danielle after several months of fighting our 2.5 year old to sleep. We were pretty strict bedtime followers for our older two, but our youngest threw us for a loop and we developed some not so great habits. Danielle walked us through each step patiently, and got us out of our daughter’s room and back her putting herself to sleep. Danielle gave us a well thought out plan that worked well for our busy family!”
Mom of 2.5 Year Old