Establishing healthy sleep habits for your baby can feel challenging, especially in the early months. But it is rewarding, as sleep training can help them develop a routine when they’re ready. Then some questions arise: when can you sleep train newborn, and how do you go about it safely?

In this guide, we’ll explore the signs that your baby is ready, and methods to make the process smoother. Sleep training isn’t one-size-fits-all, but with patience and the right approach, you can encourage better sleep for both your baby and yourself.

Can You Sleep Train a Newborn?

Newborns have unique sleep needs, and during the first few weeks of life, sleep training is generally not recommended. At this stage, babies wake frequently for feedings and comfort, making it difficult to establish a consistent sleep routine. Instead of focusing on sleep training, prioritize creating a safe and nurturing sleep environment for your baby.

Newborns rely on their caregivers for comfort and nourishment, and their biological clocks are still developing. During this time, gentle techniques like establishing a calming bedtime routine or encouraging naps in a consistent location can set the foundation for healthy sleep habits later.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that the goal isn’t to force your newborn into a rigid schedule. Sleep training typically becomes more effective after the newborn phase, once your baby has developed more predictable sleep patterns. Toys like the honey bunny can provide soothing comfort during this transitional time, helping to calm your baby without disrupting their natural sleep cycles.

When Is It Safe to Start Sleep Training?

When can you start sleep training a newborn? Sleep training is generally considered safe once your baby is around 4 to 6 months old. By this age, most babies have developed the ability to self-soothe and sleep for longer stretches without needing nighttime feedings. Their sleep cycles also become more regular, making it easier to introduce a consistent sleep routine.

Starting sleep training too early, such as during the newborn phase, can be counterproductive. This is because in those early months, babies need frequent feedings, and their biological clocks are not yet developed. Forcing a rigid sleep schedule on a newborn may cause unnecessary stress for both you and your baby.

If you are not sure about when to start sleep training a newborn, consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is ready. Factors such as weight gain, overall health, and feeding patterns can influence the right time to begin sleep training.

Signs of Baby Is Ready for Sleep Training

Before beginning sleep training, it’s important to recognize if your baby is ready for this transition. Understanding the signs of readiness ensures a smoother and more successful experience for both you and your little one.

1. Age and Development: Most babies show signs of being ready for sleep training between 4 and 6 months of age. At this stage, their brains are more developed, allowing them to establish a circadian rhythm (the internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles). Around this time, your baby may also begin consolidating their naps and sleeping for longer stretches at night.  
2. Fewer Nighttime Feedings: A major indicator that your baby might be ready for sleep training is their ability to go longer stretches at night without needing to feed. By 4-6 months, many babies are able to meet their nutritional needs during the day, reducing the need for nighttime waking. If your baby begins naturally sleeping for 4-6 hours at a time or longer, it’s a sign they’re physiologically capable of longer, uninterrupted sleep. 
3. Regular Sleep-Wake Patterns: As your baby grows, you may notice more consistency in their sleep and wake schedule. For instance, they might start waking and sleeping around the same times each day, with more predictable nap durations. This consistency signals that their internal clock is maturing, making it easier to introduce a structured sleep training method.  
4. Ability to Self-Soothe: If your baby begins sucking their thumb, holding a blanket, or using a soothing object like the honey bunny toy to calm themselves, they may be ready for sleep training.
5. Parental Readiness: Sleep training is a big step for parents, too. If you’re feeling prepared to commit to a consistent routine and stay patient during the process, it’s a good sign that the time is right.

Remember, every baby is different, and there’s no universal timeline for sleep training. Paying attention to these signs can help ensure the process is smoother and better suited to your baby’s unique needs.

What Are the Different Methods of Sleep Training?

There are various sleep training methods to suit different parenting styles and your baby’s unique needs. Here’s an overview of the most common approaches:

Cry It Out (Extinction Method)

In the cry-it-out method, you place your baby in their crib awake and allow them to self-soothe without intervention, even if they cry. While this method can be challenging for parents, it often leads to quicker results, as babies learn to fall asleep independently within a few nights. However, this approach isn’t for everyone and may not be suitable for younger babies or parents who find it too emotionally taxing.

Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)

The Ferber method is to teach your baby to self-soothe by checking on them at timed intervals. For example, after putting your baby to bed awake, you would check in after 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, and gradually increase the intervals between check-ins. This method strikes a balance between providing comfort and encouraging independent sleep.

Chair Method

In the chair method, you sit in a chair near your baby’s crib while they learn to fall asleep. Each night, you move the chair farther away until you’re no longer in the room. This way requires patience but provides a gentle way to ease your baby into independent sleeping.

Pick Up, Put Down Method

This approach means picking up your baby to comfort them when they cry, then placing them back in the crib once they’re calm. It’s a gentle method that reassures your baby while teaching them to fall asleep in their crib. The process may take longer than other methods, but it’s ideal for parents who prefer a hands-on approach.

No Tears Method

The no tears method focuses on creating a soothing bedtime routine and gradually helping your baby associate their crib with sleep. Parents may use gentle techniques like rocking or singing to help their baby fall asleep. This is the least stressful for both baby and parents, but it may take longer to see consistent results.

Bedtime Fading

If your baby tends to resist sleep, you should delay their bedtime by 15-30 minutes until they are more likely to fall asleep easily. Over time, you can shift the bedtime earlier to establish a consistent schedule.

How Long Does Sleep Training Take?

The length of time it takes to successfully sleep train your baby varies based on the method you choose, your baby’s temperament, and their readiness for the process. For some families, sleep training can take just a few nights, while others may need several weeks to see consistent results.

Methods like the cry-it-out or Ferber techniques often yield quicker outcomes, with many babies adapting to independent sleep within 3 to 7 nights. However, gentler approaches, such as the pick-up, put-down method, or chair method, may take longer as they rely on gradual transitions and frequent reassurance.

Your baby’s personality also plays a key role. Some babies are naturally more adaptable and may respond to sleep training quickly, while others who are more persistent or sensitive may require additional time and patience.

Remember, progress isn’t always linear. Setbacks, such as teething, illness, or developmental milestones, can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns. If this happens, remain consistent and return to your chosen sleep training method once the disruption has passed.

Tips for Successful Sleep Training

Sleep training can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right strategies, it can be a smoother and more positive experience for both you and your baby. Here are some tips to set you up for success:

1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A predictable bedtime routine signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Activities like a warm bath and gentle rocking can help create a calming atmosphere. Stick to the same sequence of events every night to reinforce the routine.
2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure your baby’s sleep space is quiet, dark, and comfortable. Use blackout curtains to block out light and consider a white noise machine to mask household sounds. A well-fitted crib mattress and appropriate sleep clothing also contribute to a safe and cozy sleep environment.
3. Choose the Right Method for Your Baby: Every baby is unique, so make sure you select a sleep training method that suits your baby’s temperament and your parenting style. Whether you prefer a gradual approach like the pick-up, put-down method or a quicker method like cry it out, consistency is key to achieving results.
4. Watch for Sleep Cues: Pay attention to signs that your baby is ready for sleep, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy. Starting the bedtime routine as soon as these cues appear helps prevent overtiredness, which can make it harder for your baby to settle down.
5. Be Patient and Consistent: Sleep training takes time, and progress may not happen overnight. Stick to your chosen method, even during setbacks or difficult nights. Consistency helps your baby understand what to expect, which ultimately makes the process easier.
6. Avoid Overstimulation Before Bed: Keep the hour before bedtime calm and quiet. Avoid activities that might overstimulate your baby, such as rough play, loud noises, or exposure to screens. Instead, focus on soothing activities like reading a book or singing a lullaby.
7. Take Breaks When Needed: Sleep training can be emotionally challenging, especially if your baby is crying or struggling to adapt. It’s okay to step away for a moment to regroup. Ask for support from your partner or other caregivers to share the responsibility and reduce stress.

Conclusion

Understanding when can you sleep train newborn will help you and your baby establish healthy sleep habits. While newborns are not ready for structured sleep training, creating a soothing bedtime routine and fostering a sleep-friendly environment can lay the groundwork for future success.

Once your baby reaches 4 to 6 months of age, sleep training methods like the Ferber method or the pick-up, put-down approach can gently guide them toward independent sleep. With time and dedication, sleep training can lead to restful nights and happier days for your entire family.

FAQs

When should you start a sleep routine with a newborn?

You can introduce a simple sleep routine for your newborn as early as a few weeks old. This can include calming activities like dimming the lights, using a soothing object like the honey bunny, and rocking your baby gently before bedtime. A routine helps set the foundation for structured sleep training when your baby is older.

What is the earliest age to sleep train a baby?

The earliest age to begin sleep training is typically around 4 to 6 months. By this age, most babies are capable of self-soothing and sleeping for longer stretches without needing nighttime feedings. Consult your pediatrician to confirm your baby’s readiness based on its development and health.