Sleep training is one of the most rewarding yet challenging parts of parenting. For many parents, the first few nights of sleep training can feel like a tough uphill climb, but with consistency and patience, the results are often well worth it. If you're considering sleep training for your baby, here's a quick breakdown of what to expect during this process - —and how our new 5 Steps to Better Baby Sleep can help you every step of the way.
The First Night: Tough but Necessary
The first night of sleep training is often the hardest for both parents and babies. Why? Because we’re essentially eliminating all sleep associations, or "sleep crutches," that your little one has relied on. This might include rocking, feeding to sleep, or using a pacifier. As a result, your baby will likely protest as they adjust to falling asleep independently.
Expect some crying—it's normal! Babies are learning a new skill, and this transition can be tough. The amount of time it takes for your baby to fall asleep will vary based on a few factors, including their temperament, how overtired they are, and whether they’ve already formed strong sleep associations. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for them to settle down and drift off.
Night Wakings: What You Can Expect
If your baby wakes up during the night (which they most likely will), don't be alarmed. Night wakings tend to decrease over time as they get used to the new routine, but on the first night, you might experience multiple wakes. Some babies may wake up and settle back down fairly quickly, while others might cry a bit more. A longer stretch of sleep, followed by early morning wakings around 4 a.m., is also common.
For babies under 6 months, night feeds are usually kept in place for health reasons. However, many babies naturally wean themselves off night feeds once they adjust to the sleep training plan. Always consult with your pediatrician before making any changes to night feeds, especially for babies under 6 months.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Consistency is key. Although the first few nights can feel like a struggle, most parents begin to see positive changes within 3 nights of sticking to the plan. Babies older than 12 months might protest more loudly, as they are more aware of what's going on. But don’t worry! The good news is that they typically pick up the new sleep habits faster, and many parents report consolidated sleep after just 3 nights of sleep training.
Our Step-by-Step Sleep Training Guide is designed to give you the structure and confidence you need, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect each day and night. By following our detailed plan, you can feel confident that you're taking the right steps to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits.
Remember: Every Baby Is Different
Keep in mind that each baby is different, and sleep training timelines can vary. Younger babies tend to need more frequent feeds and may require more time to adjust to sleep training. Older babies and toddlers might put up more of a protest, but they're usually quicker to adapt.
The Key to Success: Consistency
The biggest factor in successful sleep training is staying consistent. If you're able to stick with the plan and avoid reverting back to old sleep habits, you’ll likely see improvements quickly. Most parents report amazing results within 3 nights, and once your baby is sleeping better, the next step is focusing on naps—which we'll dive into in our next post.
Remember, the first few nights of sleep training can be tough, but the payoff is worth it. With time, patience, and consistency, your baby will learn to sleep soundly, and so will you!
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