sleep training
A structured approach to teaching infants and young children to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night without parental intervention.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recommended age | 4-6 months onwards |
| Typical duration | 3-14 days for initial results |
| Success rate | 80-90% with consistent application |
| Night waking reduction | 50-80% within first week |
Key Information
Common Methods
- Graduated Extinction (Ferber method) — Check on child at increasing intervals (2, 5, 10 minutes)
- Extinction (cry it out) — Put child down awake, do not return until morning
- Chair method — Sit progressively further from cot each night until outside room
- Pick up/put down — Respond to crying by briefly comforting, then returning child to cot
- Fading — Gradually reduce parental presence or intervention over time
Prerequisites for Success
- Child is developmentally ready (typically 4+ months, over 6kg)
- No active illness, teething pain, or developmental leaps
- Consistent bedtime routine established (bath, book, bed)
- safe sleep environment (firm mattress, no loose bedding)
- Both parents/carers committed to same approach
Expected Outcomes
| Timeline | Typical Progress |
|---|---|
| Night 1-3 | Increased crying (extinction burst) |
| Night 4-7 | Significant reduction in crying duration |
| Week 2 | Child falling asleep independently |
| Week 3-4 | Consolidated night sleep, fewer wakings |
How to Implement (Graduated Extinction)
- Establish consistent bedtime routine (30 minutes)
- Place child in cot drowsy but awake
- Leave room, close door
- Wait predetermined interval before first check (e.g., 3 minutes)
- Return briefly (30-60 seconds), offer verbal reassurance without picking up
- Leave room, increase interval (e.g., 5 minutes)
- Repeat with progressively longer intervals (5, 10, 15 minutes maximum)
- Continue pattern until child asleep
- Apply same method for night wakings
- Maintain consistency for minimum 7 consecutive nights
Contraindications
- Medical conditions affecting sleep (reflux, sleep apnoea)
- Significant separation anxiety or trauma
- Major life transitions (house move, new sibling)
- Parental ambivalence or disagreement about approach
See also
sleep_associations | bedtime_routine | night_weaning | nap_transitions | sleep_regressions
Note: General guidance only. Consult a healthcare provider for specific concerns.