Babies Sleep Training: Controlled Crying Method
The approach: At bedtime, allow your baby to cry for a short period of time before offering comfort.
The goal: Teach babies to soothe themselves and learn to fall asleep on their own.
Age: from around three months to four months, or when you think your baby is ready.
Clear your schedule and expect a few sleepless nights.
Step #1 Put your baby down when sleepy, but awake.
Step #2 Say goodnight and leave the room.
When crying starts let your baby cry for three minutes.
Step #3 Return to your baby
• Pat and reassure, but don’t pick your baby up.
• Keep your voice quiet and soothing.
• Leave after a few minutes, even if your baby’s still crying
Step #4 Stay out of the room for five minutes this time
• If your baby’s still crying, repeat step three
• Pat, reassure and leave the room after a few minutes
Step #5 Stay out of the room for 10 minutes at a time
• Repeat every 10 minutes: Pat, reassure, and leave the room after a few minutes.
• This can take a few hours (Hang in there)
• If this method works, increase the waiting times each night.
• You can adjust the waiting times to work better for you.
• If you don’t see any improvement after several nights of trying, wait a few weeks and then try again. Or try a different method.
Every baby is different. Be flexible and choose a sleep strategy that works for your family.
Related videos:
Babies Sleep Training: Controlled Crying Method
Tips for Establishing Good Sleep Habits (Birth to 3 Months)
