A Guide To Gentle Sleep Training

-

 


If there’s one thing that almost every mother has heard once during her journey, it’s “just let them cry it out.” And personally, I always hated hearing this sentence! I didn’t want to let my baby cry it out, and if you clicked on this post, I doubt you do either. So today we’re going to talk about gentle sleep training, which is a much-needed alternative.

Note: This post is not meant to shame other mothers who may choose to sleep train their babies with the “cry it out” method. It is simply meant to provide other options for moms who, like me, don’t want to take that path for themselves.

What is sleep training?

The term sleep training refers to a process where you teach a baby or toddler to fall (and stay) asleep on their own. And there are many different sleep training methods out there.

But one of the most well-known techniques is to just let your child cry until they eventually learn to self-soothe or fall asleep from exhaustion. The idea here is that you’re giving the baby the tools they need to sleep through the night on their own.

Regardless of the specific method, this process is typically started when the baby is around four to six months old, which is generally old enough to go a full night without feedings.

What is “gentle” sleep training?

With that broad definition out of the way, let’s talk about gentle sleep training. This is actually an umbrella term for several different methods, all of which we’ll get into below. The main goal is the same: to teach your baby to sleep through the night on their own without all the crying, by taking things more slowly and compassionately.


3 Ways To Gently Sleep Train Your Baby

1. “The Chair” Technique

The first gentle sleep training method is called “The Chair” method. It involves sitting close to your baby’s crib while they fall asleep. This gives your child the reassurance that you’re in the room, even though you’re not holding, nursing, or rocking them. (You can gently pat them or speak softly if needed.)

Once they’re asleep, you leave the room. If they wake up in the night, you return to the chair and sit beside them again. Then, over time, you begin moving the chair further away from the crib until your presence is no longer needed.

This method is comforting but can take about three weeks to fully work, so patience is essential.

2. The “Scheduled Awakenings” Technique

This method works best if your baby tends to wake up at about the same time each night.

You set an alarm for about 15 to 30 minutes before your baby’s usual wake times and gently wake them up yourself. Then soothe them back to sleep as you normally would. Over time, you start to stretch the interval between wakeups until your baby no longer wakes during the night.

This method gives you more control over sleep patterns and can be much less emotionally taxing than letting them cry, but it does take a lot of effort and planning.

3. The “Pick Up, Put Down” Technique

This is often seen as the most gentle sleep training method of all, and it’s the one I personally used with my children.

Whenever your baby cries, you pick them up and soothe them until they’re calm, then put them back down and leave the room again. The moment they cry again, you repeat the process.

At first, this might mean you’re picking them up dozens of times per night, but over time, they’ll cry less and learn to settle themselves more quickly.


Bonus Tips For Gentle Sleep Training

Regardless of which method you use, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • Slow and steady wins the race. Sudden changes make it harder for babies to adjust. Stick to gradual steps, even if it means slower progress.

  • Stay consistent. This is the biggest key to success. Stick to the same bedtime, pre-bed routines, and responses to crying. Consistency builds trust and results.

  • Pay attention to your baby’s cues. You know your baby best. Notice when they usually get sleepy and don’t try to force sleep before that. Also, learn the difference between fussing and true cries. Sometimes babies make sounds while self-soothing and don’t actually need help.

Final Thoughts On Gentle Sleep Training

Every baby is different, and so is every parenting journey. What works for one child might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to try different gentle methods to find what fits your family best.

I hope this post helped you feel more confident in your decision to sleep train gently. You’re doing a great job, and remember — slow progress is still progress.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Mother’s Guide To Surviving The Newborn Phase

-
Image
As a mother of two, I know all too well how challenging the newborn phase can be. Those first few weeks (or months!) are filled with love, exhaustion, and more diaper changes than you ever imagined. So I decided it was time to create a practical guide for new mothers—a guide that walks you through what to expect and how to make it through this unique season with your sanity intact. What to Expect in the Newborn Phase According to the World Health Organization, the newborn stage officially lasts until your baby is 28 days old. Many experts, however, extend that timeline to about 12 weeks, often calling it the fourth trimester . From a parent’s perspective, most find that things start to feel easier around the three- to four-month mark. But whether it’s one month or three, this stage often brings: Frequent feedings and diaper changes (sometimes what feels like all day, every day). Interrupted sleep —your baby may sleep a lot, but not in long stretches. Emotional ups and dow...
Read more

Simplifying My Blog: Why I Switched to Blogger

-
Image
I wanted to let you know that I’ve officially moved my blog from WordPress to Blogger. I really enjoyed using WordPress, but the hosting fees were getting a bit too high for me. Switching to Blogger helps me keep things simple and affordable so I can focus on what really matters — building a supportive community of moms. My goal with this blog has always been to create a space where moms can come together, share experiences, and encourage one another. While I do plan to share some Etsy finds and affiliate links here and there, making money isn’t the main reason I’m doing this. The real reward is connecting with all of you amazing moms out there. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m excited for what’s ahead!
Read more

Welcome to A Can Do Mom!

-
Image
Hi, I’m Becca — the mom behind A Can Do Mom ! I’m a Christian and lifelong nurturer who believes motherhood doesn’t have to mean losing yourself. I created this space to share encouragement, real-life tips, and honest conversations for moms who are doing their best (even when they feel like they’re barely holding it together). Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats — caregiver, teacher, nurse, advocate, and everything in between. I homeschooled my two daughters all the way through, and now that they’re both adults, I’ve stepped into a new season of motherhood. One of my daughters lives with anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. The other has epilepsy and severe food allergies. So when I say I understand the mental load of parenting, I really do. I started this blog to help other moms like me — women who are juggling big things, often without much support, and who still want to live with purpose, faith, and a little bit of peace. Whether I’m sharing parenting insights, home life tips, gentle discipl...
Read more