If you’re an exhausted parent running on broken sleep, you’ve probably heard the term sleep training thrown around. Some parents swear by it, while others worry it could be harmful. So what exactly is sleep training, and is it safe for your baby? Let’s break it down.
What Is Sleep Training?
Sleep training simply means helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently and link their sleep cycles without needing your help each time they wake. It’s about setting them up with the skills to settle themselves back to sleep—something that becomes increasingly important as they grow.
It’s a common misconception that sleep training always involves leaving your baby to cry. In reality, there are various approaches, ranging from very gentle, responsive methods to those that involve more structured interventions.
Common Sleep Training Methods
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, and what works best depends on your baby’s temperament, your parenting style, and your comfort level. Here are some of the most well-known methods:
Gradual Retreat (Camping Out) – You start by sitting close to your baby as they fall asleep and gradually move further away over time until they can settle on their own.
Pick Up, Put Down – You comfort your baby when they cry, then put them back down when they’re calm, repeating as needed.
Ferber Method (Check and Console) – You give your baby short periods to self-soothe before checking in at increasing intervals.
Chair Method – You sit next to the cot and provide reassurance while gradually reducing interaction.
No Tears/Gentle Sleep Training – A very gradual approach that focuses on responsive settling and making small, incremental changes.
Is Sleep Training Safe?
One of the biggest concerns parents have is whether sleep training can harm their baby emotionally or physically. The good news? Research overwhelmingly shows that sleep training is safe when done in a way that suits your child’s temperament and developmental stage.
Here’s what the science says:
Studies have found no long-term negative effects on attachment, behaviour, or emotional well-being.
Sleep training can reduce parental stress and improve overall family well-being by helping everyone get more rest.
Babies who sleep better at night may have improved cognitive and emotional development due to better quality sleep.
That being said, sleep training isn’t the only way to improve your baby’s sleep. Some babies naturally develop independent sleep skills over time, while others need a little more help.
What If Sleep Training Isn’t Right for Me?
That’s completely okay! Sleep training is a choice, not a requirement. Some parents prefer more gradual changes or simply choose to follow their baby’s lead. If sleep training doesn’t feel right for your family, there are still plenty of ways to encourage better sleep, such as:
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine
Ensuring an age-appropriate nap schedule
Making sure your baby’s sleep environment is calm, dark, and cool
Encouraging self-settling in small, gentle steps
Final Thoughts
Sleep training is a tool—not a must-do parenting rule. It’s designed to help, not harm, and can be tailored to your family’s needs. If you’re struggling with your little one’s sleep, there’s no shame in seeking support. Whether you choose sleep training or another approach, the goal is always the same: a well-rested, happy baby and a well-rested, happy parent.
But I know that when you’re in the thick of sleepless nights, it can feel overwhelming. The exhaustion is relentless, the self-doubt creeps in, and you might wonder if things will ever get better. I want you to know—they can. And I can help.
As an experienced, certified sleep consultant and mum of two, I combine expert knowledge with real-life experience to create gentle, evidence-based sleep solutions that work for your baby and your parenting style. I believe in kind, responsive approaches—never leaving babies to cry alone, never rigid rules, just tailored, flexible support to help your family thrive.
If you’re desperate for more sleep but don’t know where to start, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I offer one-to-one sleep support to help you feel confident, reassured, and finally get the rest you all need.
💤 Book a free discovery call to chat about how I can help. You don’t have to stay exhausted—let’s get your baby sleeping peacefully so you can feel like you again. 💕