If you’re in the thick of sleepless nights, wondering “When is the right time to sleep train?”—you’re not alone. Sleep training, when done thoughtfully, can help promote better rest for everyone in your household.
Let’s walk through what sleep training really means, when to begin, and how to support your baby in learning to fall asleep with gentle, nurturing strategies.
What is Sleep Training?
At its heart, sleep training is about teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own, with the support of routines and developmentally appropriate cues. It's not about letting them cry it out. It's about helping your baby build self-soothing skills over time.
When Can You Start Sleep Training?
You can start "sleep training" the day you get home from the hospital by forming healthy sleep habits. While newborns aren’t developmentally ready to sleep through the night, you can begin by using blackout curtains, a sound machine, swaddling in the bassinet, and paying attention to wake windows and sleepy cues.
Most babies are developmentally ready for gentle sleep guidance between 4 to 6 months. By this age, many begin to:
-
Consolidate nighttime sleep
-
Show predictable patterns
-
Need fewer overnight feeds (depending on health and growth)
Always talk to your pediatrician before starting any sleep changes to make sure your baby is ready.
Sleeping in a Bassinet
Some newborns may resist the bassinet at first—it’s big, still, and unfamiliar compared to your arms. But with consistency, babies can learn to sleep independently in their safe sleep space.
Try:
-
A calming, repeatable bedtime routine (same steps, same order every night)
-
Placing your baby down drowsy but awake
-
Using a HALO® SleepSack for a cozy, womb-like feel—without loose blankets
Practicing with daytime naps in the bassinet to build familiarity
Our Favorite Bassinets
Gentle Sleep Training Approaches
Once your baby is of age to start gentle sleep training remember, sleep training isn’t one-size-fits-all. What matters most is choosing an approach that feels right for you and your baby—and supports connection and comfort.
First things first…Avoid letting your baby nap over 2 hours as this will interfere with night sleep.
Here are a few gentle, no-tears methods many families find helpful:
1. Chair Method
You sit near your baby’s crib, offering calm presence and reassurance without picking them up. Gradually, you move the chair farther away over a series of nights. This can be reassuring while encouraging independent sleep.
2. Pick Up / Put Down
If your baby cries, gently pick them up for comfort. Once calm, lay them down again. Repeat as needed. Over time, your baby learns they are supported—and also learns to settle in their sleep space.
3. Soothing Routine + Gradual Fading
Focus on a consistent bedtime routine (bath, books, cuddles), and reduce hands-on soothing little by little. This helps build sleep cues while reinforcing your baby’s ability to fall asleep in their own space.
Sleep Coaching
If you're feeling overwhelmed, certified pediatric sleep consultants can offer guidance tailored to your family. Many work alongside your parenting values and your baby’s temperament to create a plan that feels doable—and supportive.
Does Sleep Training Help with Naps Too?
Absolutely! While many families focus on bedtime first, the same sleep cues and rhythms help support better daytime naps.
Try:
-
A short, consistent nap routine (snuggle, song, or white noise)
-
Watching for early sleep cues (rubbing eyes, zoning out, red eyebrows, rubbing eyes or face, fussiness and slow movements.
-
Creating a quiet nap environment with soft lighting and minimal distractions
What About Night Wakings?
Gentle sleep training can begin even if your baby still wakes to feed. The goal isn’t zero wake-ups—it’s helping them learn to return to sleep in between feedings with fewer disruptions.
Final Thoughts: Go Gently, Go Consistently
Sleep training doesn’t need to be rigid or stressful. It’s about creating rhythms that support your baby’s natural development and giving them time—and tools—to build sleep confidence.
Consistency is key when it comes to sleep training—switching between multiple methods can confuse your baby and stall progress. Stick with one approach for at least 21–30 days to give your baby time to learn and adjust to the routine.
Be patient with the process. Every baby is different. And remember: there’s no one “right” way—just the way that works for you and your little one.
Resources Referenced
-
American Academy of Pediatrics. “How to Sleep Train Your Baby.”
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Getting-Your-Baby-to-Sleep.aspx -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Infant Sleep Recommendations.”
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/infant-sleep.html -
Mayo Clinic. “Baby Sleep: What to Expect in the First Year.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-sleep/art-20046091 -
National Sleep Foundation. “What Is Sleep Training?”
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/sleep-training
Disclaimer: This guide was reviewed and approved by a certified pediatric sleep consultant. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for questions or concerns related to your child’s sleep or well-being.
