Sleep training
Helping your child get good quality sleep can be one of the more challenging parts of parenting. If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your child’s sleep, you may have come across the term sleep training.
Sleep training refers to different techniques parents and carers use to help their child learn how to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own. There are many types of sleep training programs. Some are traditional and widely known, while others are newer approaches offered through books, online resources, or apps.
There’s no single right way to approach sleep training. What works well for one child or family might not work for another. The most important thing is choosing an approach that feels comfortable and right for you and your child.
What do the experts say about sleep training?
Experts such as the the Australian Association of Infant Mental Health recommend sleep strategies that focus on your baby’s emotional and developmental needs.
It’s best to avoid harsh methods like ‘cry it out’. Instead, consider a gentler approach that support your baby’s sleep while also caring for their emotional wellbeing and yours.
Sleep training programs can include lots of different steps and ideas. Some of the most common are:
- education about sleep patterns that are normal at different ages
- managing the use of dummies or pacifiers
- practical strategies around feeding, setting up the environment and settling a crying baby
- identifying specific sleep problems and causes
- creating a sleep management plan with the support of a clinician
- face-to-face training in a clinic or follow-up appointments.
Every child is different, and there’s no single “right” way to help them sleep. You should never feel bad about the choices you make to support your child’s sleep.
If you want more help or information, talk to your child’s doctor or a child & family health nurse. They can give you advice or refer you to a specialist who can support your family’s needs.