What does Sleep Training Mean?

Here is the “textbook definition

sleep train·ing

the process of training young children to fall asleep on their own, typically by means of techniques in which the child is left to cry without being comforted, either for gradually increasing periods of time or until they fall asleep.

noun

“sleep training can be a source of contention among parents and parenting experts alike”

Sleep training is a term that is more and more common each day. It is one of the most common searched terms for new parents and everyone has (and is entitled) to their own opinion on the subject.   

Other names:

Some people call it sleep learning or sleep teaching.  It is simply the process of helping your infant to fall asleep and stay asleep.

What is the best way to sleep train?

 There are basically less than a handful of various methods out there to help a child learn to fall asleep for a full night of independent and sound rest. There is no “right” way to get your child to sleep through the night.  In other words, whatever you chose for your child is the “right” way.  Sleep training means different things to different people and the best approach to sleep training is the one that fits your family.

Is sleep a necessity?

  It sure is!  Sleep is essential to a baby’s development.  For instance, Studies have shown that critical brain-development periods are dependent on adequate sleep.  In addition, when independent and healthy sleep skills are taught and a parent is educated and guided, a home can become a whole lot happier and rested!

Sleep hygiene is, in our opinion, is one of the best things you can do for your child.  In conclusion, there really is no right time to begin sleep training.  While 4 months is a great time to consider starting, we can’t stress enough, that you have not missed out if you don’t sleep train until a baby is 10 months, a year or even older!

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