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What if I don't sleep train my toddler?

Smiling mum and baby lying next to each other. Pink circle with text that reads: Is sleep training the only way to ensure better sleep?

Ever found yourself trapped in the relentless cycle of your toddler’s nightly awakenings, feeling bombarded by advice pushing you towards sleep training methods? You know the ones—where you’re encouraged to let your little one ‘cry it out’ or adhere to strict timed intervals before you can comfort them (controlled crying)?

It seems like everywhere you turn, this approach is touted as the only way to achieve that elusive full night’s sleep.

I totally understand the appeal. When you’re worn out and craving just a few hours of uninterrupted rest, sleep training can seem like the ultimate solution. It promises quick fixes, with some claiming that in just 3-4 days, your child will magically sleep through the night—sounds like a dream, right?

But here’s the kicker:

  • Is sleep training truly the one-size-fits-all remedy for every family?
  • If it’s so simple and effective, why isn’t everyone jumping on board? Surely, if it were that easy, sleep troubles would be a thing of the past for everyone.
  • Does it consider the underlying reasons behind your toddler’s night waking? Factors like discomfort, hunger, illness, or emotional needs? What about fundamental aspects like sleep hygiene and a consistent bedtime routine?
  • For some children, a bit of fussing might seem harmless—they might drift off to sleep soon after. But for others, their persistence can lead to hours of crying or even vomiting from distress (this was my daughter).
  • Research paints a different picture too. One study found that parents using ‘cry it out’ techniques took an average of 25 days to see results, and controlled crying took even longer at 31 days (Kahn et al, 2023). Not exactly the quick fix promised. And for many families, this process needed to be repeated multiple times within a year, indicating it’s not a sustainable long-term solution (Loutzenhiser et al, 2014).

So, let’s shift our perspective. What if instead of viewing sleep as a behaviour to be trained, we approached it as a skill to be nurtured at your child’s pace?

What if we prioritised understanding how sleep functions, allowing us to pinpoint the root causes of those night wakings—whether it’s teething, growth spurts, or simply a need for comfort?

Maybe by embracing our child’s unique temperament, we could tailor our approach to support them in resting for longer stretches and drifting off more easily.

If you’re fed up with the endless “cry it out” advice, leaving you bewildered and your family still exhausted, remember this: Sleep doesn’t have to be a battleground!

Explore gentler, personalised approaches that align with your nurturing parenting philosophy and help your family flourish.

Schedule a FREE call today and uncover sustainable sleep solutions that both you and your child can feel good about.

Like this and want to know more?

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents are going through the same thing. With the right strategies and support, you can help your little one sleep more peacefully, and you’ll both wake up feeling more rested and ready for the day ahead.

If you’re looking for more support on how to handle toddler sleep challenges, check out the Taming Toddler Sleep Programme , my signature group sleep and parenting programme. I guarantee you’ll get better sleep or I’ll work with you for free until you do!

Together, we can create a sleep routine that works for your family, helping everyone get the rest they deserve.

Book your free call today
The image showcases a comprehensive online course on "Taming Toddler Sleep". It features various components like: - Workbooks: Three workbooks are displayed, each focusing on a specific aspect of the program: "The Evening Flow" (Workbook 3), "The Brain & Temperament" (Workbook 2), and "Sleep Hygiene & Naps" (Workbook 1). - Course Content: A tablet screen shows the course outline, including modules on "Welcome and How the Programme works", "Toddler Sleep Fundamentals", "Toddler Development", and "Temperament". - Instructor: A woman is shown using a laptop, likely engaged in teaching the course. - Social Media Integration: A smartphone displays a screenshot of a Facebook post related to the course, highlighting the "Baby Massage & Baby Sleep Consultant" service offered by the program.

Hi, I'm Jem

I have always been interested in gentle parenting techniques, and as a self confessed ‘geek’ I spent many a sleepless night reading. I became so interested in infant brain development and the science of sleep that I completed my Holistic Sleep Coaching qualification, mentored by the wonderful Lyndsey Hookway. I have been working as a toddler sleep consultant since 2018, I am based in Manchester but I can work with you from anywhere in the world online!

This coupled with my experience in settling techniques, toddler negotiation strategies and analysis of naps and sleep needs gives me a wealth of knowledge to be able help you. 

If you’re looking for help with making changes to your family’s sleeping habits and would like to speak to a toddler sleep consultant who is down to earth and sympathetic and will focus on you and your family with empathy and understanding then please get in touch.

I would love to hear from you!

Jem x

Book a FREE Discovery Call To Hear How I Can Help
photo of Jemma Munford sat in a brown armchair

Where to next?

Click here to book a free chat with Jem to discuss sleep packages and ensure we are a good fit. There is no obligation and I will only take clients where I genuinely feel I can change their lives.

I have three simple toddler sleep support packages, Read more about them here.

Yes! You can check out my free sleep resources here.

Perfect, in my book The Better Sleep Blueprint I share all my best guides and strategies for sleep up to 2 years of age. Check it out here.

You can also read more of my blogs here.