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What if I don't sleep train my baby?

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.