Sleep training ruined my baby. Some claim it’s a miracle.

Sleep training ruined my baby. She also does a deep-dive explaining why and how we know that sleep training is a perfectly safe and reasonable parenting choice to make for many families. May 25, 2023 · Sleep training is a commonly misunderstood topic among new parents. My baby used to sleep from 7:30pm-6:30 am with an early morning feeding anywhere from 4-5:30. This is a judgement-free zone to provide tips, ask questions, and share success stories about sleep-training your little ones. Jul 30, 2019 · Whether you have a newborn or a three-year-old, the biggest enemy of a parent's sanity is wondering when and how your kid will go to sleep and then, what to do with yourself once it happens. Here's her story and expert tips to make sleep training easier on parents. 5 months and 3 weeks later we had a 2 week trip to Europe planned. The sudden shift in their sleep schedule can completely disrupt your baby’s daily routine, undoing weeks of sleep training overnight: you may find that your baby is sleepy well before it’s time to fall Offering comfort without picking your baby up immediately when they stir. This is a judgement-free zone to ask and provide tips, ask questions, and share success stories about sleep-training your little ones. Currently sleep training my 6month old who contact naps during day for all 2-3 naps. Apr 29, 2025 · The most gentle sleep training method is similar to the Ferber Method, but with one exception: Parents are encouraged to enter the room and comfort their baby anytime they cry. Wake windows are now 3/3/4. Dec 22, 2024 · Explore the debate on sleep training for babies in this comprehensive article. But with proper preparation and consistency, it can be a valuable asset in improving overnight sleep for both you and your child. Discover a humorous way to soothe your crying baby to sleep. Or whether it causes babies unnecessary stress, and affects their bond with their parents. Mar 1, 2024 · Sleep training refers to teaching your baby how to sleep on their own. Anyway, at 11 months your baby has a good memory already which will last for a few days. Learn how to balance both and ensure a healthy sleep routine for your baby. There's nothing wrong with responding to your baby, and it certainly won't ruin his sleep. Sure, picking him up would have settled him but it would have completely ruined the sleep training. Aug 5, 2024 · Sleep training has become the third rail of parenting conversations, with fierce defenders and opponents on either side. Although slipping into survival mode is usually ok, deviating from your child’s normal sleep habits will often lead to new sleep associations. I ideally would like to sleep train as soon as i’m able. The sleep training worked well for my baby (6 months old at the time), but it felt so all or nothing. However, concerns about the impact of sleep training on attachment and bonding can leave parents feeling hesitant and unsure about taking the leap. May 14, 2015 · In many cases the baby’s sleep is made worse by the conventional sleep training and the parents find themselves in a worse position than before they even started. Experts review the top four methods (Pick Up, Put Down; Ferber; Cry It Out; Chair) to help you choose what’s right for your baby. While this milestone is important for their oral development, it can also bring about sleep challenges. Secure attachment with at least one caregiver is absolutely necessary and critical to nurture a child’s healthy brain. Improved infant sleep has a positive impact on the whole family’s physical and emotional health. Our 6 mo old was nearly perfect: put himself to sleep, if he woke up he wouldn’t fuss and would fall back asleep on his own but now he’s rolling over constantly and it’s ruined his sleep. We’ve just conquered night sleep, so we’re contemplating sleep training for naps now but I just had a little crying breakdown over the thought of never getting to rock my sleeping baby again. Sleep training is proven to improve baby’s sleep, maternal mood and sleep, has no long term stress (cortisol levels), no long term effects on the child’s behavior or emotions and is not linked to attachment. One of the peds in my practice tried to guilt us for not extinction training by saying we were setting them up for a lifetime of poor sleep by not training them by 12 months. It was really rough but to us it made no sense sleep training in a temporary environment. Reply reply lil_secret • Reply reply More repliesMore repliesMore replies DarcSwan • Sleep training promises independence—but often ignores a baby’s core need for attachment. The first couple of nights she woke up once, okay. Here's how to avoid them. Apr 20, 2021 · The joys of having a new baby…. Whether you want to "cry it out" or you want to try a "no-cry sleep solution" (or anything in between), you're welcome here! Oct 20, 2023 · Learn 3 ways to handle the start of Daylight Saving Time so that "springing forward" doesn't ruin your baby or toddler's schedule. For faster results, many parents choose sleep training to help their baby learn to self-soothe and connect sleep cycles. Aug 5, 2016 · Here’s what you need to know about the latest research on sleep training. As parents, we often rely on pacifiers to soothe our little ones and help them fall asleep. Bed’s at 7pm, wake is any time from 6 am (if it’s been a good night) but I will wake her at 7 latest if it’s been a bad one. I finally got pissed at one point and told her to shut up, she was being too loud. May 19, 2025 · Sleep training a baby teaches your baby how to fall asleep on their own so they can sleep through the night or take longer naps. May 23, 2023 · It's one of the most popular methods of sleep training, but is the Ferber Method harmful? Learn how it could be impacting your baby's brain. We have a wonderful new nanny we hired in august who we absolutely adore but she rocks the baby (18 mo) fully to sleep before putting him in the crib and now he’s waking up 40 mins - hr into nap and won’t go back to sleep unless he’s sleeping on someone. Whether you want to "cry it out" or you want to try a "no-cry sleep solution" (or anything in between), you're welcome here! May 19, 2025 · Sleep training teaches your baby to sleep better at night and naps. Then we moved. Discover the truth behind the top 3 myths about sleep training and breastfeeding babies. All weekend she napped We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Edit: WOW thank you everyone for your responses!! This makes me feel so much more confident in doing what’s best for our baby and family and not feeling pressured to sleep train if we feel okay with our situation. We What happens when sleep training doesn't work and baby is still up all night long? Don't worry, the answer is easier than you think! Sep 23, 2025 · Tips for breastfeeding moms and helping baby to learn to sleep better while maintaining a healthy breastfeeding relationship. Shanna Alvarez as address the big question of whether infant and toddler sleep training is safe. Together, we’ll tailor a sleep training strategy for your baby’s age, personality and what hasn’t worked in the past. In this blog, we will explore the common sleep issues that may arise after taking away the pacifier and provide Thank you for this. ] I am pretty sure I have ruined my baby and there’s no solution in sight. Well, we've been I'm vacation and we're staying with my sister… Apr 6, 2022 · One of the most common fears parents have about sleep training is that sleep training will harm their child emotionally, mentally, or physically (or damage their attachment or bond). One of the most pressing questions is ‘What is the best sleep training method for my baby?’ This post will cover the 5 most common baby sleep training methods and other essential tips based on my 15+ years My question is, to maintain his good bedtime habits, do we need to put him into his crib awake after these night feeds or can I bounce him back to sleep? I've read that you can employ different methods for bedtime and naps and for some reason it won't confuse your baby e. Mar 26, 2025 · Because it can involve some crying, many parents wonder whether sleep training is bad or harmful for babies. I hope I haven't ruined the progress we've made sleep training but what was I supposed to do? I've seen some people say their babies slept more and others said sleep was disrupted. Mar 5, 2024 · Springing forward and having to reset your internal clock every March is a big enough challenge for many adults. My LO is 4. g. There are many different sleep methods. Rao says. It takes hours to put her to bed. And, sleep training can be the source of many questions. However, there comes a time when we need to consider weaning our children off pacifiers. From the early stages of pregnancy to when your teenagers are finally ready to leave the nest (even if they don't want to) we're here to help you through this crazy thing called parenting. Jan 20, 2022 · When your baby or toddler is sick, sometimes you need to deviate from your normal routine to help your little one feel comfortable (to learn how to manage during illness, see this blog). I have been sleep training my LO for the past month. We decided to just roll with the punches and sleep train when we came back. He went from waking every 45 min and refusing his crib to sleeping through the night. Learn how sleep training can improve sleep quality and parent well-being, while also understanding the emotional impact it may have on infants. Kelly Murray’s sleep training articles on The Sleepy Times blog cover hot topics such as short naps, night wakings and getting your child to sleep through the night. Shanna Alvarez, PhD who is a child psychologist and co-owner of Helping Families Thrive, as we delve into the world of healthy attachment and sleep training. Hello! I have a 6 month old breastfed baby and I am a FTM. Learn our 4 top strategies to prevent major schedule drama. 5mths old and is able to put himself to sleep since 5. Post-Regression Sleep Training Techniques Once the sleep regression is over, some parents want to sleep train their baby. His sleeps and naps significantly improved after ferbering. May 8, 2025 · As a pediatric sleep consultant—and a mom—I hear this question all the time: “Will sleep training hurt my baby’s attachment to me?” The short answer is: No, sleep training—when done thoughtfully and lovingly—does not damage attachment. /r/Parenting is the place to discuss the ins and out as well as ups and downs of child-rearing. He didn’t get confused. Sep 6, 2022 · Learn about the five habits that make bedtime a nightmare for new parents, and get some expert-approved tips to help your baby sleep through the night. 1 Jun 2021 · The My Sleeping Baby Podcast with Eva Klein Join me and Dr. You can get advice on potty training, talk about breastfeeding, discuss how to get your baby to sleep or ask if Ugh I did 3 nights of crib side sleep training. In fact, by ensuring your whole family gets adequate rest, you're creating the optimal conditions for a strong, healthy parent-child relationship to flourish. It’s been working for us, baby gets sleep and I know he’s getting the sleep he needs! Feb 21, 2024 · Discover what sleep training is and how it benefits babies and toddlers. My mission is to help parents and babies alike to finally achieve high-quality, consistent sleep. I ended up doing full extinction from night 2 and there was a lot less crying than I expected. 8 month old Baby cried for hours straight , 3 nights in a row. What is sleep training? Sleep training involves giving your infant, toddler or child the tools they need to fall asleep at the beginning Dec 1, 2021 · When babies cry during sleep training, parents and marriages suffer too. Below are answers to frequent questions I get from parents. She was crying so loud, we thought eventually she would tire herself out and go back to sleep, but that didn’t happen. Hello! My daughter (19 months) started daycare last week, and since Friday, all the sleep success we had is out the door. You should never let a baby cry it out in the middle of the night without having first a schedule that is age appropriate and second a bedtime routine that is conducive to sleep meaning the baby falls asleep on their own that first time. After 8 months of sleep stretches no longer than 3-4 hours, my baby finally FINALLY magically started sleeping through the night two weeks ago. No he refuses to sleep in his crib and even fighting through cry it out method. The idea that babies have the ability to self soothe isn't totally true, despite what a lot of sleep trainers say. Some claim it’s a miracle. The check ins did not work for my son, they just made him cry more. Apr 8, 2022 · Are you worried that teaching your baby to sleep, or sleep training, is going to hurt your bond with them? Do you ever wonder if attached parenting is possible with sleep training? Mar 28, 2019 · A doctor reviews the medical evidence on the controversial practise of sleep training infants. Discover the pros and cons, supported by recent research, about methods like the Ferber and cry-it-out techniques. She’s lost her voice practically and… Is it ok to break sleep training for teething baby? Last night, our 8 month old woke up within 2 hours of putting her down for the night which never happens. . Sleep training actually helps with that, because once you know you aren't dealing with wakes due to sleep associations, you can narrow down the best schedule for your baby at that particular moment in time. “Babies build an association with being soothed by a parent to sleep,” Dr. In this comprehensive blog, I aim to debunk the myth that sleep May 2, 2025 · The goal of all sleep training methods is for your baby to be able to fall asleep in their crib on their own, without needing that assistance from you. Learn why scientific research shows no emotional trauma, attachment issues or increased stress - just better sleep and cognitive development. As the debate continues, there is a clear need for further research and ongoing dialogue on the long-term effects of various sleep training methods. Oct 3, 2025 · I’m answering all of your questions about sleep training: what is sleep training, when to start sleep training, how long does sleep training take, and more! Our situation was slightly different but the 4 month regression hit for us at 4. We bring a goldmine of baby and parenting expertise, and sustainable success. I don’t want to regret a vacation but also so sad we ruined a good routine. If we try to roll him on his side he Feb 15, 2019 · You've read all the baby sleep books and Googled into the wee hours, but sleep training didn't work. Will sleep training help stop contact napping? Yes, sleep training can be the most effective way to break the contact napping habit. However, since the Dst changes in Australia hit, his nighttime sleeps had been getting shorter and naps slowly reduced to only 1sleep cycle. Naps capped at 1. This growing unease has led to a reevaluation of sleep training practices and a search for alternative approaches to managing infant sleep. wake ups and sleep are just like that -so random and I am contributing to that to maintain my sanity. My baby is 6. So I ended up staying downstairs and talking over the video monitor. Aug 26, 2024 · Attachment Parenting and Sleep Training: Balancing Bonding and Rest explores ways to promote healthy sleep patterns while maintaining a strong emotional connection with your child. In the first week of sleep training it is normal that your baby may learn to fall asleep quickly and independently for their nap, but not be able to connect sleep cycles resulting in naps only lasting 30-50 minutes. and oh, the restless, sleep-deprived nights! One of the most common questions I get asked as a pediatrician is how to sleep train a baby. I fed her because the crying was going on for awhile and I knew nursing would be a sure way to get her calm. I never wanted to sleep train but when I got desperate I tried the Ferber method. Mar 2, 2024 · Popular sleep training methods First, if you want to know more about what sleep training is, and the best age to begin, check out my blog post on What is Sleep Training? This blog post assumes that you already have the background of why sleep training works, and now you’re wondering how to find the best sleep training method for your baby or toddler. Jun 1, 2022 · Expert advice on how to solve common sleep issues for babies, toddlers and newborns. I just wish I knew what to do. Longterm studies have shown no difference between babies who were sleep trained and those who weren't by age 2. Will it work? What method should I use? And the big question: Will it cause harm? Does sleep training harm babies? This evidence-based guide separates fact from fiction. This is a time-tested recipe for establishing a sleep routine early on. May 24, 2016 · Learn how to help your sick baby/infant/toddler sleep, when to resume the sleep training process, and tips to get your baby to sleep through the night. Includes sleep training for naps, newborns and toddlers! Feb 23, 2024 · The end of daylight saving time, or "falling back", can wreak havoc on our child's sleep schedule. I know the purpose is for her to be able to sleep independently, but I LOVE holding my daughter while she sleeps. Reply reply Stuje1 • We help you understand why other sleep training methods didn’t work, and what needs to change to ensure your baby sleeps well. Mar 1, 2024 · Turning to sleep training helped this mom's baby sleep, but the process wasn't easy. But we compiled the best research to show you how exactly sleep training can effect attachment— and it’s not harmful! 1 Jun 2021 · The My Sleeping Baby Podcast with Eva Klein Join me and Dr. Equip yourself with practical advice to navigate common Nov 16, 2020 · I have found several studies that show sleep training or quality sleep in general having a positive relationship on children, their parents, and the family dynamic in the short term and no effect long term. I'm so incredibly frustrated right now. Most sleep training relies on ‘breaking’ the baby’s urge to call out (cry) for their parents if they are lonely, scared, anxious, hungry or uncomfortable. What are y'all's experiences with vaccines and baby sleep? May 26, 2023 · Sleep is a crucial aspect of a child's overall well-being, and parents often find themselves faced with the challenge of helping their little ones establish healthy sleep habits. Shanna takes an evidence-based approach to explain the difference between "attachment parenting" and "healthy attachment", as well as all the research we have surrounding these terms and practices. And more specifically, how in the world Jul 25, 2022 · When I sleep trained my daughter I tried the ferber with going in for the checks, but me physically being there escalated things. Naps have also Ferber trained 8 month old has been struggling with sleep for a week and a half, since dropping to two naps and a tooth coming through. New room, new crib. I think I’ve flooded my brain with baby sleep resources and I’m just torn between “this is normal and will pass” and “you’ve created a bad sleep habit”. Wondering about whether you should sleep train baby? Here's a guide to popular sleep training methods, plus how and when to sleep train your baby. Yesterday my baby cried for 25 minutes and slept through the night and woke up at 5:30 am for her feed. The short answer is: Sleep training is perfectly safe when carried out in the right way. Whether you want to "cry it out" or you want to try a "no-cry sleep solution" (or anything in between), you're welcome here! [Note: We are not medical professionals. I was a new mom and didn’t know what I was doing. We visited family about 2 weeks ago for 3 nights and that was the first time my baby woke up 2x at night since she was 8 weeks old. So there is some school of thought that you can ruin your baby’s sleep without sleep training. After hearing a friend rave about sleep-training, Allison Auth uncovered the lies she told herself when her kids were babies. Aug 26, 2024 · Many parents find themselves torn between the promise of uninterrupted sleep and the nagging worry that they might be causing unintended harm to their children. Jul 21, 2025 · Is it time to sleep train your baby? Discover the different sleep training methods you can try, when to start, and get tips for success. She kind of napped at daycare last week barely an hour and we did early bedtime to help offset it at 6:30pm. Its just gone downhill from there. Almost every exhausted new parent has wondered about the pros and cons of sleeping training their baby. And she wakes up multiple times a night and also wakes up an hour or two early. Jun 9, 2022 · One of the biggest hesitations parents have about sleep training is it’s effect on attachment. Jan 21, 2025 · Sleep training means teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. My son is 6. I certainly understand how it pulls on your heartstrings when your baby won't sleep. 5 hrs each. Baby #2 in 4 months, HELP !! 1 year + Nov 12, 2022 · Sleep training will not negatively affect your child's attachment or emotional development. Really appreciate everyone I was told basically if you ever pick up your baby while they’re crying, you’re going to teach them to keep crying for you. Learn about sleep training and when to start with this ultimate guide. For this reason, I worked hard to create SleepBaby. We all know the idea that sleeping when the baby sleeps is a ludicrous myth and that most parents just want to chill out with some Netflix or something with their partner. while we work on our daytime sleep my bouncing him to sleep for naps during the day won't ruin his bedtime progress The typical sleep-training program assumes that the baby will sleep in a separate room, which runs counter to this major AAP safe infant sleep recommendation. She wanted to blame it on everything but herself. Feb 21, 2022 · Studies have shown that sleep training does not threaten attachment. Aug 13, 2025 · From ‘cry it out’ and Ferberising to the Sleep Lady Shuffle, we break down what each method involves, who it suits best—and whether there’s any risk to your baby’s wellbeing. You’re going to ruin the process by going to them when they cry. Sleep training is effective at improving infant sleep, and no method of sleep training has been shown to harm development or attachment. Mar 20, 2024 · Will sleep training ruin my baby’s bond with me? Assuming you are a responsive, attentive, loving, and caring parent (which you most likely are if you’re reading this article!), then there is no evidence to suggest that the limited crying involved in the sleep training process will harm your relationship or bond with your baby. So personally I’d tough it out and wait the extra week to sleep train, but I But most notably, I am a parent just like you! My baby, Benjamin, refused to fall asleep and stay asleep. Feb 29, 2024 · The first baby sleep regression typically happens around 4 months of age, which is the youngest that anyone should consider sleep training their baby. 5mtns. Daylight savings with a baby? Well let’s just say, the struggle is real. Others liken it to torture—for both the Aug 25, 2025 · The research is clear: gentle, responsive sleep training methods do not harm attachment. Techniques include the cry-it-out method, Ferber method, chair method and more. We asked an expert to tell us why. 5 months old and basically has no schedule whatsoever. As to where in the parents’ room the baby should be, the AAP strongly encourages a separate surface within easy reach of the bed. 5 months old. We did CIO (with parental presence) when the 4 month regression hit and it saved us. She just continued crying and wanted to be woken up even though she was super sleepy and didn’t complete her sleep. Almost 2 year old sleep training “ruined” by nanny & night time regression. Learn what popular advice gets wrong and how to rebuild connection. 😫 Jul 22, 2025 · Wondering when to start sleep training your baby? This article has you covered, with tips on when, and how, to sleep train your little one. org. This blog will help you get your child's sleep back on track. You mention that you tried sleep training, but it might be worth it to put what you tried in the sleep training subreddit to see if people can help you troubleshoot. At daycare her routine is wake up 6:30, nap 12-2 and then bedtime at 6-6:30. Jun 1, 2021 · Join me and Dr. You should always consult your pediatrician before beginning a sleep-training program with your child. With just one of the benefits of sleep training being to be able to give mothers a break from the baby at night and to get better sleep, i’m wondering about the baby carrier and it’s effects in a few ways. Apr 21, 2021 · Myth of fact! Shall I wake up my sleeping baby ? What is a good schedule for my newborn ? Can I sleep train my toddler ? Will sleep training ruin my relation with my baby? Nov 27, 2023 · In my years of experience (plus sleep training my own daughter), I have found that teaching a baby to self-soothe is the best, gentlest and most effective method for most babies and parents. I feel ya, my mil f'ed up my DD's sleep routine and schedule. Prior to this he would sleep an hour and a half to 2 1/2 hours at nap. Sometimes he can sleep on his stomach, but often when he does sleep on his stomach he wakes up after a couple hours, cries, and can’t put himself back to sleep. I’m getting pissed because I feel like my husband couldn’t commit to the sleep training and we ruined it. Join the fun! #smilingfriends #charliedompler Keywords: how to calm a crying baby, funny baby sleep tips, humor to soothe babies, techniques for baby sleep, sleep tips for parents, baby crying solutions, using humor with babies, stopping baby crying quickly, sleep training for infants, funny parenting moments Sep 15, 2021 · I'm giving you all my raw thoughts about the anti sleep training world and some of the horrible, dangerous messaging I hear. But, how can you watch TV Very curious because I feel like so much literature out there says if you don’t sleep train your baby at 4-6 months they will never learn to sleep. Our schedule was wake up 7, nap 12-2 and then bedtime was 7:30-8. And the research absolutely backs this up. May 5, 2021 · Sleep training mistakes are common and make it much harder for you and your child to get a good night of sleep. zdps qox6 6uwgs hs jvbgo1cq 2q wgns pj5h jut3 ohbwvrr