If you’re reading this, you’re probably exhausted, overwhelmed, and Googling “how do I help my baby sleep through the night?” — and you’re not alone. Every tired parent has been there. The good news? Sleep training doesn’t have to be scary. It’s not one rigid approach — there are multiple methods, and the right one for your family depends on your parenting style, your child’s temperament, and your goals.
Sleep training is really just the process of teaching your baby or toddler to fall asleep (and stay asleep) independently, without relying on feeding, rocking, bouncing, or other sleep crutches. Once a child learns these skills, nights become calmer for everyone.
Below is a modern, mom-focused breakdown of the four main sleep training methods — written to give you clarity, confidence, and a starting place that actually feels doable.
🛏️ 1. Extinction (“Cry It Out”)
What it is:
You place your baby down awake at bedtime and allow them to fall asleep on their own, without going in unless there’s a safety concern.
Best for:
Parents who prefer a clear, straightforward plan and want quicker results.
Pros:
• Often works very quickly
• Helps babies learn independent sleep in a clear, consistent way
Challenges:
• Can feel intense emotionally for parents
• Requires commitment for several nights
👋 2. Check-Ins (“Graduated Extinction”)
What it is:
You allow your baby time to try falling asleep independently, but you offer brief check-ins at spaced-out intervals to reassure them.
Best for:
Parents who want a method that balances reassurance with age-appropriate independence.
Pros:
• Offers emotional support
• Helps parents feel more involved while still fostering independent sleep
Challenges:
• Timing matters — too much soothing can confuse the process
🤱 3. Pick Up, Put Down
What it is:
You pick up your baby when they become upset, soothe them briefly, then place them back down awake. Repeat as needed.
Best for:
Younger babies or parents wanting a hands-on, nurturing approach.
Pros:
• Gentle and emotionally supportive
• Great for newborns and younger infants
Challenges:
• Can take longer
• Requires patience and consistency
🪑 4. Chair Method (Stay-in-the-Room)
What it is:
You sit in a chair next to your baby’s crib as they learn to fall asleep. Over days, you gradually move the chair farther away until you are out of the room.
Best for:
Parents who want minimal crying and who like to stay physically close.
Pros:
• Very reassuring to both child and parent
• Gentle transition toward independent sleep
Challenges:
• Typically takes longer
• Can require more parental patience during the process
💡 How to Choose the Right Method for Your Family
Ask yourself:
How does my child respond to my presence at bedtime?
Do I prefer a clear, quick plan or a slower, gentler approach?
What feels doable for our family for 3–5 nights?
What aligns with my parenting style?
There is no single correct way to sleep train — only what works best for you, your baby, and your long-term goals.
📈 Tips That Make Any Method More Successful
🌙 1. Create a consistent bedtime routine
This helps regulate your child’s internal clock and cues the brain for sleep.
🕰️ 2. Follow age-appropriate wake windows
Overtiredness is one of the most common causes of bedtime battles.
🛌 3. Set up a sleep-friendly environment
Cool room, blackout darkness, and loud continuous white noise work wonders.
🔄 4. Stay consistent for at least 3–5 days
Children thrive with predictable boundaries. Consistency builds confidence.
❤️ A Final Word for Tired Moms
Sleep training doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right method and a supportive plan, your baby can sleep through the night — and so can you.
If you’d love personalized help, a step-by-step plan, and someone to support you through the entire process, I’d be honored to guide you.
👉 Book your free discovery call here:
https://amsleepconsulting.com/book-your-free-discovery-call
You deserve restful nights again — and I can help you get there.
Updated for 2025 with new research and recommendations.