No two babies are alike. Even at a young age babies have certain traits and preferences. It’s why baby items come in so many options! Just think of it. Remember sifting through all the types of diapers, pacifiers, swaddlers, and carriers when putting together your registry? Baby product makers knew that not every product would work for every baby.
The same could be said for baby sleep training. Babies all have their own unique sleeping preferences, traits and patterns. It’s why doctors and sleep experts have developed a vast array of baby sleep training methods. What works for one baby may not work for another.
Wondering what the best baby sleep trends are for 2020?
Going back to baby products, there are your classic standards like the white burp cloths. And there are new and improved products that are better than their predecessors like diaper bags.
Same with baby sleep training methods. Some baby sleep training methods are tried and true. Others were just a fad and now out of date. And new methods are proving to be effective. So what are the ones to try in 2020?
We’ve narrowed it down for you, with the top 5 baby sleep training methods to try in 2020. If you had a baby this year more than likely you will be trying to sleep train your baby. Stay relevant and up-to-date with what’s out there and what works. Here is our rundown of the best baby sleep training methods of 2020!
Top 5 Baby Sleep Training Methods
1. Ferber–The Classic Sleep Training Method
This method has been around for a long time. Your mom may have tried this with you! When something works through the ages it’s a classic and can still be applied in 2020.
The Ferber method was created by Dr Richard Ferber. The basic mechanics of this baby sleep training method goes like this.
Put your baby down in their crib after their nighttime routine. Leave them with their usual soothing tools like music or night lights. Leave the room. If your little one starts to fuss go back in and offer comfort. Things like stroking their cheek and giving them soothing words are good. Then leave the room again.
If they start to cry again repeat the same comfort routine but lengthen the time in between tending to them. So the first time wait one minute, 2nd time wait 2 minutes, and so on. Repeat this until they fall asleep.
This check-and-console method does take time. You might find yourself going in and out of your baby’s room for up to an hour. But eventually, that time will decrease and your baby will learn to fall asleep.
Why does this work? This method helps your baby learn the skills needed to self-soothe to sleep or fall asleep on their own yet your baby is still reassured throughout the process because you’re still present.
2. Fading Method–Fade It Out (FIO)
This is a somewhat newer baby sleep training method but it works for many parents because it involves things they’ve already been doing. FIO includes the steps in your bedtime routine, but some of the elements gradually fade out.
To illustrate FIO let’s say you put your baby down after they have fully fallen asleep in your arms while rocking. With FIO you gradually lessen the amount of time you rock and begin to put your baby down right before they fall fully asleep.
If they wake up and cry, go in and pick them up to rock to sleep again, but over time minimize the time you do.
Why does this work? The FIO method helps teach your baby to fall asleep on their own without becoming dependent upon a crutch like rocking or feeding to sleep. They gradually learn to do without those crutches and fall asleep independently.
3. Pick Up Put Down–The Gentle Sleep Training Method
The pick-up/put-down method works pretty much as the title suggests. You pick-up and put-down your baby until they fall asleep. It’s a gentle method because you continue to provide support and comfort as your baby learns to fall asleep on their own.
The focus of this baby sleep training method is to have your baby learn to fall asleep after they’ve been put down in the crib. The pick-up component to this picking up your baby when they get fussy after being put down.
So how does this all look when in action? Imagine you put your baby down in the crib. As they lay there working on falling asleep you can pat or shush them. Then back away from the crib to minimize contact. If your baby starts crying you can pick them up until they are quiet, then put them down.
Over time you will then minimize contact by stop picking them up and sticking to rubbing their back or shushing them.
Why does this work? It’s a guilt-free way of being in the room with your baby as they learn to fall asleep where you can still pick them up to provide comfort. However, it’s still gentle because you gradually lessen the comfort as your baby increases their ability to fall asleep.
4. Chair Method–Modern Day Ferber Method
This baby sleep training method is similar to the classic Ferber technique with a twist. Rather than leaving the room for longer periods of time, you sit further and further away from the crib.
How does it work? You get your baby ready for bed following the same routine every night and sit in a chair next to them until they fall asleep. This method does take some will power on your end because your baby may want your attention instead of fall asleep.
You can offer comfort if they get fussy though. Over time you then move your chair further and further away from the crib. As your chair moves further away so does the comfort you provide. It goes from physical touch to vocal cues. Once your baby learns to fall asleep them the next step is to leave the room completely.
Why does this work? It combines the classic Ferber method but offers a little bit more reassurance for your baby.
5. Customized Baby Sleep Training–Designed For You and Baby
There’s nothing that says 2020 like customizable services that fit your needs. This idea is also applicable to baby sleep training methods.
Sometimes parents are not sure which baby sleep training method to choose. Other times parents like one part of one technique and another part of another. Figuring how to put it together is confusing. Still, other moms and dads don’t have the time to do baby sleep training even though they know it’s important.
To combat this problem many parents now reach out to baby sleep experts to get the best advice, support, and training that is perfect for their baby. Sweet Dreams LA is one of those services parents call upon and find great success when it comes to baby sleep training!
So what does a customized baby sleep training method look like? The sleep experts at Sweet Dreams LA created a one of a kind baby sleep training program designed for you and your baby. In a nutshell, it starts with a detailed “Assessment & Getting To Know You” survey. You will complete a comprehensive questionnaire that will help the sleep coaches get to know you and your little one better.
From there you move onto a phone consultation with a sleep coach. Then the sleep coach will come to your home to meet you and your family. They will dedicate their time to focus on your baby’s habits and needs.
From this, they create a tailor-made action plan for you and your baby. The plan also takes into account your baby’s age, developmental stage, personality, and more.
You can choose a 48, 72, or 120-hour program where the sleep coach and you work together with your baby.
Why does this work? Together with a sleep training coach you work on sleep training your baby following the customized baby sleep training plan so you can be confident to maintain the program after your time with your sleep coach passes. Your baby will learn to sleep in a manner that is best for them.
The top 5 baby sleep training methods to try in 2020 all have this in common, training babies to fall asleep with love and guidance. Each one has their unique approaches. When selecting the best baby sleep training method for you and your baby you can rest assured that you will be training your baby with loving technique.
From this, your baby will become an excellent sleeper and both of you will be getting your best sleep ever.