As a baby and toddler sleep consultant and a Mom of two, based in BC, Canada, I know how overwhelming it can be to hear your baby cry at night. It’s a natural instinct to want to comfort your baby immediately, but it’s important to understand why babies cry and how sleep training can help both you and your little one get the rest you need.
It’s important to remember that crying is a normal part of a baby’s development and is one of the ways they communicate their needs. However, understanding the reasons behind the crying and how sleep training can offer a solution can help you feel more confident in handling these situations.
Reasons Why Babies Cry
Babies cry for many reasons, and it’s essential to identify what they need before jumping to conclusions. If you are a new parent or an expectant parent, it is important to remember that you will also learn your baby’s cries as you spend more time together. Here are some reasons why your baby might cry:
- Hunger: Babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently. Crying may be a sign they’re hungry.
- Diaper discomfort: A wet or dirty diaper can cause irritation and lead to crying.
- Tiredness: Babies need a lot of sleep, and very often they cry because they are overstimulated or overtired.
- Discomfort or pain: Teething, gas, or reflux can cause discomfort, leading to crying.
- Temperature regulation: Babies may cry if they’re too hot or too cold.
- Need for comfort: Sometimes, babies simply need to be held, cuddled, or reassured to feel secure.
What Is Sleep Training and How Can It Help?
Sleep training involves teaching your baby to fall asleep independently and sleep through the night. It is not about leaving your baby to cry without comfort, but rather about gradually encouraging them to develop healthy sleep habits. So how can this help? Well, very often your baby is crying because they are overtired. Overtiredness, can often be mistaken for being hungry and other fussiness, resulting in baby not being put down at the appropriate time for their nap. Want to know the best awake window for your baby’s age? Here is a free download! Sleep training helps to add more predicatablity to your daily routine and for your baby to get the sufficient amount of sleep that they need each day. I do not recommend sleep training before 4 months, but setting healthy sleep goals prior to that age. It is important to remember, if you are considering sleep training that there are several methods including:
- Ferber Method: Also known as graduated extinction, this method involves letting your baby cry for increasing periods before offering comfort.
- Chair Method: This method involves gradually moving further away from your baby’s crib each night until they can fall asleep on their own.
- No Tears Method: This gentle approach involves comforting your baby until they fall asleep without letting them cry.
Is Sleep Training Safe?
Many parents wonder if sleep training is safe and whether it will have any long-term effects, and I fully underand this as a parent who had these questions myself. It took my husband quite a bit of time to make a decision if sleep training was right for us. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sleep training is safe when done correctly, in a way that is gentle and supportive for both the baby and the parents. The AAP notes that sleep training methods such as controlled crying and extinction do not harm the baby and can lead to better sleep patterns, benefiting both the child and the parents.
According to a study published by the CDC, about 37% of children age 4 months to 14 years are not getting sufficient sleep
A study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that sleep training methods like the Ferber Method, improved infant sleep problems, with no adverse effects reported after 5 years. This study also touches on the improvement of maternal mood.
A poll from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital , found that 27% of parents report difficulties with their child’s sleep (ages 1- 6 years old), which can affect the entire family’s well-being.
I always tell parents that I chat with that they need to make the best decision for their family. Sleep training is not a one size fits all approach and you need to find the right method for you and the right support if you decide to move forward. There is a lot of information out there and can be very overwhelming, so take your time and make the best decision for you. If you no that you are a family who would like guidance and support…
Why Hiring a Sleep Consultant Could Be the Answer
Sleep training can be challenging, especially for first-time parents. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a sleep consultant can guide you through the process, offer support, and help tailor a sleep plan that works for your family.
Here are a few reasons why working with a professional sleep consultant might be the right choice for you:
- Expert Guidance: I can assess your baby’s unique sleep needs and develop a customized sleep plan.
- Support Every Step of the Way: I provide ongoing support throughout the sleep training process, helping you stay consistent and confident.
- Gentle Methods: I will help you find the best solution for your family’s needs.
Ready to Get Better Sleep for You and Your Baby?
If you’re ready to start your baby’s sleep training journey and ensure that both you and your little one get the rest you need, book a free evaluation call with me. If we feel that we are a good fit to work together you you are ready to make changes to your family’s current sleep situation, I’ll help you create a personalized sleep plan that works for your family and your baby’s unique needs.
Contact me today to get started and say goodbye to sleepless nights!