Sleep Training Methods for Toddlers
As a parent, you want what is best for your child. Sleep is one of the most important things for your child’s healthy development. Sleep training methods for toddlers give them the necessary skills to be able to fall asleep on their own. It is important to have an understanding of different sleep training methods in order to choose the best one for your child.
Most parents want to find the least disruptive approach to getting their toddler to self-regulate their sleep. Sleep training provides a structured approach that helps your child to establish healthy sleep habits. A few common sleep training methods include crying it out, the pick-up/put-down method, and the “no-fuss” approach.
Every family’s situation is unique, making it important to evaluate the different sleep training methods to find the best one for your child. Understanding the pros and cons of commonly used sleep training methods can help you make an informed decision.
Crying It Out
The “Crying It Out” method involves letting your toddler cry for a predetermined time after being put to bed. This method is based on the idea that, eventually, your child will learn to soothe themselves and fall back asleep. This method is, for some person, a difficult one to carry out, as it can be stressful to listen to your child crying. It is important to have a plan and stick to the set routine during this sleep training method.
Crying it out tends to work faster than other methods since the child is left to self-soothe and it may require fewer hours of crying. This method may cause your child to have increase anxiety and distress as they may feel their request for help and comfort is never coming.
Pick-Up/Put-Down Method
The Pick-Up/Put-Down Method involves comforting and reassuring your child for brief periods of time after being put to bed and then putting them back down in their own bed. This method encourages your child to have a feeling of security and that they can soothe themselves. This is an effective sleep training method for many parents, as it gives your child a sense of autonomy and helps build self-confidence.
The Pick-Up/Put-Down sleep training method only works if you remain consistent with your routine.This method may be slower than “crying it out”, as your child will need more support to settle down. It is important to be patient and accept the trial and error that accompanies this method.
No-Fuss Method
The “No-Fuss” Method is based on the idea that you can train your toddler to sleep without relying on a strict, consistent schedule. This method does not involve actively causing your child to cry or be rejected in any way. It relies on your child being able to play, explore, and grow while still allowing for enough sleep.
This method may work best for families who cannot commit to having a strict daily routine.Thanks to its flexibility, if your child is going through a period of change or growth, then this method can be adjusted accordingly. However, this method may be difficult to implement for parents who are uncertain of the daily schedule.
Things To Consider
- Each child is different and may respond differently to different methods
- Take your own expectations and beliefs into consideration
- Be consistent with your method once chosen
- Be flexible and adjust accordingly if needed
- Be patient as it can sometimes take some time for the child to adjust
Conclusion
Finding the right sleep training method for your toddler is important in ensuring their healthy development. Consider each sleep training method to make sure the one you choose is the best one for your child’s developmental needs. With patience, consistency and understanding, your child can learn to get the sleep they need.