Is It Too Early to Sleep Train Your Newborn?

New parents often wonder when is the right time to start sleep training their newborn. It’s natural to want to help your baby sleep through the night, but many are unsure whether it’s too soon to start.

The answer isn’t clear-cut, as every baby is different. Understanding your newborn’s sleep patterns and developmental stage can help you know when to begin sleep training newborn.

Understanding Newborn Sleep:

In the early weeks of life, newborns typically sleep a lot, usually around 16 to 18 hours a day. However, their sleep is broken up into short periods because they need to feed frequently. Babies don’t yet have a mature 24-hourly rhythm, the internal clock that controls their sleep-wake cycle. As a result, they often wake up every few hours, day or night, to feed and comfort themselves.

At this stage, newborns are still adjusting to the outside world and may not be ready for planned sleep training.

When Can You Start Sleep Training?

Although it’s too early to start formal sleep training during the first few weeks, many experts recommend starting to gently encourage sleep habits around 2 to 4 months of age. By this time, babies begin to develop a more predictable sleep schedule, and they may be capable of sleeping for longer stretches at night.

Starting sleep training at this age doesn’t mean letting your baby cry for long periods. It simply involves establishing a calming bedtime routine and helping your baby learn how to fall asleep on their own. You can begin by creating a peaceful sleep environment, using soft lighting, and introducing a steady bedtime routine to help signal that it’s time to sleep.

Avoiding Rushed Sleep Training:

It’s important to avoid rushing into sleep training too early. Newborns are still growing and developing rapidly during the first few months, and they need time to adjust to life outside the womb. Sleep training techniques that are too harsh or too soon can cause stress for both you and your baby.

While it’s tempting to try sleep training early, it’s best to wait until your baby is ready. Around 2 to 4 months is a good time to start gentle sleep training techniques. By then, your baby’s sleep patterns will begin to stabilize, making it easier for both of you to get the rest you need.