Gradually teach self-soothing with a gentle approach

Once your baby is at least 4-6 months old and your pediatrician agrees, begin gently encouraging self-soothing by placing baby in the crib drowsy but awake at bedtime. If baby fusses, wait a few minutes before intervening, then offer comfort with a pat or shush without picking up. Gradually increase the wait time over several nights. This is sometimes called a graduated approach or "gentle sleep training."

Why It Works

Babies who learn to fall asleep on their own at bedtime are better able to resettle during normal nighttime arousals without needing a caregiver to intervene. Pediatric research published in the journal Pediatrics has found that graduated extinction methods are effective and do not cause measurable stress or harm to infant attachment. The AAP considers behavioral sleep interventions appropriate for healthy infants from about 4-6 months onward.

Tips

• Wait until baby is developmentally ready (typically 4-6 months) and check with your pediatrician first
• Be consistent: intermittent responding can be more confusing than a steady approach
• Both parents or all caregivers should agree on the plan before starting
• Some fussing is normal; sustained, escalating crying may mean baby needs something (hunger, diaper, discomfort)
• Progress is rarely linear; expect some regression during illness, travel, or developmental leaps
• If a method feels wrong for your family, stop and try a different approach; there is no single right way