It is natural for parents to soothe their babies to sleep using methods such as nursing, rocking, or holding. However, it can become problematic when a 5+ month-old baby wakes up multiple times at night, needing assistance to fall back asleep.
Sleep training can help babies learn to sleep well, but some parents worry that it may be harmful or cause unnecessary stress to their children. The truth is that sleep training is safe when done correctly, and it should be adapted to fit the baby's age, temperament, and family needs. Research studies show that sleep training does not cause any psychological harm, does not impair the bond between children and parents, and does not have long-term negative effects on children. In fact, well-rested parents are often more patient and present with their children, leading to a stronger bond.
A properly planned and individualised sleep training method will never harm your baby. It should be tailored to fit your family's needs, abilities, and preferences. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation that can make parents feel guilty or anxious about making important decisions for their children. Slight and temporary stress is a normal response to everyday situations and changes in routine that cannot be completely avoided. Using well-researched sleep training methods to help your baby sleep better does not harm them, even if some methods involve a small amount of crying. The only type of stress that can harm babies is toxic stress, which is caused by extreme circumstances. When carried out safely and with love, sleep training is not abusive or harmful to babies in any way.
It is important to note that sleep training does not mean abandoning or neglecting your child, and it can be customised to fit your baby's age, personality, and your own parenting style.
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