Have you ever come across social media posts about parents teaching their kids how to sleep train? Let's delve into the benefits of sleep training for kids.

What is sleep training?

Sleep training involves a process aimed at helping babies achieve deeper sleep and learn self-soothing techniques when waking up at night. Its primary objective is to enable babies to sleep independently through the night, promoting improved sleep for both babies and parents and enhancing the family's overall quality of life.

The specific approach to sleep training varies based on the individual baby. No one-size-fits-all method guarantees how quickly a baby can adapt to sleeping independently. Some babies may require a longer adjustment period to changes in their sleep routines.

Benefits of Sleep Training

Sleep training provides several benefits for infants and young kids, such as: 

• Enhanced nighttime sleep, crucial for their growth and development
• Decreased nocturnal awakenings, reducing the need for parental intervention to soothe them
• Establishment of a consistent sleep routine, improving the overall organization of daily activities
• Promotion of growth, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being in children
• Enhanced quality of life for parents, allowing for longer and better-quality sleep and relaxation
• Reduction in sleep pattern inconsistencies, leading to less confusion and uncertainty
• Encouragement of children's independence, particularly in managing their sleep schedules
• Fostering a more harmonious relationship between children and parents

Does Sleep Training Ruin Your Baby Bond?

Some parents may worry that sleep training could create distance between them and their baby, making the child seem less recognizable or distant. However, research indicates that sleep training does not negatively impact parents' and babies' bond. It can lead to more meaningful interactions and quality time between them.

When Can Baby Start Sleep Training

Babies under six months old typically aren't ready for sleep training as they still need to feed during the night. 

The Sleep Foundation recommends starting sleep training around six to nine months of age, taking into account any health conditions that may necessitate extra caution and monitoring for the baby's safety.

There are many sleep training methods for children. You need to choose and try them out before you find the right method. Consulting with your pediatrician can greatly improve the chances of success in sleep training or you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.