The Ultimate Guide to Sleep Training: Methods, Timing & Expectations

Sleep training can feel like a daunting journey—especially when you're already sleep-deprived. Between the endless (often un-scientific) advice on social media, well-meaning family opinions, and your own anxiety, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: sleep training isn’t about forcing your baby to sleep. It’s about teaching them the skill of sleep, just like you would help them learn to eat solids or wean from the bottle.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or navigating sleep regressions with your second or third, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—methods, timing, realistic expectations, and typical timelines—so you can feel confident and prepared.

What Is Sleep Training?

Sleep training is the process of helping your baby learn how to fall asleep (and stay asleep) independently. It’s not about letting your baby cry endlessly or ignoring their needs. Instead, it’s about creating a supportive structure that gives your child the opportunity to develop healthy, age-appropriate sleep habits. Research has also consistently shown that sleep training, when done using evidence-based methods, is both effective and safe. In fact, a long-term follow-up study published in Pediatrics found no negative effects on children’s emotional development, behavior, sleep, or the parent-child bond up to five years later after using behavioral sleep interventions like controlled comforting and camping out (Price et al., 2012).

When Should You Start Sleep Training?

Most pediatricians agree that you can begin formal sleep training around 4 to 6 months of age. Although some people start sleep training closer to 3 months, while others wait longer.

However, if you have a baby younger than 3-4 months, you don’t have to wait until that exact window to begin laying the foundation for good sleep. You can start earlier with implementing naptime and bedtime routines, looking for and being responsive to sleepy cues, and creating a sleep-promoting nursery environment.

Popular Sleep Training Methods (with Typical Timelines)

Every baby is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are the most commonly used methods, along with how long they typically take to see results.

1. Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)

Also known as “check and console,” this method involves allowing your baby to cry for predetermined intervals before offering brief reassurance (without picking them up). Over time, the intervals get longer. This is one of the most well-researched sleep training methods! I specialize in a version of the Ferber Method and have adapted my method over time with experience and customize the intervals I use based on the age and needs of each baby and toddler I work with.

Timeline:
Most parents see major improvement within 2–5 nights, with full adjustment often happening in 7–10 nights.

Best for:
Parents who want structure and quicker results but still feel more comfortable offering intermittent check-ins.

2. Chair Method

You sit in a chair next to your baby’s crib and gradually move the chair farther away each night until you’re out of the room. This method involves a lot of parent presence and slow withdrawal. While many people see the Chair Method as a “no cry” sleep solution, it definitely still involves crying. You must be patient with this method because it takes time. However, if you are consistent, many children do eventually adapt.

Timeline:
Typically takes 2–4 weeks to complete the full transition, depending on your baby’s temperament and how gradually you move.

Best for:
Parents who want to be physically present and offer comfort while still encouraging independence.

3. Pick-Up/Put-Down

You pick your baby up when they cry and put them down once they’re calm—repeating as needed. This can be physically demanding but is very hands-on if you prefer that. This is best for babies under who are 4-6 months. I wouldn’t recommend it for babies older than this because it can be too stimulating to be effective.

Timeline:
Usually takes 1–3 weeks to see consistent results. It may take longer for more sensitive or spirited babies.

Best for:
Younger babies or parents who want a very gentle and responsive approach.

4. Extinction (Cry It Out)

This method involves putting your baby down at bedtime and not returning until morning (or until a set wake time), unless there’s a safety concern. It’s direct and firm, and usually the shortest timeline.

Timeline:
Many babies adjust within 1–3 nights, with significant improvement by night 4 or 5. Some may need up to a week.

Best for:
Parents who are comfortable with a more direct approach and are worried they will end up caving if they go into the room for a check-in while their baby is actively crying.

What to Expect During Sleep Training

Sleep training isn’t always smooth, and that’s okay. Here’s what’s normal:

• Crying (yes, crying is normal): This is your baby adjusting to a new way of falling asleep. There will be frustration during the process. It’s not harmful when done safely and in the context of a loving home.

• Pushback for the first 2–5 nights: Most babies begin to adapt after a few days, but consistency is key.

• Setbacks from illness, teething, or travel: You can pause and resume when your baby is back to baseline.

• Mixed feelings: Guilt, doubt, and second-guessing are normal. Sleep training is a personal and often emotional process.

Tips for Sleep Training Success

• Choose a method that aligns with your parenting style and comfort level- it’s so important to choose a method that you feel you can be consistent with

• Stay consistent—unless absolutely necessary, changing the method mid-process usually backfires

• Use a predictable, calming bedtime routine

• Optimize your baby’s sleep environment: dark, cool, quiet, and consistent

• Time it right: Avoid starting during a sleep regression, illness, close to travel, when you have house guests, or during big transitions like starting daycare

Final Thoughts

Sleep training isn’t about “fixing” your baby—it’s about helping them learn a skill they’re developmentally ready for. And while the process may be emotional at first, the long-term benefits of better sleep for both your baby and your family are absolutely worth it.

With the right approach and realistic expectations, restful nights and more predictable days are possible.

Need support along the way? Visit Slumberly’s Contact page to see if your baby is a candidate for sleep training!

Price, A. M. H., Wake, M., Ukoumunne, O. C., & Hiscock, H. (2012). Five-year follow-up of harms and benefits of behavioral infant sleep intervention: randomized trial. Pediatrics, 130(4), 643–651. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-3467