How to sleep train a baby Practical, science-based guidance — no fluff.
When to start
Most pediatric sleep experts recommend 4–6 months, once babies can self-soothe and night feeds are biologically optional. The AAP notes there’s no single right method.
Ferber (graduated extinction)
Put baby down drowsy but awake. Check in at increasing intervals (3, 5, 10 min). Brief, calm reassurance — no picking up. Most babies adjust in 3–7 nights. Studies show no long-term harm.
Chair method
Sit by the crib until baby sleeps. Move the chair further away every 2–3 nights until you’re out of the room. Gentler but slower — 2–3 weeks. Good for separation-sensitive babies.
Pick-up-put-down
When baby cries, pick up until calm, then set back down. Repeat. Labor-intensive (can take 1+ hour the first nights). Best for under 6 months.
No-cry / Pantley
Gradual changes to feed/sleep associations — shorten the feed, then offer pacifier, then put down. Takes weeks but minimal crying.
Cry-it-out (extinction)
Put baby down and don’t return until morning (except for feeds if needed). Fastest method (often 1–3 nights) but emotionally hardest on parents.
How to pick
The best method is the one you can be consistent with for at least 7 nights. Inconsistency is what fails sleep training, not the method. Pair training with appropriate wake windows and a predictable daytime schedule for best results.