this method works best with young babies ideally less than a year old. these tricks alone probably won’t work in older kids without some modifications. you can start these sleep-training ideas at any time. if getting a solid night’s sleep is a priority the younger you start training the better. first: baby has to get enough calories during the day. nurse frequently (at least every 2-3 hours by day) and start solid complementary foods at 4-6 months (earlier is not better). as babies get to 3-4 months of age they will be able to go longer between day feedings. don’t let them stretch out the day feeds until the night is one solid block of sleep. second: you must back off on reacting to every little noise babies make as they sleep. you will stir a bit baby will fuss a bit and you’re both wide awake. that’s a habit that needs to stop. as soon as you feel comfortable move your baby to his or her own room so you don’t keep waking each other up. if baby wakes and makes a little noise don’t rush in immediately. take your time. at least sometimes baby will put herself back to sleep without your going to see her. give her a chance to soothe herself before rushing to tend to her. third (and this is the hardest part for many families): baby must learn to fall asleep all alone. if you’re holding rocking or feeding a baby while he falls asleep and then sneak away the baby — guaranteed — will wake up again later that night and need you to come back. good rules of thumb: by two months of age you should sometimes be putting your baby down when awake; by four months of age you should usually be putting your baby down awake; by six months of age: always put your baby down while awake. some babies will make this easy essentially sleep training themselves. other babies will fight sleep and make this a more difficult transition. exactly when to sleep train is a personal decision depending on the parents’ plans and priorities.
how can i get my baby to sleep through the night?