Sleep Training: Is It Harmful or Helpful?
As a new parent, there are few things more precious than the ability to get a good night’s sleep. But when your baby is waking up every two hours, it can feel like an impossible dream. This is where sleep training comes in.
Sleep training is a method of teaching babies to fall asleep on their own and stay asleep through the night. There are many different ways to approach sleep training, from “cry it out” methods that involve leaving your baby alone to more gradual techniques that involve slowly reducing the amount of help you give them at bedtime.
While some parents swear by sleep training as a way to reclaim their nights and help their babies learn healthy sleep habits, others argue that it can be harmful both emotionally and physically for infants.
So which side is right? Let’s take a closer look at the arguments for and against sleep training.
The Case For Sleep Training
One of the main reasons parents turn to sleep training is simply because they’re exhausted. When you’re not getting enough sleep night after night, it can affect your mental health, your relationship with your partner, and even your ability to function at work.
But beyond just giving parents some much-needed rest, proponents of sleep training argue that it also benefits babies themselves. Babies who learn how to fall asleep on their own tend to wake up less often during the night and get better quality rest overall.
In addition, supporters say that learning healthy sleeping habits early on sets kids up for success later in life. According to pediatrician Dr. Marc Weissbluth, author of Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child:
“The foundation for all future emotional stability depends upon adequate infant sleeping behavior.”
Weissbluth argues that babies who develop good sleeping habits have an easier time regulating their emotions as they grow older and may be less prone to behavioral issues down the line.
Finally, advocates point out that there are many different approaches to sleep training, and parents can choose the one that feels best for them and their child. Some methods involve more crying than others, but there are options out there for every parenting style.
The Case Against Sleep Training
Despite these arguments in favor of sleep training, many experts and parents remain skeptical. One of the main concerns is that leaving a baby to cry alone can be harmful to their emotional development.
According to Dr. William Sears, author of The Baby Book:
“Crying is a baby’s language… It’s how they communicate their needs.”
Sears argues that when parents ignore their baby’s cries during sleep training, it sends the message that their needs don’t matter. This could potentially lead to trust issues later on in life.
In addition, some studies have suggested that stress caused by prolonged crying can lead to changes in a baby’s brain chemistry. A 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that infants who experienced prolonged periods of crying had higher levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) than those who did not.
Finally, opponents argue that while sleep training may work for some families, it isn’t necessarily right for everyone. Every child is different, and what works for one family may not work for another.
The Middle Ground
So where does this leave us? Is sleep training harmful or helpful?
As with most things related to parenting, there isn’t a simple answer. While some babies might benefit from sleep training techniques like “cry it out,” others may struggle emotionally or physically with this approach.
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to try sleep training should be up to each individual family based on their own unique circumstances and values.
If you do decide to give it a try, here are some tips for making the process as smooth as possible:
– Choose an approach that feels comfortable for you and your partner.
– Be consistent with whatever method you choose.
– Don’t start until your baby is at least 4-6 months old and has no medical issues that could be affecting their sleep.
– Make sure your baby is getting enough food during the day to prevent waking up hungry at night.
– Be prepared for some crying, but don’t leave your baby alone for extended periods of time.
In conclusion, sleep training can be a helpful tool for parents who are struggling with infant sleep issues. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and make an informed decision based on what works best for your family.