It’s important to clarify that Sleep Sense™ method does not involve letting your child cry alone. You, as a parent, will be there to provide support and guide your child toward better sleep. I will never ask to leave your child unattended.

It’s perfectly fine to sleep in the same room as your child during sleep training. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a room for at least the first six months of life. This closeness can be convenient for breastfeeding and comforting for both you and your child. However, it’s crucial for the child to have her own sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet, for safety reasons. Sharing the same bed with an infant is not recommended.

While adults may experience improved sleep after the child is sleep trained, the primary beneficiary is the child. Sleep training is crucial for a child’s overall development and well-being. Adequate sleep supports physical growth, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. Establishing consistent sleep routines helps children develop good sleep habits early on, leading to better behavior and attention. Quality sleep also boosts the immune system, preventing illness and contributing to overall physical health. Sleep training benefits both the child and parents, promoting a more harmonious family dynamic and supporting the child’s independence in managing their sleep.

Scientific studies have not identified long-term risks or benefits to sleep training. Short-term improvements in both children’s sleep quality and maternal mood have been observed in multiple studies.

No one, including infants, stays asleep the entire night. Even after sleep training, children may wake up briefly, move, or make sounds during the night. The key is that they will be able to put themselves back to sleep after these brief awakenings.

While it’s true that most children will eventually learn to sleep independently, the timing varies. Some children may continue to need caregiver assistance to fall asleep even at older ages. While they will likely outgrow this need, it may persist longer than expected.

Not at all. Whether breastfed or bottle-fed, a child will benefit equally from sleep training.