Busting Sleep Training Myths

I love busting myths, especially myths related to sleep training. If you’ve been curious about sleep training, chances are you’ve heard at least one of the myths I’m about to bust below.

Wanna know why I’m so passionate about busting sleep training myths?

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of mom-shamers out there. When really, it should be the opposite. Moms are so incredibly strong and do so much to keep everyone happy and healthy; yet moms receive the least credit and continuously get judged and shamed for the way that they choose to parent.

The effects of sleep training can really be so wonderful for both the child and the parents; I would never want anyone to be made to feel like they should be ashamed for choosing to sleep train their child. So that is why I’m here to walk you through it and share the evidence that supports the facts.

Sleep Training Myth #1

MYTH: “Sleep training just teaches your child that you won’t come to them when they need you.”

FACT: Even if you have a baby or toddler who is sleep trained and is a wonderful sleeper, there will still be times when they cry out for you. If your little one is sick, scared, or needs you for any reason during the night they will call out for you. And just because you have decided to sleep train, doesn’t mean that you ignore their cries, you will still be able to go give them the support that they need.

Sleep Training Myth #2

MYTH: “All sleep training is cry-it-out.”

FACT: While yes, CIO is one known method of sleep training, it is not the ONLY method (it’s also not my preferred method). The CIO method is when you place the child in their crib, walk out of the room, and do not come back until morning. There are so many other ways to sleep train; even including methods where the parents are present in the room.

Sleep Training Myth #3

MYTH: “You don’t need a plan from a sleep consultant; just find a method online.”

FACT: Some families do see improvement when they choose to sleep train without a customized plan from a sleep consultant. However, there are so many factors that you should be considering when it comes to baby and toddler sleep. When you find a method online, the method is simply telling you what you will do when your child wakes during the night. When you work with me, you get a customized sleep plan tailored to your child’s needs so that we can actually find the cause of the problem. Poor sleep can be connected to things such as sleep environment, daily schedule, nutrition, physical activity, and many other things. Instead of slapping on a method that is not at all customized to your wants and needs, you’ll be able to see the big picture and set your little one up for sleep success in a way that works best for your entire family.

Sleep Training Myth #4

MYTH: “Sleep training will cause mental health issues and ruin the bond.”

FACT: This is so false that it’s actually the opposite. Research shows that sleep training can be an effective way to prioritize the mental health of babies, toddlers, and their parents. When a baby or toddler gets the sleep that they need, they’ve been found to have happier moods, be more adaptable, and even have higher cognitive scores. For the parents, a full night of sleep decreases both depression and anxiety.

Now I want to leave you with two things to remember!

1. You don’t have to choose between sleep and leaving your baby to cry.

2. Sleep is a necessity; not a luxury.

If you don’t already know, I’m here to help families get the rest that they need to live a happier, healthier life.

I specialize in infant and child sleep up to 6 years old.

One question that I’m asked so often: “What is your sleep training approach?”

The answer is, I don’t have one sleep training approach. That’s why I’m different. I create completely customized sleep plans tailored to each family’s wants and needs. Every child and family is unique and sleep has a lot of factors; it’s important to analyze each one of those factors to find what will work best for the child and parents.

My customized sleep plans don’t just list sleep training methods… They are comprehensive plans that include information based on the child’s age such as: daytime, naptime, schedules and routines, nutrition, physical activity, temperament, and finally step-by-step instructions on how to get your little one sleeping.

If you think you can handle it from there, I’ll leave the plan with you and we can have a call to review it together so that you are confident and have any questions answered.

However, if you’d like a little extra guidance and support throughout the sleep training process, I highly recommend choosing my 2-week support package, where you’ll get unlimited text support from myself.

If you have any questions, please send me a message or schedule a free consultation call. I’d love to help!

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