The Fading Method
Introducing a gentler alternative to the CIO (Cry It Out) method, the Fading method offers a slower approach that minimizes the baby’s crying. This technique involves gradually delaying bedtime by specific increments each night, aiming to identify the optimal time when the baby naturally feels tired enough to fall asleep. Similar to graduated extinction, scientific studies have shown that the Fading method effectively reduces the time it takes for a child to fall asleep and the frequency of nighttime awakenings.
Don’t Set Unrealistic Sleep Expectations for Your Baby
It is important to understand that not every baby requires a solid 12 hours of sleep during the night. According to experts, a combination of 12 to 16 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, including both nighttime sleep and naps, is generally considered appropriate for most infants. Trying to enforce a strict 12-hour sleep schedule can actually lead to sleep problems, such as disrupted nights where the baby wakes up in the middle of the night or excessively early in the morning.