The ideal time to begin sleep training your baby is when they are 4-6 months old.
Why 4-6 Months?
Babies younger than 4 months typically aren't ready for sleep training for a few key reasons:
- Immature Circadian Rhythms: Before 4 months, babies haven't yet developed the internal body clock (circadian rhythm) necessary for consistent sleep patterns. This makes it difficult for them to regulate their sleep-wake cycles effectively (View Source).
- Developmental Readiness: At 4-6 months, babies are more capable of learning independent sleep skills.
- Habit Formation: Waiting too long (beyond 6 months) may make sleep training more challenging, as babies can become more accustomed to being rocked or fed to sleep. At this age, they're able to pick up skills like sleeping independently, and they haven't gotten too used to you rocking them to sleep (View Source).
Important Considerations:
Before starting sleep training, it's essential to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be affecting your baby's sleep.
