Fading sleep training method: Baby sleeps “without crying”
The fading sleep training method is one of the methods that are favored by many parents. Because it offers a solution to give children a good night’s sleep, not crying. Instead of needing the pats and comforts of adults. With the Fading sleep training method, children will self-soothe to self-soothe, and practice independence when sleeping. So how to apply the Fading sleep training method?
What is Fading sleep training method?
Currently, there are many methods to help children sleep well, without too much support from parents. However, each child will be suitable for a certain method. And the Fading sleep training method is similar. This method at first glance is quite similar to Cry It Out. However, its level will be gentler. Some parents liken the Fading method of sleep training to the average method. It’s between Cry It Out and No Tears.
The fading sleep training method shows parents how to help their children understand and independently fall asleep. Parents also need not use too many strong measures but still practice the child’s self-soothing ability. Therefore, this method is suitable when applied to children from 5 months old and up.
#1 Benefits of Fading Sleep Practice
Instead of having to resort to drastic methods such as ignoring the crying baby. Or coax too much so that the baby can sleep peacefully. With the Fading sleep training method, parents can balance these two factors. Parents will not drastically avoid caring when the baby is fussy. At the same time, parents also support children to a moderate extent.
This helps children still form independent thinking, self-discipline, and self-soothing. In addition, I still feel the warmth and love of my parents. This is one of the factors that promote the development of children’s skills more quickly. In particular, the Fading sleep training method also brings a pretty big benefit. It is to support parents to help their children transition from sleeping in a crib to a separate bed easily.
#2 How old should children apply Fading?
The fading sleep training method is a cross between the Cry It Out and No Tears methods. Because it gives children a feeling of being both safe and not too strict with their parents. Therefore, this method is quite suitable for children aged 5 months and up.
This is considered to be the period when building a good foundation for your child. And at this age, children can also understand and train the best character. At the same time, children’s thinking is also gradually developing. When applying the Fading sleep training method, the level of success will be higher.
#3 How many main methods are there in Fading?
With the Fading sleep training method, we will have 2 main methods applied to parents. These are two methods to help children still feel the warmth and peace of mind of their parents next to them. This promotes more confidence when going to sleep. Those 2 methods include:
Parents in the same room with their children
In this method, the first stage is about 2-4 weeks, parents need to share a room with their children for a while. In the first week, when the baby sleeps in the crib, parents can sit next to the baby until the baby has fallen asleep. Sitting next to this helps children feel the presence of parents and children confidently sleep better.
After that, a few nights parents can move the seat further away. However, still within the eyes of the child to create peace of mind for them. And so when the child has fallen asleep, parents can leave the room.
If in the process of sleeping, the child is startled, and fussy. Parents can sit next to them, making a sound of “Shhh…” so that their children can feel their presence. After the baby gets used to it, about 2-4 weeks. Parents can leave the room completely after saying good night.
Parents regularly check their children
This method is applied almost like the Cry It Out method. That’s after putting the baby to bed. Parents will leave the room and not stay there waiting for the child exactly like method 1. Leaving the room is done for a maximum of 5 minutes. At that time, if the child is fussy, the parents will wait for 3-5 minutes before going in to comfort the child. At this time, parents can comfort the child by gently coaxing the child with their hands. Or you can use a gentle voice to reassure your child.
However, this method will be different from Cry It Out in that. The maximum time for parents to leave is 5 minutes, with no gradual increase in time in the first step compared to the second step. This makes it possible for parents to both comfort and regularly check on the child’s situation.
Features of Fading sleep training method
Each method has its own characteristics that determine its success. And so is the Fading sleep training method. Parents also need to note the following 5 characteristics in the application process. It will definitely bring the best results for parents and children. Detail:
#1 Children sleep on time
This is one of the basic characteristics that any baby sleep training method applies. Because children sleeping on time forms a useful habit for children. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule will help your child fall asleep more easily. As well as not worrying about tossing, difficult to sleep in children.
At the same time, children sleep on time also helps parents easily monitor the correct sleep time of their children. For young children, it is very helpful to go to bed early and have an extended sleep time. Therefore, parents need to put their children to bed between 7-8 pm. And need to regularly repeat the right sleep during this time for your baby.
#2 Practice a bedtime routine
In addition, the practice of sleeping habits is also one of the necessary factors. It helps determine the success of the Fading sleep training method. Because when creating a familiar daily routine. They will naturally create a habit that is familiar to the child’s body. Help your child’s brain and all activities go in a pre-established order.
This will help your baby when it’s time to automatically want to sleep. And parents do not take too much time to help their children fall asleep. At the same time, taking a warm bath and lulling your baby with a book, song or story is also quite helpful. Just make your baby warm before sleeping. It also nourishes the soul of the child.
#3 Accept the “cry” story
Especially, in the early stages of applying this Fading sleep training method. Parents must accept that “the baby cries a lot”. Because right now you are in the process of transitioning from one stage to another. My habits have also changed a lot. Therefore, it is obvious that the child is fussy and does not accept this.
Parents need a lot of patience during the initial process. In particular, there is no need to rush to comfort immediately if your baby is fussy. Instead, stay calm, breathe deeply, observe your child from a distance, and feel. Until parents see that their children really need them, then they come to comfort them. Gradually, the child will automatically adapt to falling asleep on his own without too much support from parents.
#4 Having “friends” by your side when your baby sleeps
Surely there is no child without a favorite toy or teddy bear. And certainly, this is also seen by the child as a friend next to the child.
Therefore, carrying a toy with you will help your child sleep better. Because at this time, in the child’s mind, they will think of having someone to accompany them when they sleep. And you and that “friend” protect each other in their sleep journey.
This will help your baby feel more secure while sleeping. Just build a solid trust, a good soul for your child. This is quite useful as the child grows up.
#5 Parents should stay with children
It will sound quite contradictory because this method trains the child’s independence and self-sleep. But this is one of the characteristics that helps to be successful in the early stages of adoption. Because when moving from one stage to another. Children often have fear and feelings of being abandoned by their parents.
Therefore, if the parents stay with the child in the early stages and only leave when the child really falls asleep. Children will feel more secure, gradually forming good habits for them. At the same time, the bond and connection between parents and children is still much stronger.
Hope the above sharing about Fading sleep training method is really useful for parents. Same with any method. The first phase of the application will certainly face quite a lot of difficulties. Therefore, parents need to be patient, observe, and feel their children. Miuorini firmly believes that when parents are determined, they will definitely achieve very good results for their children.
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