When you are faced with the proposition of helping your new baby develop healthy and optimal sleep patterns and routines, there are a LOT of options out there. As a new parent, one thing ‘they’ don’t prepare you for is the veritable onslaught of information and opinions from friends, family, and social media that will be telling you the best way they think you should be raising your baby. One of the biggest discussions these days is between two schools of thought on developing sleep routines: Sleep Training VS Sleep Learning.
Both techniques claim to be an effective way in which you can help your child develop the sleep skills and patterns that they will need for early childhood development, but which one is right for you and your family? That choice is ultimately up to you, but in today’s article, we’re going to explore some of the differences and fundamentals of each method so that you can be equipped to make the choice that is best for your family and little one.
What Is Sleep Learning?
Sleep learning (also known as gentle sleep teaching or sleep shaping) is a technique for early childhood sleep development that is more child-led than other methods and focuses on helping babies create natural sleep patterns through positive reinforcement and gentle guidance by parents. It focuses on laying healthy foundations early in life.
This method focuses on supporting the baby’s biology which helps sleep sessions naturally progress. The primary intent is to prevent having to put your child through more rigorous sleep training methodology when they are older and to lay positive foundations from day one. It is proactive while Sleep Training is often more reactive. Sleep Learning techniques can start as early as 0 to 4 months of age.
What Is Sleep Training?
We actually have a helpful and more in-depth guide to Sleep Training found here on our site! In a nutshell, Sleep Training is a more formal form of sleep support in which families have particular goals in mind over the support period. It is geared toward ensuring that the baby sleeps for longer periods of time at night and sleeping more independently both in the day and night. It allows for connecting nap cycles as well. It is a method that appeals to families that value consistency and predictability. Sleep training is typically most effective when started at 5+ months of age.
Important Differences Between Sleep Training And Sleep Learning Techniques
- Sleep Learning
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- Flexible, baby-led
- Desires to naturally develop habits over a longer period of time
- Does not involve the “Cry It Out” or CIO technique, which some parents wish to avoid
- Slower in progress, but can be less stressful for baby and parents
- Tends to focus on developing strong bonds and gentle guidance
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- Sleep Training
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- Very structured and plan oriented. The baby has little to no say in the matter
- Teaches self-soothing most often through the CIO or “Cry It Out” method
- Promises faster results but at the expense of emotional distress for both parent and child
- Foundationally encourages independence and self reliance for the child
Before You Go
We hope you enjoyed learning about tips for differentiating sleep training VS sleep learning for your baby. If you would like to know more about this, our sleep learning, consulting or training programs or any of our excellent newborn care services, we are happy to help. Just contact us and we can go over your options and help you find the best path for your little one.
We hope these tips have helped you along your journey. If you have any questions about helping your baby to sleep better, or about your baby in general, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby and sleep and would love to help!
About The Author: 💤Katie Bishop | The Early Weeks 💤
✅ Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant
✅ Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
✅ Advanced Newborn Care Specialist
