Haan, aapka bachcha khud sona seekh sakta hai - aur sahi tarike se karo toh kaam karta hai! Sleep training helps your baby learn to fall asleep independently without being rocked, fed, or held. Most babies can learn self-soothing within 1-2 weeks with gentle, consistent approaches. You DON'T have to let your baby "cry it out" if that's not for you - there are gentler methods too. Best age to start: 4-6 months.
Watch: How to Know When Your Baby Is Sleepy 😴 | Baby Sleep Cues Every Parent Should Know
Ideal age: 4-6 months
| Age | Readiness |
|---|---|
| 0-3 months | TOO EARLY - baby needs feeding on demand, sleep is irregular |
| 4-6 months | Can start gentle methods, baby develops self-soothing ability |
| 6-9 months | Ideal window - most methods work well |
| 9-12 months | Still effective, may take slightly longer |
| 1+ year | Possible but needs more time and consistency |
Signs baby is ready:
Create a consistent 20-30 minute routine:
Important: Do this at the SAME TIME every night - body clock ko set karo!
Optimal setup for Indian homes:
Method 1: Gentle/Gradual Methods (Kam Rone Wale Tarike)
Best for: Parents uncomfortable with crying, younger babies (4-6 months)
Chair Method (Kursi Wala Tarika):
Pick Up Put Down:
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Method 2: Ferber Method (Graduated Crying)
Best for: Babies 6+ months, parents who can handle some crying
Night 1:
Night 2: Start at 5 min, then 10, then 12
Night 3: Start at 10 min, then 12, then 15
Most babies show big improvement by day 3-4!
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Method 3: Full Extinction (Cry It Out)
Best for: Parents who can commit fully, babies 6+ months, when gentler methods failed
For babies 6+ months:
If baby truly needs feeding:
This is the MOST important step!
| Age | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| 4-6 months | Establish routine, drowsy but awake, may still need 1-2 night feeds |
| 6-9 months | Can drop night feeds, most methods work well |
| 9-12 months | Watch for separation anxiety peak, be extra reassuring |
| 1-2 years | May need to address fears, toddler bed transition |
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Starting too early | Baby not developmentally ready | Wait until 4-6 months minimum |
| Inconsistency | Baby gets confused (ek din ye, ek din wo) | Same approach every night |
| Changing methods mid-way | Confuses baby, prolongs process | Commit to one method for 2 weeks |
| Putting baby down fully asleep | Wakes and doesn't know how to self-settle | Drowsy but awake is key |
| Expecting immediate results | Giving up after 2 nights | Give it full 1-2 weeks |
| Feeding to sleep | Creates sleep association | Feed earlier in routine |
Consult pediatrician if:
A: Depends on age! Under 3 months: completely normal, feed on demand. 3-6 months: start working on "drowsy but awake," may still need some feeds. Over 6 months: this is likely habit, not hunger - sleep training can help. Start with consistent bedtime routine, put down drowsy but awake, choose a method you can stick to for 2 weeks.
A: This is a common sleep association! Start by: establishing consistent bedtime routine, practicing "drowsy but awake" (pehli baar mushkil hoga but keep trying), being consistent. You can do this gradually - first hold until drowsy, then put down. If baby cries, use your chosen method. It takes time but DOES work!
A: Research shows that cry-based sleep training methods do NOT cause lasting psychological harm when done appropriately in healthy babies 6+ months. BUT - you don't HAVE to use CIO! Gentler methods work too, just take longer. Choose what YOU are comfortable with. What DOES affect babies is having chronically exhausted, depressed parents!
A: Most methods show significant improvement within 3-7 nights IF you're consistent. Full results usually in 1-2 weeks. If you change methods or aren't consistent, bahut zyada time lagega. Night 2-3 is often hardest (extinction burst) - don't give up! It gets better after that.
A: NO! Pause sleep training during illness, teething flares (daat ka dard), or major changes (travel, new sibling). Provide comfort as needed during these times. Resume when baby is well. You may need to restart somewhat, but it usually goes faster the second time around.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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