Sleep Training, No Cry: How to Get Baby to Sleep in Crib Without Crying It Out

Getting your baby to sleep through the night can be a real challenge.

It’s tempting to let your baby cry it out, but this isn’t always the best solution. Crying it out can cause long-term problems for both you and your child.

Thankfully, there is another way!

The no cry sleep training method. This approach involves picking your baby up when she starts crying. But you don’t do anything stimulating that might wake her up. You can put her back in the crib when she stops crying.

What Exactly Is No-Cry Sleep Training?

The main factors that affect the success of the no-cry baby sleep method are how easily babies can adapt to change and the baby’s age.

Some babies and toddlers have an easygoing temperament and may not shed a single tear during the sleep training process. However, little children who are resistant to change and tend to be intense may put up a fuss when you try changing their bedtime or nap time.

There are different ways to sleep train your baby, and if the “no tears” approach doesn’t work for you, don’t worry – there are other options to help your baby learn about falling asleep on her own.

You can aim for very low-cry sleep training such as the pickup, put down method, chair method, or co-sleeping method (sleeping on the same bed with your baby) which will result in fewer tears. This means responding to your baby’s crying right away and offering your child support and encouragement throughout the process.

What Are the Pros and Cons of No Cry Sleep Training?

The no-cry sleep method is a popular choice for parents who want to avoid letting their baby cry it out. It helps fix some of your child’s sleep problems and disrupted sleep cycles. However, there are both pros and cons to this approach.

Here are some things to consider before you decide if you want your baby sleep trained with the no-cry sleep method.

Pros

• Considered a gentle sleep training
• Non-stressful for both baby and parents.
• No need for harsh cries or screams to get results.
• Encourages a strong attachment bond between baby and parents.
• Sets up good sleep patterns, consistent bedtime routine, and positive bedtime image while preventing negative sleep association.

Cons

• Known to progress more slowly than other types of sleep training.
• Requires more preparation for successful sleep training than other methods.
• It can take a lot of time and effort to stick to.
• Risk of making your baby overly dependent on you.
• May not work for every baby.

How to Sleep Train With the No-Cry Sleep Training Method?

If you’re struggling with getting your baby to sleep through the night, you may be considering using a no-cry sleep solution.

Here are some tips on how to make it work for your family.

• Communicate with your partner about taking turns putting the baby to sleep. This also works if you co-sleep with your baby. If you’re both on the same page about sleep training, take turns putting your baby to bed each night. One parent can put the baby down for the first part of the night, while the other can do the later shift. This will help to prevent any feelings of resentment from either parent.
• Plan ahead by preparing everything you need for sleep training ahead of time. This includes having a comfortable place for your baby to sleep, some form of white noise to help soothe them, a regular bedtime routine, and any soothing toys or blankets they might need for sleep time.
• Start with short naps first, gradually increasing the length of time your baby sleeps. Once they’re sleeping well during naps, you can start working on night-time sleep.
• Have a consistent sleep routine that you follow every night. This could include a bath, reading a book, and putting on pajamas. Then, put your baby in their crib drowsy but awake. You may want to stay in the room with them for a few minutes to help them fall asleep.
• Create a baby’s room that is dark, quiet, and comfortable. A dark room will help to signal to your baby that it is time to sleep. Start by putting your baby down for naps in the designated sleep area. You can stay in the room with your baby, but remain silent and do not interact with them.
• Establish a regular nap schedule for your baby during the day. A regular sleep schedule will help to train your baby’s body to know when it is time to sleep.
• Wake your baby up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help to establish a regular sleep schedule for your baby.
• Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake so that they can learn to fall asleep on their own. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually an important part of the no-cry sleep training method. And remember younger babies sleep better when swaddled.
• As you start sleep training, pay attention to your baby’s sleep cues such as yawning and rubbing of the eyes. Have an early bedtime to help your child sleep better and prevent an overtired baby.
• Make night feedings low-key and prevent any negative sleep associations.
• If you spend hours rocking before he has fallen asleep, you’ll need to slowly wean them off of this sleep crutch. Start by cutting back on how long you rock or nurse them before bedtime. Then, gradually put them to bed awake more and more often. Eventually, your goal is to have them fall asleep on their own in their crib. This may take some time and patience, but it will be worth it in the long run.
• If your baby cries and wakes up in the middle of the night, pick her up for a quick reassurance. Use a soothing voice to comfort her and help her fall back asleep.
• If your baby is an early riser, put her at an earlier bedtime. This will also help your baby sleep longer. If your baby goes to bed earlier, adjust her night feed schedule accordingly.
• Let your babies learn how to sleep alone and to self-soothe at their own pace.
• Reward your baby for sleeping through the night with positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of a small treat, extra cuddle time, or a special toy. Avoid using punishments if your baby wakes up during the night, as this could cause undue stress and anxiety.

How Long Is No-Cry Sleep Training?

You might see results as soon as 5 days from starting the baby’s sleep training. However, all methods typically show significant improvements within 2-4 weeks. Consider it a success if your baby falls asleep on her own without any assistance from you.

Does the No Tears Method Actually Work?

Otherwise, your baby might become confused and frustrated. They all have the same end goal – to teach baby to be an independent sleeper.

Conclusion on No-Cry Sleep Training

If you’re looking for an alternative to the cry-it-out sleep training method, the no-cry sleep training approach may be a good option for you and your baby. With this approach, there are a variety of techniques you can try until you find what works best for your family without letting your babies shed a tear. In no time, your babies will be able to fall asleep independently.

If you’ve tried all sleep training and your baby is still having trouble sleeping, consult her pediatrician or a medical professional.

FAQs on Sleep Training

What Is the Purpose of Sleep Training?

Sleep training is a method that helps babies learn the skill of falling asleep on their own without requiring assistance from their parents. It also helps babies who have trouble falling asleep and develop healthy sleep habits.

There are different techniques that can be used to help your baby sleep, which have been developed by pediatricians, sleep experts, and sleep consultants.

Does Sleep Training Always Involve Crying?

No, not always. In fact, sometimes sleep training can be done without any crying at all. It depends on the method you use and the age of your child.

Some methods, like the Ferber method, do involve some crying. But other methods, like the No-Cry Method, don’t involve any crying at all.