The 5 Best Sleep Training Methods (Plus Tips From Parents)

Increase sleep slowly

"The book On Becoming Baby Wise helped me get my newborn daughter on a routine. For every 3 hours around the clock، you feed for 15–20 minutes، play for 30–40 minutes، and sleep for 2 hours. At 3 or 4 months old، you begin to let them sleep longer and longer at the 8 or 9 p.m. feeding. Babies love routine، so the more disciplined the parent is about feeding، play، and sleeping the better the baby's sleep habits will be." —Dayna

Take shifts with your partner

"My older son just did not sleep—I wish I'd relaxed and accepted that sooner. I also wish that we'd listened to my mom when she told us we needed to divide and conquer by taking shifts to be 'on call' instead of trading off whole nights، which left us exhausted and unable to function." —Madeleine

Create a routine early

"My son is only 6 weeks old، and he naps so irregularly. But even at this young age، I've been able to implement a basic routine. I start with a bottle of formula at bedtime،

 and he falls asleep in my arms. Then I put him in his crib، turn his vibrating bassinet on the lowest setting، and wind his mobile. This usually puts him to sleep on the first try. Next up: Tackling his middle-of-the-night wakings!" —Samantha

Swaddle the baby

"I wrapped up my kiddo tightly in 'the miracle blanket' every night until she was about 4 months old. She slept great and is still a great sleeper at 3-and-half years!" —Amy