First of all, the usual disclaimers: This is what worked for us. I’m not a doctor, nor an expert. If you’re having continued challenges (who isn’t?), find a qualified Sleep Trainer.

All children are different but equally awesome. However, sometimes they just won’t sleep and it’s exhausting for everyone in the house.

When we used a sleep training guide, we followed it to the T. However, to save you reading 200 pages, here’s the quick rundown:

At 4-months old, we followed these steps and it was great, until the first sleep regression, and then the next one, and the one after that. Just keep doing it and baby should (might) fall right back into a restful sleep and easier bedtime. Be consistent though! Slip and baby might go back to their old ways.

Above all, it’s all about making them feel safe and letting them know that they’re not being left alone. Object permanence typically develops around the 6-to-8 month mark. Before that, a baby may still enjoy peekaboo but think you have actually disappeared or gone forever when you put your hands over your face or cover yourself with a blanket.

Every night, like clockwork: Bedtime routine – bottle/feed, book, in bed, 3 songs.

1. Night ONE: Sleep next to the crib
2. Night TWO: Sleep in the same room but further away
3. Night THREE: Leave the room but when baby cries come right in
4. Night FOUR: Leave the room but when baby cries, wait 5 minutes (use a clock! It feels like an hour)
5. Night FIVE: Leave the room but when baby cries, wait 15 minutes (This one is really hard)
6. Night SIX: Leave the room and either only go back in after 30 minutes or wait until sleep feeding or the morning (unless it’s been an hour or baby throws up/is in distress)

Good luck!

PIN THIS: