sleep training methods comparison
this is general information, not medical advice. always consult your paediatrician before starting any sleep training program.
sleep training is one of the most debated topics in parenting — but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. there are several evidence-based methods, each with different levels of crying, different timelines, and different approaches. the right method depends on your baby, your family, and what you're comfortable with.
this guide compares the six most common sleep training methods side by side, with honest pros and cons for each, plus age-specific recommendations and australian support resources.
quick comparison
| method | crying level | time to work | best age |
|---|---|---|---|
| cry it out (extinction) | high | 3-5 nights | 6+ months |
| ferber method (graduated extinction) | medium-high | 5-7 nights | 6+ months |
| chair method | medium | 10-14 nights | 5+ months |
| pick up put down | low-medium | 2-3 weeks | 4-8 months |
| gentle / no-cry method | low | 3-4 weeks | 4+ months |
| camping out | low-medium | 10-14 nights | 6+ months |
when is baby ready for sleep training?
most babies are ready for sleep training between 4 and 6 months of age. before starting, talk to your paediatrician — especially if your baby was premature or has any health concerns.
signs your baby may be ready
- at least 4 months old (adjusted age if premature)
- gaining weight well and growing on track
- no longer needing frequent overnight feeds (check with your GP)
- able to be put down drowsy but awake without immediately screaming
- has a consistent bedtime routine in place
- no major changes happening (new childcare, teething, illness, travel)
method-by-method breakdown
cry it out (extinction)
high cryingput baby down awake, leave the room, and don't return until morning (or the next scheduled feed). baby learns to self-settle without any parental intervention.
pros
- +fastest results of any method
- +very clear and simple to follow
- +least parental intervention required
cons
- –hardest emotionally for parents
- –intense crying in the first few nights
- –not suitable for younger babies
ferber method (graduated extinction)
medium-high cryingput baby down awake and leave the room. return to briefly check on baby at increasing intervals — 3 minutes, then 5, then 10, then 15. don't pick baby up during checks. the most researched sleep training method.
pros
- +most studied method with strong evidence
- +regular check-ins reassure both parent and baby
- +structured approach with clear rules
cons
- –still involves significant crying
- –check-ins can sometimes escalate crying
- –requires strict timing discipline
chair method
medium cryingsit in a chair next to baby's cot until they fall asleep. every few nights, move the chair further away until you're outside the room. baby is never left to cry alone.
pros
- +baby is never left alone while crying
- +gradual withdrawal feels more natural
- +good for anxious parents
cons
- –slow process — takes about 2 weeks
- –your presence can be stimulating for some babies
- –requires patience sitting still in the dark
pick up put down
low-medium cryingwhen baby cries, pick them up and comfort them until calm. as soon as they stop crying, put them back down. repeat as many times as needed until baby falls asleep.
pros
- +very responsive to baby's cries
- +suitable for younger babies (4+ months)
- +baby gets physical comfort throughout
cons
- –can be physically exhausting (lots of picking up)
- –slow results — takes 2-3 weeks
- –can overstimulate some older babies
gentle / no-cry method
low cryingmake gradual changes to sleep associations over time. slowly reduce rocking, patting, or feeding to sleep. no strict rules — respond to every cry. based on Elizabeth Pantley's approach.
pros
- +least crying of any method
- +flexible and adaptable to your baby
- +can start earlier than other methods
cons
- –slowest method — takes 3-4 weeks or more
- –requires very gradual changes and patience
- –less structured, which some parents find harder to follow
camping out
low-medium cryinglie on a mattress or camp bed next to baby's cot. gradually withdraw your presence over 1-2 weeks. used and recommended by tresillian, australia's leading parent support service.
pros
- +recommended by tresillian
- +baby has a parent nearby at all times
- +well-suited to australian families (local support available)
cons
- –sleeping on the floor isn't comfortable
- –takes 1-2 weeks to complete
- –baby may become reliant on your presence in the room
sleep training by age
4 months
only gentle methods are recommended at this age. many babies aren't developmentally ready yet, and that's okay. focus on building good sleep habits — consistent bedtime routine, dark room, white noise. if you do try sleep training, pick up put down or the gentle/no-cry method are the safest bets.
6 months
the most common and recommended age to start sleep training. most methods are appropriate at this age, including ferber and the chair method. babies are developmentally ready to sleep longer stretches and can learn to self-settle. this is the sweet spot for most families.
8-12 months
any method can work at this age, but watch for separation anxiety which typically peaks around 8-10 months. you may see some regression even if baby was previously sleeping well. be consistent and stick with your chosen method. it's not too late to start sleep training if you haven't already.
toddlers (12+ months)
toddlers need clear verbal boundaries and can understand simple rules ("it's sleep time now"). reward charts and sticker systems can be effective. a toddler clock that changes colour at wake-up time can help. expect testing of boundaries — consistency is even more important at this age.
tips for success
consistency is everything
pick a method and stick with it for at least a week before deciding it isn't working. switching methods mid-way confuses baby and resets your progress.
both parents need to agree
if one parent gives in and rocks baby to sleep halfway through the night, you're back to square one. get on the same page before you start.
choose a calm week
don't start during teething, illness, travel, or a major routine change. pick a boring week with nothing going on.
nail the bedtime routine first
a predictable 20-30 minute wind-down routine (bath, book, feed, song, bed) signals to baby that sleep is coming. get this locked in before you start training.
optimise the sleep environment
dark room (blackout blinds), white noise machine, comfortable room temperature (18-22°C). these basics make a big difference.
watch wake windows
an overtired baby fights sleep harder. make sure baby is going down at the right time based on their age-appropriate wake window.
what the research says
the most significant australian study on sleep training was conducted by harriet hiscock and colleagues at the murdoch children's research institute in melbourne (2008). the study followed families for 5 years after sleep training and found:
- • no difference in emotional health or behaviour between sleep-trained and non-sleep-trained children
- • no negative impact on the parent-child relationship or attachment
- • no difference in cortisol (stress hormone) levels
- • mothers of sleep-trained babies had lower rates of depression
the american academy of pediatrics (AAP) acknowledges that behavioural sleep interventions are effective and do not cause long-term harm, but does not endorse any single method over another.
bottom line: the evidence consistently shows sleep training is safe when done at an appropriate age. the best method is the one that works for your family.
when to get help
if you've been consistent with a method for 2+ weeks and aren't seeing improvement, or if sleep deprivation is affecting your mental health, it's time to get professional support. there's no shame in asking for help.
tresillian
australia's leading parent support service. call 1300 272 736 or visit tresillian.org.au for advice and residential sleep programs.
karitane
NSW-based parent support with a careline at 1300 227 464. offers residential stays, day programs, and phone support.
sleep school programs
most states have government-funded sleep programs through public hospitals. ask your GP or child health nurse for a referral.
your GP
your GP can rule out medical causes of poor sleep (reflux, ear infections, sleep apnoea) and refer you to a paediatric sleep specialist if needed.
frequently asked questions
what is the best sleep training method?
There is no single best sleep training method — the right one depends on your baby's temperament, age, and what you're comfortable with as a parent. The Ferber method (graduated extinction) is the most researched and works well for most families. Gentler methods like pick up put down or the chair method involve less crying but take longer. The best method is one you can stick with consistently.
is cry it out harmful to babies?
Research consistently shows that cry it out and other sleep training methods do not cause long-term harm to babies. A landmark 2008 Melbourne study by Hiscock et al. followed children for 5 years after sleep training and found no difference in emotional health, behaviour, or parent-child attachment compared to children who were not sleep trained. The AAP acknowledges that behavioural sleep interventions are safe and effective.
when should i start sleep training?
Most paediatricians recommend starting sleep training between 4 and 6 months of age, when babies are developmentally ready to sleep longer stretches without feeding. At 4 months, only gentle methods are recommended. By 6 months, most methods are appropriate and this is the most common age to start. Always consult your paediatrician before beginning any sleep training program.
does sleep training work for breastfed babies?
Yes, sleep training works for breastfed babies. Breastfed babies may still need one or two night feeds up to around 9-12 months, and sleep training can work alongside those feeds. The key is separating the feed from the moment of falling asleep — feed earlier in the bedtime routine so baby learns to fall asleep independently. Many breastfeeding mothers successfully sleep train while maintaining their breastfeeding relationship.
related guides
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. every baby is different. if you have concerns about your child's sleep, consult your GP or paediatrician.