camping out
the parent lies on a mattress or camp bed next to the cot, providing quiet reassurance while the baby falls asleep. over time, the parent gradually moves further away and reduces interaction.
best age
6 months onwards
time to work
1-3 weeks typically
crying level
minimal
how it works — step by step
- 1.complete your bedtime routine and put baby down awake.
- 2.lie down on a mattress or camp bed next to the cot.
- 3.if baby cries, you can pat or shush quietly but try to minimise interaction.
- 4.stay until baby falls asleep.
- 5.every 2-3 nights, reduce your level of interaction (e.g. stop patting, just be present).
- 6.after 1-2 weeks, move the mattress further away. eventually, leave the room once baby is settled.
pros
- +very reassuring for the baby — a parent is always nearby.
- +recommended by many Australian child health nurses.
- +works well for anxious babies or those going through separation anxiety.
cons
- -time consuming — parents spend a lot of time lying on the floor.
- -can be uncomfortable for the parent (sleeping on a mattress on the floor).
- -some babies become reliant on the parent's presence and progress stalls.
- -takes longer than structured methods.
what the research says
camping out is widely recommended by Australian maternal and child health nurses. it is considered a gentle, evidence-informed method. the Raising Children Network lists it as a suitable settling technique for babies 6 months and older.
source: Raising Children Network
view all sleep training methods
the complete comparison guide
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. always consult your child's paediatrician or GP before starting any sleep training method. evidence cited is from peer-reviewed research and the Raising Children Network (Australia). mini mode is not affiliated with any health organisation.