chair method
the parent sits in a chair next to the cot while the baby falls asleep, then gradually moves the chair further away over several nights until they are outside the room.
best age
6 months onwards
time to work
1-2 weeks typically
crying level
minimal
how it works — step by step
- 1.complete your bedtime routine and put baby down awake.
- 2.sit in a chair right next to the cot. you can shush or pat occasionally but try not to pick baby up.
- 3.stay until baby falls asleep.
- 4.every 2-3 nights, move the chair further from the cot — first halfway across the room, then by the door, then just outside.
- 5.eventually the baby falls asleep without you in the room.
pros
- +very gentle — your presence reassures the baby throughout.
- +no periods of leaving the baby alone to cry.
- +good for parents who want a gradual approach.
cons
- -takes longer than extinction or ferber (1-2 weeks vs 3-5 nights).
- -requires patience and consistency — some parents find it tedious sitting in the dark.
- -some babies get more upset seeing the parent but not being held.
what the research says
the chair method has less dedicated research than extinction or ferber, but falls under the broader category of 'parental presence' methods that sleep researchers consider low-risk. it is widely recommended by sleep consultants in Australia.
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.