When Can I Start Sleep Training? The Ultimate Guide for 0-6 Month Olds

Struggling With Baby Sleep? Here’s What to Know About Sleep Training

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The first few months with a new baby is exhausting—most sleep no more than a couple of hours at a time. Many parents are exhausted and find themselves Googling:

• When can I start sleep training?
• What’s the best sleep training method?
• Why isn’t sleep training working for my baby?

If you’re looking for a way to get better sleep for both you and your baby, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll break down when to start sleep training, how to lay a strong sleep foundation early, and which method might work best for your family.

And if you want personalized, expert guidance, a Harbor Sleep Coach can create a plan just for you.

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How to Lay the Foundation for Good Sleep Habits From the Start

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Before starting formal sleep training, it’s important to set up a healthy sleep structure. Here’s what that looks like month by month:

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Newborn Sleep (0-4 Weeks): Survival Mode

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• Total Sleep: 16+ hours per day (in short stretches)
• Wake Windows: 45-60 minutes
• Focus On:
  
  • Teaching day vs. night (expose baby to natural light during the day)
  • Using white noise & swaddling for comfort
  • Safe sleep setup: firm crib or bassinet, no blankets or bumpers

🚨 Sleep Training? Not yet! At this stage, newborns need responsive feeding and comforting.

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Month 1: Establishing a Simple Routine

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• Total Sleep: 14-17 hours per day
• Wake Windows: ~60 minutes
• Focus On:
  
  • Putting baby down drowsy but awake
  • Avoiding overtiredness by watching for sleep cues (yawning, rubbing eyes)
  • Keeping bedtime within the same 30-minute window each night

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Months 2-4: Gentle Sleep Shaping

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• Total Sleep: 13-16 hours per day
• Wake Windows: 75-90 minutes
• Focus On:
  
  • Encouraging longer crib naps (instead of only contact naps)
  • Teaching self-soothing skills by offering comfort but reducing sleep crutches
  • Following a predictable bedtime routine

🚨 Sleep Training? Not yet—but you can start helping baby learn to fall asleep with less intervention.

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Want more? Check out our Newborn Sleep Guide with all the details on how you and baby can get some rest.

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How to Know If Your Baby Is Ready for Sleep Training

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Not every baby is ready to sleep train at exactly the same time. Here are a few signs that your baby is ready:

✅ Baby is at least 4 months old and past the newborn stage
✅ Baby is growing well, and your pediatrician confirms weight gain is on track
✅ Baby is eating enough during the day to sustain longer stretches at night (taking in most of their calories during the day rather than snacking frequently overnight)
✅ Baby can go at least 4-6 hours at night without feeding (confirm with your pediatrician if unsure!)
✅ Baby struggles to fall asleep without help (rocking, feeding, bouncing)
✅ Night wakings are frequent but not always for hunger (baby wakes but isn’t eating full feeds overnight)
✅ You’re ready to be consistent with a sleep plan

Wait to sleep train if your baby is:
❌ Sick or teething (pain can disrupt sleep)
❌ Going through a major transition (travel, daycare changes)
❌ Experiencing a sleep regression (sometimes, riding it out is better)

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If you’re unsure if your baby is ready, a Harbor Sleep Coach can help you decide.

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How to Know If You Are Ready for Sleep Training

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Sleep training isn’t just about whether your baby is ready—it’s also about whether you are ready. Sleep training requires consistency, and if you’re not ready to follow through, it might be better to wait.

Here are signs that you’re ready to sleep train:

✅ You’re exhausted and ready for change—but also committed to following a plan.
✅ You and your partner/caregivers are on the same page and will stay consistent.
✅ You can tolerate some crying (most babies fuss a little during sleep training).
✅ You can stick to a method for at least 5-7 days without switching back and forth.
✅ You have a plan and are ready to follow it.

🚨 Not sure you’re ready? A Harbor Sleep Coach can help you prepare and create a plan that works for your family.

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Sleep Training at 4-6 Months: When & How to Start

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By 4-6 months, most babies are developmentally ready for sleep training. Here’s what’s going on with baby and how you can help set up a solid sleep foundation.

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Month 4: Sleep Regression Hits

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• What’s happening?
  
  • Baby’s sleep cycles mature, leading to more night wakings
  • Some babies need to relearn how to link sleep cycles
• How to help:
  
  • Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
  • Let baby self-soothe for a few minutes before intervening

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Month 5: Sleep Training Can Begin

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• What’s happening?
  
  • Baby can sleep longer stretches without waking
  • Learning independent sleep becomes easier
• How to help:
  
  • Choose a sleep training method (see below)
  • Be consistent for at least 5-7 nights

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Month 6: Strengthening Independent Sleep

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• What’s happening?
  
  • Baby can sleep 10-12 hours at night (with possibly 1 night feeding)
  • Naps become more structured (2-3 per day)
• How to help:
  
  • Stick to a consistent daily schedule
  • Avoid accidentally reintroducing sleep crutches

🚨 Not sure how to start? A Harbor Sleep Coach can create a custom plan for your baby.

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Sleep Training Methods—Which One Is Right for You?

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There are many different methods for sleep training. Ultimately you can pick and choose what is best for you, you just need to be consistent.

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Chair Method (Gentle Approach)

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• Parents sit in a chair near the crib, gradually moving further away each night.
• Best for parents who want a slow, supportive transition.

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Ferber Method (Check & Console)

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• Parents check in at gradually increasing intervals while baby learns to self-soothe.
• Effective for babies who need structured reassurance.

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Extinction Method (Cry It Out, or CIO)

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• Parents allow baby to fall asleep independently without intervention.
• Best for parents comfortable with minimal check-ins and fast results.

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No Tears / Pick-Up Put-Down Method

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• Parents respond quickly to crying, then put baby back down awake.
• Best for babies who need extra support transitioning to independent sleep.

🚨 Not sure which method is best? A Harbor Sleep Coach can help you choose.

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Why Work With a Harbor Sleep Coach?

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Sleep training can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

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What You Get With a Harbor Sleep Coach:

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✅ Personalized sleep plan tailored to your baby’s needs
✅ One-on-one support via text for guidance 24/7
✅ Check-in video calls to adjust strategies as needed
✅ Proven, science-backed methods—no guesswork

🚨 No Harbor Baby Monitor required—just expert sleep help when you need it.

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Ready to Get More Sleep? Work With a Harbor Sleep Coach Today

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If you’re struggling with sleep training, don’t go through it alone. Harbor’s expert Sleep Coaches are ready to create a personalized plan for your baby and help you get the rest you need.

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👉 Start sleep training the easy way—get expert help today!

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