Sleep Training Success: How We Navigated the Crib Transition

Father and son sleeping on the bed.

Sleep training infants can be a challenging yet crucial journey for parents. As a father of two boys, both successfully sleep trained to snooze independently in their cribs, I'll share our experience, strategies, and the advantages we've gained from this approach.

Instincts Over Manuals:

When it came to sleep training, my wife and I opted to follow our instincts rather than diving into manuals or specific approaches. The process wasn't without its hurdles, especially with our firstborn. I vividly remember those initial nights, with my wife yearning to rush to our crying child. The books warned of this, emphasizing the importance of letting the child self-soothe to sleep.

To ease the transition, I spent the first couple of nights sleeping on the floor of our firstborn's nursery, gradually reducing my presence until he felt comfortable in his crib in his own room. This approach proved successful and, when our second child arrived, we applied the same strategy with equal success.

Advantages of Independent Sleeping:

The benefits we've experienced from sleep training both our boys are numerous:

• Easy Outings and Travel: Thanks to their comfort with sleeping in their cribs, outings and travels are a breeze. Our kids adapt seamlessly and often enjoy the novelty of sleeping with us in unfamiliar places.

• Early Independence: Transitioning them to their cribs at six months enabled us to foster independence from an early age. They learned to find comfort and security in their own sleeping space, contributing to a sense of autonomy.

• Sick Days Simplified: While our little ones slept with us until they were six months old, we maintained the flexibility of bringing them into our bed when they were unwell. It proved easier to tend to their needs without the middle-of-the-night dashes to their rooms.

Nighttime Adjustments and Preparations:

During the initial 2-5 days of crib transition, nighttime adjustments were necessary. Running to their rooms, providing a comforting night light, and ensuring they could see a familiar face reduced the anxiety. A soothing atmosphere made the process less terrifying for them and us.

Conclusion: A Restful Success

The journey of sleep training our infants to sleep in their cribs was undoubtedly a challenge, but the benefits far outweighed the initial difficulties. Navigating this transition with instincts as our guide brought about independent sleepers, making family life more flexible and the nights more restful. If you're considering crib training, trust your instincts, stay consistent, and cherish the rewards of peaceful nights for both you and your little ones.