Are sleep training and 'cry it out' the same thing?

The world of baby sleep can be a maze of conflicting advice and approaches, leaving sleep deprived parents feeling overwhelmed and uncertain how to help their babies get the best sleep possible. Two terms that often arise in discussions about baby sleep are "sleep training" and "cry it out." But are they truly synonymous? Or are there nuances that differentiate the two?

At its core, sleep training refers to the process of teaching babies to develop independent sleep habits, which often includes a baby learning how to self soothe to sleep and back to sleep anytime they wake through the night. It encompasses a range of gentle methods and techniques designed to help babies learn how to fall asleep without being fed, rocked or held, and to stay asleep for longer stretches at night. Sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, it involves tailoring strategies to suit the individual needs and temperament of each baby and family.

'Cry it out,' often abbreviated as CIO, is a specific sleep training method that involves allowing babies to cry as a form of self soothing. Some approaches like the Ferber Method include “controlled crying” meaning there are intervals where parents will go in and check after a pre-determined period of crying. Another approach, referred to as the “extinction method” involves not checking on the baby at all regardless of the amount of crying. This tends to be what people think of when they hear “cry it out sleep training".” The premise behind approaches that involve some amount of crying is that by giving babies the opportunity to self-soothe and learn to fall asleep on their own, they will eventually develop the skills to do so without relying on external soothing measures, such as rocking or nursing to sleep. Advocates of the 'cry it out' method argue that it can lead to more consolidated and restful sleep for both babies and parents in the long run and often results are much quicker than a more gradual or gentle method.

While 'cry it out' is a form of sleep training, not all sleep training methods involve leaving babies to cry alone. In fact, many sleep training techniques emphasize gradual and gentle approaches that prioritize responsiveness to a baby's needs while gradually encouraging independent sleep skills. These methods may involve soothing techniques, such as the "pick up, put down" method or the "fade it out" approach, which gradually reduce parental intervention over time while still providing comfort and reassurance to the baby.

In my experience as a pediatric sleep coach is that even with the gentler methods, there is some amount of crying involved and at times I have seen the more responsive or gentle methods involve more crying than the less responsive methods. The difference is that a baby with the gentler methods, the baby is crying, but the parent or caregiver is in the room, rather than outside of the room. A gentle method does not guarantee that there won’t be crying, which is an important thing parents should understand when deciding how to sleep train.

Ultimately, the decision to sleep train and the method chosen should be guided by the unique needs and values of each family. What works well for one baby may not be suitable for another, and it's important to approach sleep training with empathy, patience, consistency, and an understanding of your baby's individual temperament and developmental stage. Consulting with your pediatrician about readiness and hiring a certified sleep consultant can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the journey to better sleep for your family.

Our specific approach includes live-in support so that we can observe your babies behavior in person and create a customized plan based on what we see in real time. This 4 week program includes 3-5 days and nights of in-person support where we actually come and stay in your home and support you through nighttime sleep and naps. The in-person support is followed by weeks of follow up support via phone and email. This hands-on approach ensures that your baby learns independent sleep with the least amount of crying or confusion as possible. If you’re a parent in Michigan looking for sleep training help for your baby or toddler, you can schedule a complimentary sleep assessment with us. This 30-45 minute call will provide us insight into your child’s sleep and pinpoint your struggles to help us create a custom plan when you choose to work with us.

In the realm of baby sleep, terms like "sleep training" and "cry it out" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and misconceptions. However, it's important to recognize that while 'cry it out' is a type of sleep training, there are many other approaches that prioritize more responsive and more targeted methods to help babies learn to sleep independently. By understanding the distinctions between these terms and exploring the various options available, parents can make informed decisions that align with their values and goals for their family's sleep habits.