Evidence-informed, Parent-friendly Guidance

Gentle Sleep Support for Exhausted Parents

Navigate baby sleep with confidence. Find the approach that works for your family—no judgment, just practical guidance from a mum who's been there.

Find Your Sleep Method Browse All Methods

Start Here

Find Your Method

Take our quiz to discover the sleep approach that fits your family's style

Sleep by Age

Get age-specific guidance from newborn to toddler years

Regression Help

Navigate sleep regressions without losing your progress

Hi, I'm a Mum of Two

I know what it's like to be utterly exhausted, Googling "baby won't sleep" at 3am, desperately trying to figure out if you're doing everything wrong.

After navigating two very different sleep journeys with my own children, I've learned that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. What works beautifully for one baby might not work at all for another—and that's okay.

I created this resource to share what I've learned through lived experience and hours of research. My philosophy is simple: gentle, evidence-informed, and flexible. No sleep shaming, no rigid rules—just practical guidance to help you find what works for your family.

Important: I'm not a doctor or medical professional. Everything I share comes from my personal experience as a mum and extensive research. This site is for information only—always consult your pediatrician for medical advice.

Mother gently holding sleeping baby

Find Your Baby's Sleep Method

Answer these questions to discover which sleep approach best fits your family's needs and parenting style. There are no right or wrong answers—just what feels right for you.

When your baby cries at bedtime, your instinct is to:

How do you feel about crying?

How much sleep deprivation are you currently experiencing?

Your baby's temperament is best described as:

How important is routine and structure to you?

At bedtime, you'd prefer to:

How involved do you want to be during night wakings?

Your ideal sleep outcome is:

Question 1 of 8

Baby Sleep Methods Explained

Gentle / Responsive Methods

Attachment / Responsive Parenting

Respond to all cries with comfort, feeding, rocking, or holding. Sleep develops naturally over time.

Best Ages

Newborn → Toddler (0–3+ years)

How It Works

No formal sleep training. Respond immediately to baby's needs. Often involves nursing or rocking to sleep.

During Regressions

Respond more often—regressions usually mean developmental leaps. Don't try to "fix" sleep suddenly; it often passes in 1–3 weeks.

Bedsharing / Room-Sharing

Baby sleeps near parents for quick comfort. Often paired with breastfeeding.

Best Ages

Newborn → 12+ months (room-sharing recommended by pediatric groups)

How It Works

Baby sleeps in same bed or nearby crib/bassinet. Follow safe sleep guidelines carefully.

During Regressions

Keep baby close—this often reduces disruption. Expect more frequent wakes during milestones. Avoid switching locations suddenly.

Contact Naps / Babywearing

Baby sleeps while held or worn in a carrier. Especially helpful for short naps and fussy phases.

Best Ages

Newborn → 6–9 months (sometimes longer)

How It Works

Baby naps in arms, carrier, or wrap. Provides closeness and security.

During Regressions

Use contact naps to protect total sleep. You can still practice independent sleep at bedtime. Don't stress about "creating habits."

Responsive Settling

Pause briefly before responding to allow baby to try self-soothing, then provide comfort as needed.

Best Ages

3+ months

How It Works

Wait 30–60 seconds before responding to give baby a chance to settle. Provide full comfort when you do respond.

During Regressions

Reduce wait time or respond immediately during tough phases. Resume pauses once regression passes.

Gradual / Low-Cry Methods

Fading

Slowly reduce help (rock less, feed earlier, put down more awake) over time.

Best Ages

3–4 months → Toddlerhood

How It Works

Gradually decrease assistance. Example: rock for 5 minutes instead of 15, then reduce to 2 minutes, then just hold, then put down drowsy.

During Regressions

Pause fading and give extra help. Resume once sleep stabilizes. Don't push forward during illness or big milestones.

Pick Up / Put Down

Put baby down awake. Pick up when crying, soothe, then put back down. Repeat as needed.

Best Ages

4–8 months (harder after that)

How It Works

Pick baby up when they cry, calm them in arms, then put them back down. Keep repeating until they settle.

During Regressions

Expect more pick-ups. Stay consistent with the pattern. Don't switch methods mid-regression unless it's not working at all.

Chair Method / Camping Out

Sit near crib, gradually move farther away each night until you're out of the room.

Best Ages

5 months → 2+ years

How It Works

Start with chair beside crib. Move it gradually farther away over several nights. Provide verbal reassurance but avoid picking up.

During Regressions

Move chair closer temporarily. Resume distance once regression passes. Don't remove your presence suddenly.

Sleep Schedules / Wake Windows

Put baby down based on age-appropriate awake times rather than clock time.

Best Ages

Newborn → Toddler

How It Works

Track time baby has been awake. Put down for nap/sleep before overtiredness hits. Example: 3-month-old may need sleep after 60–90 minutes awake.

During Regressions

Adjust wake windows (often need more awake time). Keep bedtime routine identical. Don't assume regression = hunger or bad habits.

Structured / Cry-Based Methods

Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)

Put baby down awake. Check at increasing time intervals (3, 5, 10 minutes).

Best Ages

5–6 months → ~2 years

How It Works

Check on baby at set intervals. Keep checks brief and calm. Gradually increase time between checks.

During Regressions

Re-do Ferber from the beginning. Keep checks calm and brief. Don't add new sleep crutches (rocking, feeding to sleep).

Controlled Crying / Cry It Out (CIO)

Baby settles independently with little or no intervention. Similar to Ferber but with longer intervals or no checks.

Best Ages

6+ months (often easier after 7–8 months)

How It Works

Put baby down awake and allow them to self-settle. Minimal or no checks. Works best with consistent routine.

During Regressions

Use the same method again—regressions don't erase learning. Ensure schedule is age-appropriate. Don't abandon after one bad night.

E.A.S.Y. / Parent-Led Schedules

Structured routine: Eat → Activity → Sleep → You time. Creates predictable patterns.

Best Ages

2–6 months (less flexible later)

How It Works

Follow eat-activity-sleep cycles throughout the day. Helps prevent sleep associations with feeding.

During Regressions

Loosen structure temporarily. Return to routine after regression. Don't force schedule if baby is overtired.

Bedtime Routines

Consistent pre-sleep routine: bath, book, feeding, song, sleep. Signals bedtime to baby.

Best Ages

All ages (can start from birth)

How It Works

Same sequence every night. Helps baby anticipate sleep. Usually 20–30 minutes long.

During Regressions

Keep routine exactly the same—consistency is reassuring. May need to extend routine slightly if baby is more restless.

Sleep Guidance by Age

What to Expect

  • Sleep is erratic and unpredictable
  • Frequent night wakings for feeding (every 2–3 hours)
  • Total sleep: 14–17 hours per day
  • Short naps (30–90 minutes)
  • No real "schedule" yet

Recommended Methods

  • Responsive parenting / attachment
  • Room-sharing (AAP recommendation)
  • Contact naps and babywearing
  • Following baby's cues
  • Focus on safe sleep environment

Sample Wake Windows

  • 0–4 weeks: 45–60 minutes
  • 1–2 months: 60–90 minutes
  • 2–3 months: 60–90 minutes
  • Watch for sleepy cues before overtiredness

Key Tips

  • Swaddling can help (if done safely)
  • White noise may soothe
  • Keep environment dark for night sleep
  • Don't worry about "bad habits" yet
  • Focus on getting through each day

Remember: This is survival mode. Sleep training isn't appropriate yet. Respond to your baby's needs and accept help when offered.

What to Expect

  • Sleep patterns start to stabilize
  • 4-month regression often hits (big milestone!)
  • Total sleep: 12–15 hours per day
  • 3–4 naps transitioning to 3 naps
  • Longer night stretches possible (4–6 hours)

Recommended Methods

  • Fading (start reducing sleep associations)
  • Pick Up / Put Down (after 4 months)
  • Bedtime routines (essential now)
  • Wake windows become more predictable
  • Ferber can start after 5–6 months

Sample Wake Windows

  • 3–4 months: 75–120 minutes
  • 4–5 months: 1.5–2.5 hours
  • 5–6 months: 2–3 hours
  • Watch for drowsy cues (rubbing eyes, yawning)

Key Tips

  • Establish consistent bedtime routine
  • Practice putting down drowsy but awake
  • Dark room for all sleep
  • Consider sleep training if family is struggling
  • 4-month regression passes (usually 2–6 weeks)

Remember: Many families start gentle sleep training around 5–6 months. The 4-month regression is temporary—maintain routines and it will pass.

What to Expect

  • More predictable schedule possible
  • 8–10 month regression (separation anxiety)
  • Total sleep: 12–15 hours per day
  • Transition from 3 to 2 naps (around 7–9 months)
  • Solid foods may impact sleep

Recommended Methods

  • Most sleep training methods work well now
  • Chair Method / Camping Out
  • Ferber or Controlled Crying
  • Wake windows more important than clock time
  • Consistent routines essential

Sample Wake Windows

  • 6–7 months: 2–3 hours
  • 7–9 months: 2.5–3.5 hours
  • 9–12 months: 3–4 hours
  • Last wake window before bed usually longest

Key Tips

  • Ensure adequate calorie intake during day
  • Watch for teeth and developmental leaps
  • Night weaning becomes option
  • Standing/pulling up in crib is normal phase
  • Consistency matters more than perfection

Remember: Separation anxiety peaks around 8–10 months. Extra cuddles at bedtime help. Sleep can temporarily regress but will stabilize with consistency.

What to Expect

  • Transition from 2 naps to 1 (around 15–18 months)
  • 12–18 month regression (walking, language explosion)
  • Total sleep: 11–14 hours per day
  • Increasing independence and testing boundaries
  • Bedtime resistance may emerge

Recommended Methods

  • Chair Method works well for toddlers
  • Consistent boundaries crucial
  • Positive bedtime routine (stories, songs)
  • Clock or visual timer for "stay in bed"
  • Gradual parent removal if co-sleeping

Sample Wake Windows

  • 12–18 months: 3–5 hours (before nap)
  • 18+ months: 5–6 hours (single nap)
  • Nap typically 1–3 hours long
  • Bedtime should allow 11–12 hours overnight

Key Tips

  • Give choices within boundaries ("which pajamas?")
  • Keep bedtime routine short and consistent
  • Avoid screens 1 hour before bed
  • Prepare for nap transition (temporary chaos)
  • Nightmares and fears may start—offer reassurance

Remember: Toddlers thrive on routine but will test every boundary. Stay calm, consistent, and loving. The 18-month regression is tough but temporary.

Sleep Regression Survival Guide

Sleep regressions are temporary phases when sleep suddenly gets worse. They're frustrating, but they're also a sign your baby is growing and learning. Here's how to navigate them without losing your mind.

4-Month Regression

What's Happening

Permanent change in sleep cycles. Baby's sleep becomes more adult-like, with lighter and deeper stages. Previously "good sleepers" may suddenly wake frequently.

What to Do

  • Establish consistent bedtime routine
  • Practice putting down drowsy but awake
  • Keep sleep environment dark and cool
  • Be patient—takes 2–6 weeks to adjust

8-10 Month Regression

What's Happening

Separation anxiety peaks. Baby realizes you exist even when not visible. Also learning to crawl, pull up, and maybe cruising.

What to Do

  • Extra cuddles at bedtime (reassurance)
  • Practice separation during the day
  • Don't rush in immediately—pause first
  • Keep bedtime routine calm and predictable

12-Month Regression

What's Happening

Walking! Language development. Increased independence. Also transitioning nap schedules around this time.

What to Do

  • Adjust wake windows (may need more awake time)
  • Maintain consistent sleep boundaries
  • Ensure adequate daytime calories
  • Consider if 2→1 nap transition is needed

18-Month Regression

What's Happening

Language explosion, increasing independence, and testing boundaries. Separation anxiety may resurface.

What to Do

  • Stay calm and consistent with boundaries
  • Offer choices within limits
  • Keep bedtime routine short and sweet
  • Validate feelings ("I know you want to play")

Universal Regression Strategies

Check Basics First

Rule out illness, teething, hunger, or discomfort before assuming it's a regression.

Protect Total Sleep

Earlier bedtime, extra nap opportunities, or more help settling can prevent overtiredness.

Pause Progress

If sleep training, pause and give more support. Resume your method once sleep stabilizes.

Regressions Are Normal

They happen regardless of your sleep method. Responding during regressions doesn't ruin progress.

Consistency After

Once regression passes (usually 1–4 weeks), return to your usual approach. Don't restart from scratch.

This Too Shall Pass

Regressions are temporary. Your baby will sleep well again. You're doing great.

Sleep Tips & Resources

Bedtime Routines

  • Bath (warm, not hot)
  • Massage with gentle lotion
  • Dim lights, quiet environment
  • Feed (if part of routine)
  • Story or lullaby
  • White noise machine

Soothing Techniques

  • Swaddling (for newborns)
  • White noise or shushing
  • Gentle rocking or swaying
  • Pacifier (if baby uses one)
  • Skin-to-skin contact
  • Calm, reassuring voice

Safe Sleep Environment

  • Firm, flat mattress
  • No loose blankets, pillows, or toys
  • Room temperature: 68–72°F (20–22°C)
  • Back sleeping position (always)
  • Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) recommended
  • Smoke-free environment

Nap Strategies

  • Watch wake windows, not clock
  • Dark room helps with longer naps
  • Contact naps are fine when needed
  • First nap often easiest to practice independent sleep
  • Short naps (<45 min) are normal until 5–6 months

Recommended Reading

  • "The No-Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley
  • "Precious Little Sleep" by Alexis Dubief
  • "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Harvey Karp
  • "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems" by Dr. Ferber

Helpful Apps & Tools

  • Huckleberry (wake window tracking)
  • Baby Connect (comprehensive logging)
  • White noise apps (essential!)
  • Night light with red/amber bulb
  • Blackout curtains

Let's Connect

I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to share your sleep journey, or just need some encouragement from someone who's been there.

Email

hello@sweetsleepguide.com

Instagram

@sweetsleepguide - Daily tips and real-life stories

Facebook

Join our supportive community of parents

Friendly Reminder: I'm not a medical professional—just a mum sharing what I've learned. For medical concerns, always consult your pediatrician. This site is for informational support only.