Is sleep training the right path for my little one? If you’ve been searching through endless forums and articles in search of the answer, we’ve got your back.
In this post, Mellow is here to provide an unbiased view of the facts, and not to steer you in any particular direction. The decision to sleep train is as individual as your family's unique dynamics and needs.
So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let's uncover the evidence!
The evidence on safety
When it comes to sleep training, safety is a top concern for parents. So let’s dive into safety first:
Research from a randomized controlled trial published on ResearchGate suggests that sleep training, when conducted within a responsive and loving parenting approach, doesn't harm a child's development or the bond between parent and child.
Studies cited in the Pediatrics journal offer further insights, indicating that sleep training doesn't spike baby’s stress to toxic levels, as long as it's done within a nurturing environment. It's worth noting that toxic stress, linked to serious long-term harm, is typically associated with factors like child abuse or neglect, parental substance abuse, and maternal depression. However, positive stress (like dealing with a tantrum) and tolerable stress (like the loss of a family member) don’t harm the child and can even be growth-promoting when cushioned by supportive adult relationships.
Some studies hint at possible short-term stress reactions, but broader research—like a randomized trial published on ResearchGate—indicate that sleep training methods are safe when done with a nurturing parental touch.
Exploring the Pros & Cons
Sleep training, including gentle sleep training approaches, come with their set of benefits and limitations. Here’s an evidence based breakdown of these:
Pros
In one study, rates of maternal depression dropped from 70% to 10% after sleep training, which has been supported by other studies. This could be seen as a positive outcome, considering maternal depression's potential link to toxic stress in babies.
Infants who undergo sleep interventions exhibit improved security, predictability, and reduced irritability, as reported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Additionally, parents may report feeling more confident in their parenting abilities, enhanced marital satisfaction, and decreased parenting stress.
Loss of sleep can impact a child’s cognitive development, as shown by research on school-age children. Scientists theorize that sleep loss during formative years can impact a child’s developing brain - which successful sleep training mitigates.
Cons
Parents may experience stress, guilt, or anxiety when implementing sleep training and there may be tears along the way. Parents need to prepare to remain consistent and power through the mental and emotional toll it can take.
Limitations and concerns about the positive evidence
Existing research measures cortisol levels at specific times of the day rather than during crying episodes. But, experts agree that these measurements can indicate if babies develop toxic stress which disrupts their cortisol rhythm during the day.
Majority of research participants are infants over 1 year old, highlighting the need for more research and a balanced approach.
Reliance on parental reporting and small sample sizes in the research can limit general applicability of the findings.
Is there evidence of potential harm?
Many experts agree that claims of potential harm from sleep training lack clear scientific backing.
In 2012 Middlemiss conducted a study measuring cortisol during the sleep training process on 25 infants. This study was found to have some limitations - such as not reporting baseline cortisol levels, and potential pre-existing elevated cortisol levels in babies due to being in a new hospital environment. The sleep training itself did not further raise cortisol levels, undermining their assessment that cortisol levels failed to drop after intervention.
Dr. Allan Schore’s research, often cited regarding stress hormones and their impact on brain development, primarily focuses on children in challenging situations such as being grossly neglected or under child protective services.
Experiments with isolated baby monkeys, while providing insights into the ill effects of depriving maternal touch, involve more intense separation scenarios than typical sleep training situations.
Conclusions
You don’t have to sleep train. It’s essential to consider your individual family situation and preferences in your decision.
Research has shown that sleep training offers benefits for both babies and parents, with no evidence of negative long-term effects.
Lean towards gentle sleep training approaches
Sleep training research and studies have often involved more gentle methods that include some parental intervention and reassurance to baby during the process.
Expert organizations such as American Academy of Pediatrics lean towards sleep training methods that include some level of parental intervention, in conjunction with establishing healthy sleep habits. Full extinction cry it out (leaving baby to cry themselves to sleep with 0 intervention) does not align with many parent’s comfort levels, although the few studies that included it in their research did not find any negative effects.
Experts generally advise parents to be responsive to their child's reactions to sleep training. You know your baby best! If your child shows signs of excessive distress, consult with your pediatrician and seek guidance as needed.
Ultimately, the choice is yours to make! We hope this helps you make an informed decision that feels right for your family.
If you decide to sleep train, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician before starting any sleep training method to ensure it aligns with your baby's health and developmental status.
Sleep tight! And if you’d like more guidance on gentle sleep training methods - Sign up to our waitlist.