Sleep training is the process of helping a baby or toddler learn to fall asleep on their own. This involves gradually removing sleep aids or "props" that your child has relied on, such as a pacifier, nursing or bottle-feeding to sleep, rocking, holding, co-sleeping, etc. The ultimate goal is to be able to place your baby in their crib or bed fully awake and leave the room, allowing them to drift off to sleep independently. It sounds like a dream, right? Trust me, it’s an amazing and rewarding experience!

No, sleep training isn’t for everyone. You need to do what you feel is right for you and your family. If you want to make changes to sleep behaviours as things have become no longer sustainable in your household, then we are here to help.

At MetaSleep, we offer a supportive, gradual approach to sleep training through a "release of responsibility" process. We help parents slowly reduce their involvement in sleep routines while providing comfort to their baby or toddler. By gently phasing out sleep associations, we guide families step by step, adjusting as needed, so both parents and child feel confident and supported throughout the transition to independent sleep.

The best time to sleep train is when you feel you are ready to make changes to your sleep routines. We work with families from 4 months to 10 years of age.

Many families choose to begin teaching their children healthy sleep habits between 4-6 months. By four months, babies are typically old enough to self soothe and may no longer require night feedings. Additionally, by four months, your baby’s sleep cycles begin to become more established, and their circadian rhythm (internal clock) begins to solidify.

Finally, because your baby is still quite young (at 4-6 months), the sleep associations that may have developed won’t have formed into strong habits at this point. This means it will be easier to change the way sleep happens.

Consistency is key to creating success in your child’s sleep journey, and it is especially beneficial if both parents are on board and consistent with implementing the plan. It plays an essential role in helping your child sleep through the night and take independent naps. Sleep training is a gradual process that may feel like a bit of a rollercoaster at first, with some great nights followed by more challenging ones. This is completely normal. With time and patience, things will become more consistent. It’s important to stick to your sleep plan moving forward, unless your child is unwell (we’ll guide you through that).