- Most babies are not developmentally ready to sleep through the night until around six months of age.
- Focusing on consistent daily routines—including regular wake and bedtime schedules—supports healthy sleep.
- Teaching babies to self-soothe by placing them down slightly awake helps them fall asleep independently.
- The ideal time to encourage self-soothing is between four and six months, before separation anxiety develops.
- Developing self-soothing skills early helps babies return to sleep on their own during normal nighttime awakenings.
When Should You Start Sleep Training?
Consistent routines and early self-soothing skills help babies learn to fall asleep independently and manage normal nighttime wakeups.
Geraldine Rubin, MD, Pediatrics
