No-Cry (No-Tears) Sleep Training Method for Babies

Many newbie parents may struggle with issues that concern their baby, and whenever we talk about sleep training, it may seem like a herculean task for parents. Well, there are many methods of sleep training that you may adopt for your baby, and if you are thinking of trying the ‘No Cry’ or ‘No Tear’ sleep training method, then this article is just for you!

What is the No Crying or No-Tears Method of Sleep Training?

If you think that no crying methods would ensure that your baby does not cry at all, well, that is not what this method is all about. The advocates of this method are of the opinion that sleep is very important for the growth and development of a baby and bedtime may be the best time to build a strong bond with your baby. Therefore, there should be no negative sleep association. In other words, this method adopts the opposite approach to the controlled crying method and, thus requires, parents to soothe, comfort, rock or cuddle their baby as soon as he begins crying. The idea is to not let the baby cry incessantly and help him go back to sleep on his own.

What is the Controversy Behind This Method?

The supporters of no tear method perceive that it is important to promptly respond to a baby’s needs or demands and, thus, create a positive image of the parents that may help in strengthening the parent’s bond with the baby. The experts of this method also believed that crying incessantly during bedtime may create a negative association with sleep and bedtime.

However, the experts of the controlled crying method or cry out approach feel that letting a baby cry is not traumatising for the baby and does not evoke any kinds of negative feelings towards sleep or bedtime. This is because the baby may be left to soothe himself only for shorter durations and parents check on their babies at regular intervals. On the other hand, they feel that no tear method may make the baby overly-dependent on his parents and may find it difficult to self-soothe himself.

How Does This Method Work?

Well, no parent may be comfortable with their baby crying and, thus, if you are one of those parents who think the same, this method involves lesser crying and fussing by your baby, which means a happy baby and, eventually, a happier you. This method also allows you to spend ample time with your little one. You should keep in mind that the end result that you expect from this method is your baby going to sleep on his own without any help from you. Be patient, as it may take a couple of months for you and your baby to get used to this method.

Pros and Cons of No-Cry Sleep Training

This gentle and comforting night time sleep method may require religious and consistent efforts on your part to show you the expected results. However, before you prep yourself into taking a plunge with this method, you must know its pros and cons, and this may also help you to make an informed decision:

Pros:

• It is an effective method of sleep for babies who need more help for going off to sleep than other babies.
• It involves a gentler approach to sleep training.
• It is effective in creating a happy and positive bedtime image for the baby.
• It is great for making a strong bond between you and your little one.

Cons:

• It may require you to constantly check on your baby, which means lesser sleep for you.
• It may make your baby become clingier.
• It may take longer for you to implement the method and see the results.

Tips for Implementing the No-Tear Method to Get Your Baby to Sleep

Stick to these tips for ensuring better implementation of this sleep method for your cutie:

1. Be Consistent

Make sure you are consistent with your method and regulate a nap schedule for your baby. This may help your baby in understanding that it is bedtime now and he is expected to sleep.

2. Do Not Delay Bedtime

Parents often think that they should not let their baby take a late evening nap as it may hamper his sleep at night. On the other hand, it may sometimes do the opposite, and your baby may not sleep at night because he may be over-tired. Therefore, make sure if your baby wishes to go to bed, let him sleep.

3. Make Slow Transitions

It is suggested that if your baby has some other routine and you wish to bring in a change, we suggest that you make a slow transition. If the earlier routine involved putting your baby to sleep at 9 PM, do not suddenly bring it at 7 PM on the first day. Make the changes slowly and gradually.

4. Follow a Routine

Give hints to the baby that it is bedtime. You may begin my massaging, bathing, singing a lullaby and then putting your baby to sleep. Following a set pattern helps the baby in understanding that it is sleep time.

5. Create a Comfortable Environment

Make sure there are no unnecessary distractions, noises or sounds that may disturb your baby. Make your baby’s room warm and cosy with enough lighting. If your baby is very young, you may try swaddling too.

6. Understand Cues

You need to understand and take cues from your baby as this will help you settle your baby for the night. You may note your baby’s behaviour or gestures changing. Every baby is different and, thus, may exhibit different cues.

7. Use Pet Phrases

Babies may not be able to talk or make sense of words at a younger age, but they are smart enough to understand the cues that you wish to give them. Saying nap-time, sleep-time, nighty-night or such phrases may help your baby understand about the bedtime routine.

8. Know Your Baby’s Changing Needs

As your baby grows, his sleep patterns will keep changing. You need to know how long and how many times your baby may sleep as he grows because this may help you to understand your baby’s sleep pattern and needs.

Tears-Free Sleep Training Methods You Can Try

Here are some no cry sleep solutions for infants that you may try and incorporate:

1. The Fading Method

This sleep method involves you to be to present in your baby’s room until he feels settled. Once your baby may be groggy or sleepy, you may slowly leave the room and let your baby go to sleep. You may return if your baby needs you.

2. The Chair Method

You may settle your baby in his cot without any props, and you may sit next to him in a chair, but you should not be interacting or talking to your baby. Once your baby sleeps, you may return to your room. However, if your baby cries, you may soothe him and sit in the chair until he goes back to sleep again.

3. The Co-Sleeping Method

You may make your baby sleep on the same bed as you, and as and when your baby wakes up, you soothe him back to sleep.

4. The Pick-Up and Put-Down Method

This method involves you to lift your baby up when he starts crying, but without doing anything stimulating that may disrupt his sleep (like giggling, talking etc.). Once he stops crying, you may settle him back into the crib.

5. The No-Cry Solution

This method requires you to lift your baby and rock, hold, hug, feed him, give him a pacifier or do anything that may help him go back to sleep.

If you’re looking for ways to get your baby to sleep for longer hours at night, sleep training come really come in handy. Try out the no cry/no tear method for putting your little angel to sleep and see whether it works for him or not.

Also Read: Ferber Sleep Method for Baby