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If you’ve ever mentioned sleep training, chances are someone has told you, “Oh, I could never do Cry It Out!” And I get it—letting your baby cry endlessly without comfort doesn’t sit well with most parents.
But here’s the thing: Cry It Out (CIO) is just one method of sleep training—not the whole picture.
Unfortunately, sleep training has become almost synonymous with CIO, which leads many parents to believe they only have two choices: endure sleepless nights or let their baby cry alone for hours. In reality, sleep training is so much more than that. It’s a personalized approach to helping your baby sleep better, with many different methods—some that involve little to no crying at all.
Let’s break down the biggest misconception about sleep training vs. CIO and talk about why sleep training (when done in a way that fits your family’s needs) can be a game-changer.
What Is Cry It Out?
Cry It Out, also known as "extinction" sleep training, is a method where you put your baby down awake and do not return to the room until morning—no check-ins, no comforting, just allowing them to work through the process of falling asleep on their own.
This method can work for some families, especially if they need a fast solution or have a baby who adapts quickly. But for many parents, the idea of leaving their baby to cry without support feels too harsh and stressful.
And that’s completely understandable! The good news? CIO is not the only way to sleep train.
What Sleep Training Actually Is
Sleep training is a customized approach to improving your baby’s sleep. It’s not just about how you respond when they wake up—it’s about looking at the full picture and setting your baby up for success.
✔️ Adjusting their schedule – Making sure your baby is sleeping at the right times and getting the right amount of awake time during the day. A well-timed schedule reduces overtiredness and makes it easier for your baby to fall and stay asleep. This plays a big role in improving pesky short naps!
✔️ Creating a consistent bedtime routine – Babies thrive on predictability! A simple, calming routine helps signal to your baby that sleep is coming and makes bedtime smoother.
✔️ Teaching independent sleep skills – This doesn’t mean forcing your baby to self-soothe immediately. It means helping them develop the ability to fall asleep on their own in a way that’s gradual and manageable for both baby and parent. Using a method that aligns with baby's temperament leads to a smoother transition when they're learning independent sleep skills.
✔️ Using gentle methods – There are many responsive sleep training methods that involve check-ins, comforting, and reassurance. You don’t have to leave your baby alone to cry until they fall asleep if that’s not the right fit for your family.
The most important part? Sleep training is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding a method that works for your baby’s temperament and your parenting style.
The Benefits of Sleep Training
Helping your baby learn to sleep well isn’t just about getting longer stretches at night (though, let’s be honest, that’s a huge perk!). When babies sleep better, everything improves—both for them and for you.
✨ A well-rested baby is a happier baby – Good sleep is essential for brain development, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Babies who sleep well are often less fussy, more engaged, and better able to handle stimulation throughout the day.
✨ A well-rested parent is a better parent – Sleep deprivation is brutal and can make even the simplest daily tasks feel overwhelming. When you’re rested, you have more patience, more energy, and can enjoy motherhood instead of just surviving through it.
✨ It strengthens your bond – Contrary to the myth that sleep training damages attachment, well-rested parents and babies are better able to connect and engage during the day. Plus, sleep training done with responsiveness and love builds trust—you’re teaching your baby that sleep is safe and predictable.
✨ Better sleep means better overall health – Chronic sleep deprivation affects mood, immune function, and cognitive development. Teaching your baby healthy sleep habits early on can set them up for better sleep patterns for years to come.
Sleep Training Your Way
If you’ve been avoiding sleep training because you thought it meant leaving your baby to cry alone, I hope this clears things up! Sleep training is about helping your baby sleep better in a way that aligns with your parenting style—not forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
There are so many gentle, responsive ways to improve your baby’s sleep without endless tears, and I’d love to help you find one that works for your family.
Need guidance on where to start? I'd love to help your family during this time and I have many sleep packages to best suit your families needs.
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