As any new parent knows, sleep becomes one of the most talked-about aspects of raising a baby. Many turn to sleep training as a potential solution to encourage better sleep for the whole family. But, sleep training is often met with mixed emotions and some deeply rooted myths that can make parents hesitant to try it. So, what’s the truth about sleep training? Here, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths and look at the research to help parents make informed decisions.
Myth 1: Sleep Training Will Cause Psychological Damage to Babies
One of the most common myths about sleep training is that it could cause lasting psychological harm to babies, particularly if they are allowed to cry for extended periods. However, numerous studies have debunked this fear.
Research led by Dr. Anna Price and her team from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia examined the long-term psychological effects of sleep training methods, including “controlled comforting” and “camping out” techniques. The study tracked children who had undergone these methods from infancy until they were six years old. They found no significant differences in emotional or behavioral problems between children who were sleep trained and those who were not. Furthermore, the study reported no negative impact on the parent-child relationship or the children’s mental healthr study published in *Pediatrics* followed infants for a year and concluded that sleep training methods, including letting babies cry for short, controlled intervals, did not increase stress levels in infants or lead to long-term emotional harm. These findings suggest that sleep training, when done in a structured and supportive way, is safe and does not jeopardize a child’s emotional well-being .
Myth 2: Sleep Training Is a “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach
Does your mind go to Romanian babies crying in orphanages? .... well there is MUCH more to it than that!
Sleep training has various methods, and parents often assume there’s only one way to do it, which can deter them from trying it altogether. However, sleep training is not a single, rigid practice; rather, it encompasses various techniques that can be adapted to meet each family’s needs.
For instance, “Ferber” or “Graduated Extinction” methods involve allowing the baby to cry for gradually increasing intervals, while “Fading” techniques involve gently reducing parental presence until the baby learns to fall asleep independently. There is also the “No Tears” method, which emphasizes comfort and no crying at all.
One study in *Child Development* found that both “graduated extinction” and “bedtime fading” methods effectively improved babies' sleep without causing stress or behavioral issues. The research suggests that parents can choose an approach that aligns with their comfort level and parenting philosophy, knowing that different techniques can be equally effective .
Myth 3: Slng Will Destroy the Parent-Baby Bond
The bond between a parent and their baby is a cornerstone of child development, so it’s natural that parents would worry about anything that might disrupt it. However, the myth that sleep training damages this bond is unsupported by research.
According to Dr. Michael Gradisar, a clinical psychologist and sleep researcher, evidence shows that sleep training does not harm the attachment between parents and their babies. Studies indicate that securely attached babies continue to feel safe and connected to their parents even after sleep training. In fact, well-rested parents are often more responsive, patient, and engaged with their children during the day, which can positively impact the parent-child relationship .
Myth 4: Babies Will Sleep on Their Own Without Training
Some parents prefer to take a wait-and-see approach, believing that babies will naturally learn to sleep independently over time. While it’s true that some babies do develop strong sleep habits on their own, most struggle with sleep without some guidance.
Dr. Jodi Mindell, a leading expert on pediatric sleep, has conducted studies showing that babies who undergo sleep training tend to sleep longer and have fewer night wakings compared to those who do not. These sleep improvements can contribute to better health outcomes for both the baby and parents, including improved mood and decreased risk of postpartum depression for mothers .
It’s also important to note that sleep issues in infants have been associated with increased risk for future sleep problems and behavioral challenges. Providing gentle, structured guidance through sleep training can help establish healthy sleep patterns, giving babies the skills they need to soothe themselves and sleep more soundly as they grow.
Myth 5: Crying During Sleep Training Is Harmful
The concept of letting a baby “cry it out” can be difficult for many parents, often creating concerns about whether the crying itself is harmful. While extended, unresponsive crying isn’t encouraged, controlled crying within a sleep training framework has been shown to be safe and effective.
Research led by Dr. Harriet Hiscock in Australia has shown that controlled crying doesn’t elevate cortisol levels (a stress hormone) in a way that indicates long-term stress or trauma. Controlled crying allows babies brief periods of crying followed by parental comfort, helping them learn to settle independently without feeling abandoned. This approach teaches babies that they are safe, even if they’re not being held constantly, which is an important developmental milestone .
Final Thoughts: Trusting the Science
Sleep Training is deeply personal, and sleep training is by no means a one-size-fits-all solution. However, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that sleep training, when done with care, is both safe and effective. Research-based approaches to sleep training can support babies in developing independent sleep skills, promoting better rest for the entire family.
It’s essential for parents to find a method that aligns with their values and comfort level, as well as their child’s temperament. Talking to a pediatrician or sleep specialist can also provide tailored guidance to help navigate this process. Above all, parents should feel empowered to make informed decisions based on science and their unique family needs, free from the misconceptions that surround sleep training.
---
**Sources**
1. Price, A. et al. (Year). Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, study on controlled comforting and emotional outcomes.
2. Gradisar, M. et al. (Year). “Sleep Training and Attachment Outcomes” - Pediatrics.
3. Child Development study on "Graduated Extinction" and "Bedtime Fading" methods.
4. Mindell, J., Pediatric sleep study findings on self-soothing and sleep outcomes.
5. Hiscock, H., Controlled crying cortisol study, Australian findings.
**Note**: This post summarises findings from multiple studies; specific study details can be further explored through pediatric sleep research resources and academic journals.