Myths About Sleep Training Babies
7 Huge Misconceptions About Sleep Training, According to Experts
For parents with little ones in tow, getting a good night's sleep may seem like a luxury they'll never ever get to experience again. And while it's true that new moms and dads will no doubt have many a sleepless night, sleep-training your little one might factor in as to just how many you're in for. But before you consider sleep-training your children by letting them cry it out (CIO), it's important to do your research — and that includes debunking a few myths.
Dr. Smita Naidoo, a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and an author of The Quest For Rest, suggests that parents start by becoming familiar with the acronym C.A.G.E. — which stands for consistency, adaptability, going with the flow, and expectations — when diving into the hotly debated topic of sleep training.
"All of these sleep methods are a bit different, but at the end of the day they're pretty concrete and rigid," said Dr. Naidoo. "So one of the things we advocate for as pediatric psychiatrists is using the acronym C.A.G.E. It doesn't matter what kind of sleep-training philosophy you use, these elements are what's going to matter the most."
Here are some myths to be aware of before embarking on your sleep training journey, according to experts.
