When Should We Start Sleep Training? A Gentle, Developmentally Appropriate Guide for New Parents

We completely understand the desire for more rest—especially with night nurses supporting your family and helping care for your baby overnight. But when it comes to sleep training, timing really matters. Trying to rush it can actually make things harder in the long run.

Here’s a realistic, nurturing look at what to expect in the early weeks and how we can support healthy sleep together.

0–6 Weeks: It’s All About Comfort and Connection

Your baby is still adjusting to the world. Their sleep is unpredictable, and their main needs are comfort, closeness, and frequent feedings. It’s completely normal for them to wake every 2–3 hours.

What we focus on:

• Responding to hunger and soothing cues

• Providing comfort through holding and rocking

• Creating a sense of safety and security

While structured sleep training isn’t appropriate just yet, this stage is all about building the trust that will make sleep learning much smoother later on.

6–8 Weeks: Setting the Stage for Healthy Sleep

This is a great window to start gently introducing sleep-friendly habits. Think of it as “sleep shaping”—creating routines that help your baby associate certain cues with sleep, without any pressure.

What we can start doing:

• A simple bedtime routine (dim lights, quiet voices, snuggles)

• Helping baby learn the difference between day and night

• Trying “drowsy but awake” once in a while (if baby tolerates it)

The goal is to gently guide—not force—your baby toward more restful patterns.

8–12 Weeks: Gentle Sleep Shaping Continues

Your baby might naturally begin to stretch their night sleep. If they’re thriving, we can experiment with small adjustments that encourage self-soothing—but only if they’re ready.

What we focus on:

• Extending night stretches if baby is developmentally ready

• Supporting their cues instead of forcing a schedule

• Offering opportunities to practice falling asleep on their own (in tiny, manageable ways)

12–16 Weeks: The Earliest Window for Sleep Training

If your baby is healthy, gaining weight well, and showing some ability to self-soothe, we may begin discussing gentle sleep training approaches. Every baby is different, so we’ll always follow their cues and move at a pace that feels right for your family.

What’s possible:

• Exploring a structured plan (e.g., gradual check-ins, chair method, etc.)

• Staying consistent, supported, and compassionate through the process

• Continuing to balance rest with responsiveness

Our night nurses are here to support both your baby’s development and your family’s well-being. We believe in responding with love, working with your baby’s natural rhythms, and creating routines that feel sustainable—not stressful.

If you’re ever unsure or need a custom plan, we’re just a message away.