Why 6 Months Is the Most Popular Starting Age
At 6 months, all sleep training methods become available. Your baby is developmentally ready for self-soothing, typically past the 4-month regression, and many pediatricians confirm that a healthy 6-month-old can go through the night without a feeding. This makes it the most common and often the smoothest time to start.
Method Recommendations
- Ferber (graduated extinction): The most popular choice at this age. Effective, well-researched, and provides some reassurance via check-ins.
- Cry It Out: An option if you prefer a faster timeline and are comfortable with crying.
- Chair method: Still works well if you prefer a gentler approach. Move positions every 2 days.
- Pick Up Put Down: Still effective but becoming less so as babies get bigger and more stimulated by handling.
- Fading: Good for parents who want the most gradual approach.
Key Considerations at 6 Months
- Transitioning from 3 to 2 naps often happens around this age. Stabilize the nap schedule before or alongside training.
- Solid foods are typically starting. Don't let a big dinner replace a bedtime feed — nurse or bottle-feed as part of the routine.
- Separation anxiety hasn't peaked yet (that comes around 8-9 months), making this a good window.
- If your baby can sit up, they may sit in the crib instead of lying down. Gently lay them back once, then let them figure it out.
If you're unsure which method to try, start with Ferber. It works for the widest range of temperaments and gives most families results within a week.
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