The Chair Method (Gradual Withdrawal)

What Is the Chair Method?

The Chair method (also called gradual withdrawal or camping out) involves sitting next to your baby's crib while they fall asleep, then gradually moving your chair farther away over a period of days. Eventually, you're outside the room and your baby has learned to fall asleep independently. This is one of the gentlest structured methods available.

Position Progression

You move your chair to a new position every few days. For babies under 6 months, stay 3 days per position. For babies 6 months and older, you can move every 2 days.

• Position 1: Chair right next to the crib. You can offer gentle touch and shushing.
• Position 2: Chair halfway between the crib and the door. Reduce touch to occasional pats, continue verbal reassurance.
• Position 3: Chair at the doorway. Only verbal reassurance, no touching.
• Position 4: Chair just outside the door, visible to baby. Minimal verbal reassurance.
• Position 5: Out of sight in the hallway. Occasional verbal reassurance from afar if needed.

What to Do While Sitting

• Stay calm and boring. Avoid eye contact and conversation.
• In Position 1, you can shush-pat when your baby gets very upset, but try to let them settle first.
• Gradually reduce the amount of physical and verbal intervention as you move through positions.
• If your baby stands or sits up, gently lay them back down once, then wait.
• Do not pick your baby up unless they are truly distressed (screaming, not just fussing).

Best Candidates for the Chair Method

This method works especially well for babies 4-6 months who are too young for Ferber or CIO, for babies with anxious or sensitive temperaments who get more upset with a parent leaving, and for parents who feel strongly about staying present while their baby learns to sleep. It's also a good starting point if you're unsure about sleep training.