Sleep Training Success Tips

Cassie Coburn
Apr 14
3 min read

Updated: May 5

How to set you bub up for success with sleep training

So, you’re ready to take control of your baby’s sleep. You’re exhausted, running on caffeine, completely touched out—and honestly? You’re just ready for change.

You’ve probably done some late-night Googling (hello, Ferber Method) and are tempted to jump straight in. But before you pop your baby into bed and close the door, take a moment to pause and ask yourself:

Have I actually set my baby up for success?

If the answer isn’t a confident “yes,” don’t worry—you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place.

As a sleep consultant who has worked with hundreds of families, I can tell you this: sleep training is most successful when a few foundational steps are taken beforehand. These small but powerful changes can make all the difference.

1. Break the Overtired Cycle First

One of the biggest obstacles to successful sleep training? An overtired baby.

When babies are running on empty, they tend to wake more often and struggle to settle—especially if you're using a cry-based method.

To break the overtired cycle, support your baby through 1–2 days of quality naps. That might mean feeding, rocking, patting, or doing whatever it takes to help them sleep or resettle. The goal is simply to get their sleep tank nice and full before beginning any formal training.

Not sure what’s “age-appropriate”? I’ve got you covered—age-appropriate routines from 3 weeks to 3 years can be found here

2. Start at Bedtime, Not Naps

Nighttime is the perfect place to begin sleep training. Here’s why: humans are naturally wired for nighttime sleep.

Melatonin (our sleep hormone) is at its highest, sleep pressure has built throughout the day, and cortisol (our stress hormone) is beginning to drop.

All of this creates the ideal conditions for your baby to fall asleep more easily—and helps reduce tears on that first night.

3. Create Clear Sleep Cues

Babies are creatures of habit. So, a consistent wind-down routine signals to them that sleep is coming—and it really works.

Think screen-free time, dim lights, soft voices, and a calm, soothing vibe. Aim for exaggerated calm—you truly can’t overdo it here. This predictability helps your baby feel safe, relaxed, and ready to rest.

4. Set the Stage with the Right Sleep Environment

Even with perfect timing and prep, a disruptive sleep environment can sabotage your efforts. Make sure your baby’s sleep space is dark, cool, quiet (or with white noise), and safe.

If you're not seeing progress despite all your efforts, this is often the missing piece. (Access my FREE guide on how to do this here)

5. Choose a Settling Technique That Suits Your Baby

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, all you need is a settling technique that aligns with your baby’s temperament—and yours, too.

Not every method is right for every baby (or parent!), and that’s okay. Whether you’re looking for something more gradual or are comfortable with an out of room approach, you’ll find a full spectrum of settling techniques—plus the ages they’re best suited for—in my Settling Technique Guide. You can check that out here