Before starting sleep training for your baby, you are always advised: "Be patient, patient, patient". Oh, what's essential always has to be repeated three times. But how long do you have to be patient when you think maybe sleep training isn't working for your baby? You know, it's time to change the way you sleep training. And what are the signs of that?

Sleep training has never ceased to be a painful problem for first-time mothers. Mothers know that choosing a sleep training method for their baby is difficult, and changing to a new sleep training method is even more difficult. But that's okay.

The information below will help you. 

How long does sleep training take to work? 

There is no definitive answer to this question. It can depend on some factors, such as the age and temperament of your baby, your parenting style, and the sleep training method you use.

However, most parents see some success within a few nights of starting sleep training. But for some babies, it may take a week or two to adjust to the new sleep schedule, and for others, it can take a bit longer.

But in case you've been using sleep training for 2-4 weeks but still don't see any results, reconsider as it may not be right for your baby.

Why is sleep training not working?

According to Jodi Mindell, for about 20% of babies, sleep training doesn't work.

She said that a child might not be ready for sleep training, for whatever reasons. Perhaps, they are too young, they are experiencing separation anxiety, or there may be an underlying medical problem, such as reflux.

I surveyed 30 mothers whose children had trouble sleeping because sleep training methods didn't work. They gave the following reasons:

In this same survey results, you can also see the percentage of reasons for sleep training not working below:

And I'm quite surprised that the percentage of babies not ready for sleep training has a high rate. That reminds us of one thing: babies are not robots. Mothers have got to find what works for them and their babies. Good luck. 

Not being effective is different from taking the time to be effective

You know your baby better than anyone. Sleep training is like one size fits many, but not all.

Are you sure the baby needs more time to adjust to a sleep train routine? or is it simply not working for him? Don't confuse these two. Perhaps, many moms have misunderstood it. Its boundaries differ only between two words: "No" and "Maybe". Now, remember back to your child's sleep training and rethink. 

Not being effective 

Literally, it means that the baby doesn't have any positive changes in the sleep training process. Most of the time, you feel nothing but helpless. Sometimes, he cries even louder, almost driving you crazy. That's a dead-end.

That’s because that sleep training method isn't suited for him. No matter how hard you try for 2-3 months, if it's not right, it's not right.

At this point, it's best to stop for a month to let your baby settle down and try to find a more reasonable method for him. Don't try to force it.

Taking time to be effective

Indeed, each baby has its own time to adapt to sleep training methods. Some babies need 4-5 days or even weeks.

However, only continue with your chosen sleep training method when you see small but better changes in your baby's sleep. It may be slow, but it takes time for your baby to be effective in sleep training.

6 signs you need to change the sleep training method

If your sleep training method isn't working, it might be time to try something new. Here are some signs that indicate you may need to change your approach:

Obviously, the above signs are not difficult to recognize. When choosing a sleep training method, be flexible in its application and carefully consider how your baby will respond. If your baby shows these signs, you should stop and try another sleep training method.

If your baby isn't ready for sleep training and you're unsure what to do, consult with a sleep specialist or your child's pediatrician.

Conclusion

If you're struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night, you should be feeling tired. It's like you're at the end of your rope and don't know what to do next. It's important to remember that every family is different and what works for one may not work for another. Experimenting with different sleep training methods can be frustrating. But it's important to find the one that works best for your family. Don't be afraid to change things.

Change is essential when things aren't working the way you want. Pay attention to your baby to recognize the necessary signs. And I know that with mothers, every change in their baby will have a reason behind it. Hopefully, all mothers will successfully train sleep for him.