Will My Baby Cry During Sleep Training?
When your baby cries, it’s natural to feel emotional—it’s part of the deep connection you share. You’ve likely spent so much time caring for your little one that their cries feel like they’re tugging at your heartstrings. That’s because your body is wired to respond this way. Hormones like oxytocin kick in, making you instinctively want to comfort and protect them.
It’s also about empathy. You’re so in tune with your baby’s emotions that their distress can feel like your own. On top of that, it’s easy to question yourself—“Am I doing enough?”—especially when you’re exhausted or adjusting to the challenges of parenthood.
But here’s the thing: your emotions are proof of how much you care. That bond, that instinct to soothe and love, is what makes you an amazing parent. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes—it’s a big job. When those moments come, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Your baby feels your love, even when they cry.
Sleep training can be an emotional process for both you and your baby, and yes, it’s likely that your baby will cry during the initial stages. Crying is how babies express frustration or confusion, especially when something changes in their routine—like learning to fall asleep on their own. While it’s hard to hear your little one cry, remember that this is a normal part of their learning process, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
The amount of crying varies from baby to baby. Your baby’s personality plays a big role - some are more persistent, while others adjust more easily. The sleep training method you choose also matters. For example:
Spaced Soothing involves letting your baby cry and intervening at timed intervals, which can lead to longer periods of crying at first but often results in faster results.
Gentler methods, like staying in the room and gradually fading your presence, may involve less crying but may take longer to see progress.
When I started sleep training with my own baby, I was surprised at how tough it was emotionally. The first night, there were tears (for both of us), but I kept reminding myself that this was a step toward helping my baby develop healthy sleep habits. What helped the most was setting a consistent bedtime routine—like a warm bath, a favourite lullaby, and a cuddle—so my baby could anticipate that it was time for sleep.
Here are a few things that might help you too:
Be consistent: Babies thrive on routines. The more consistent you are, the faster they’ll learn.
Pick a method that feels right for you: If a method feels too harsh or too lenient, don’t be afraid to adjust it to suit your baby and your parenting style.
Start when your baby is well-rested: Overtired babies often cry more, so start after a good nap or when they’re in a happy mood.
Take care of yourself: Hearing your baby cry can be heartbreaking, so find ways to soothe yourself too—take deep breaths, listen to relaxing music, or have your partner support you during the process.
Remember, sleep training isn’t about leaving your baby to cry endlessly. It’s about teaching them the valuable skill of self-soothing. If the crying feels excessive or if you’re unsure about continuing, it’s okay to take a step back or consult your baby sleep consultant for support. Every baby is different, and with patience and love, you’ll find what works best for your family.
