Sleep training methods, explained

This guide is general information only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. If you're concerned about your child's health, or they're unwell, please see a doctor.

Every consultant on Cubbee lists the methods they use, so you can rule an approach in, or out, before you spend a cent. Here's what each label actually means.

First, the question most parents ask: is it safe? For newborns, the answer is that structured sleep training isn't appropriate; the focus is safe sleep and realistic expectations. Raising Children's responsive settling techniques are aimed at babies from around six months, and many sleep consultants introduce gentle, age-appropriate approaches from about four to six months, once a baby's sleep has matured. It isn't right for every family, and there's no single correct method, which is exactly why there are several below.

Gentle / no-cry

Settling your child with as little distress as possible: responsive settling, patting or shushing in the cot, feeding or rocking to drowsy, and adjusting routines rather than leaving your baby to cry. Progress is usually slower, and that's the point. It suits families who aren't comfortable with crying-based approaches.

Gradual withdrawal

Sometimes called "camping out". You stay beside the cot while your child falls asleep, then move your chair a little further away every few nights until you're out the door. Your presence is the comfort; the distance does the work. A middle path between gentle and Ferber-style approaches.

Ferber / controlled crying

Also called graduated extinction or "check and console". You put your baby down awake and return at set intervals: brief, calm check-ins that stretch longer each time. It's the most studied approach and typically works fast, but the crying involved isn't for every family. Consultants who use it well will tailor the intervals to your child and your limits.

Fading

Working with the sleep your child already has. Bedtime is temporarily shifted to when they naturally fall asleep, then moved earlier in small steps. Whatever help they currently need to fall asleep is reduced gradually rather than removed cold turkey. Low distress, but needs consistency over weeks.

Holistic

Looks at everything around sleep rather than a settling technique alone: feeding, routine, temperament, environment, developmental stage, and how the whole family is coping. Many holistic consultants combine elements of the other methods once the full picture is clear.

The methods at a glance

Two things every method has in common

• Age matters.Formal sleep training isn't recommended for newborns. Raising Children's structured settling methods are intended for babies from around six months, and most consultants won't start a structured method before about four to six months. Before then, it's about routine, environment, and realistic expectations.
• Consistency beats technique.The method a family can actually stick to for two weeks outperforms the "best" method they abandon on night three. Choose the one that fits your instincts, not the loudest one online.

If your child has reflux, feeding difficulties, or any medical concern, talk to your GP or child health nurse before starting any sleep program.

Sources

• Raising Children Network, Responsive settling at 6 to 18 months
• Red Nose Australia, Six safe sleep recommendations

Last updated: July 2026. Sources include Red Nose Australia and Raising Children Network where cited above. This guide is general information only. For individual concerns, see your GP or child health nurse.