Sleep training is a common part of parenting, helping babies learn to fall asleep independently and stay asleep through the night. The sitback method, developed by Cara Dumaplin, is a gentle and gradual approach to sleep training that has been shown to be effective for many parents. Here's a comprehensive overview of the sitback method, including its benefits, steps, and potential challenges.
Benefits of the Sitback Method
The sitback method offers several benefits for both parents and babies. By allowing parents to remain present yet not actively assisting during a baby's sleep, it helps them develop a strong foundation for independent sleep. Babies often sleep better and stay asleep longer after being trained using the sitback method, leading to improved sleep overall.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Sitback Method
The sitback method is outlined in a series of steps that guide parents through the process of helping their baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. Here's a brief breakdown of the steps:
S – Sit Nearby and Observe
- Place your drowsy (but awake) baby in the crib and sit nearby to observe them for 1-2 minutes without intervention.
- Observe for signs of sleepiness, such as eye rubs or yawns, and consider what you're observing.
- If your baby shows signs that they are ready to sleep, proceed to the next step.
I – Intervene with Minimal Touch
- If your baby starts fussing or crying after the 'sit back' period, use gentle touch instead of immediate intervention.
- Place your hand on their chest, pat their back, or do a small patience contest, avoiding picking them up unless they are really struggling to settle.
- Once your baby appears to be settling, return them to the crib. Repeat as needed.
T – Try Offering a Pacifier
- Offer a pacifier if it seems to help soothe your baby. Reinsert the pacifier if it has fallen out.
- Monitor for a few minutes to see if the pacifier is successful in calming your baby, then return them to their crib.
B – Belly Pats to Soothe
- If necessary, give your baby gentle pats or rubs on the belly to help them relax.
- Continue to watch for signs that they are ready to sleep again, which might include a decrease in crying or a change in behavior.
- If they appear to have calmed down, place them back in the crib awake.
A – Assessfor Hunger Cues
- Look for signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking, or increased crying.
- If you notice these signs, prepare them for a feeding by performing a brief 'soothing' feeding. If they are still hungry after the feeding, continue to watch for signs of sleepiness.
- If they show signs of being well-hungry, proceed with a regular feeding as directed by your healthcare provider.
C – Cuddle and Rock Gently
- If your baby remains unsettled after a few minutes, pick them up gently, hold them, and rock them gently, being careful not to stimulate them.
- Rock them briefly and place them back in the crib, being very gentle to avoid making them more alert.
- Repeat as needed.
K – Repeat as Needed
- Continue these steps consistently at bedtime, night wakings, and naps until your baby demonstrates a clear ability to self-sole.
Potential Challenges of the Sitback Method
While many parents find the sitback method to be effective, it can also present some challenges. Here are some of the common obstacles that may arise when using this method:
Consistency is Key
Any sleep training method requires consistency to be successful. If you're unable to maintain a consistent schedule due to travel commitments, illnesses, or other disruptions, you may find that the sitback method does not yield the desired results.
Flexibility is Important
Sleep needs and rhythms can vary greatly from baby to baby, and what works for one may not work for another. Be prepared to adapt your sitback method to meet the changing needs of your individual baby.
Managing Expectations
Some parents may have high expectations for the sitback method, hoping for immediate results. It's important to remember that sleep training is a gradual process that may take several weeks to produce visible improvements.
Patience Required
Parenting is also about managing expectations, and the sitback method is no exception. While the initial phase may be challenging, it's important to be patient as your baby adapts to the new routine and develops healthy sleep habits.
Dealing with Night Wakings
Even with the best-laid plans, babies may still wake up throughout the night. It's important to have a consistent bedtime routine and to respond to night wakings gently to help your baby settle back to sleep.
Conclusion
The sitback method represents a middle ground between more aggressive sleep training techniques and avoiding any form of interference at all costs. It serves as a reliable alternative for parents who are committed to helping their babies develop healthy sleep habits without overextending themselves. While there are certainly challenges associated with implementing the sitback method, with patience and persistence, many parents have found it to be an effective and rewarding approach to helping their infants transition through the stages of parenting the exciting journey of sleep training.
