Sleep-Trained Babies Feel Abandoned: True or False?

If you've ever wondered:

"Does sleep training harm attachment?"
"Is sleep training safe?"
"Can I sleep train without making my baby cry it out?"

You're not alone. These are the most common concerns I hear from exhausted, loving parents who want more sleep but don’t want to damage their relationship with their child.

Let’s clear something up right away: sleep training does not mean ignoring your child.

And no, sleep training does not damage attachment. I've worked with hundreds of families who have successfully sleep trained and told me that there child is actually more happy and securely attached when they have solid independent sleep skills in place. 

I've also sleep trained my own three children. The unbelievable peace and contentment in them that came as a result of sleep training is what led me to becoming a sleep consultant in the first place. 

What Gentle, Responsive Sleep Training Actually Looks Like

Last night, my toddler woke up several times. And guess what?

I went to her every time. I soothed her. I responded immediately.

The difference between me and a parent who hasn’t sleep trained is this:

I don’t do that every night.

Because she knows how to sleep independently, when she does wake and cry, I know it’s because she truly needs me... and I respond quickly and lovingly.

Is Sleep Training Safe?

Yes. When done responsively and with developmentally appropriate strategies, sleep training is safe and actually helps your child makes your child more confident, not less. 

Sleep training (when taught by me) focuses on

• Teaching your child to learn to fall asleep without support... this can be done very gradually!
• Responding with consistency and clear communication so children know what to expect
• Building trust by always keeping your word
  
  

Gentle sleep training helps your child feel safe and competent, not abandoned. It supports both secure attachment and better rest for the whole family.

Want Help With Gentle Sleep Training?

If you're ready to teach your baby or toddler to sleep independently--without cry-it-out-- I offer a 2-week coaching package that includes:

• A customized sleep plan based on your personal parenting values as well as your child's biological needs
• Daily check-ins and unlimited texting support
• A gentle, attachment-safe method
• And a money-back guarantee if your child isn’t sleeping significantly better within 2 weeks
  
  

Click here to schedule a free consult so you can learn about what the program might look like for your family. I promise that no matter what you decide, you'll come away having learned something new about your child's sleep.