Ready to Start Sleep Training? Try the Chair Method to Gently Help Your Baby Drift Off to Sleep.
If you’re exploring a gentle approach to sleep training, the chair method may be the perfect fit for you and your little one.
Known also as the “camping out method” or the “sleep lady shuffle,” this method allows you to comfort your baby while gradually encouraging independent sleep. Below, we’ll explore the details of this method, when to start, and how to implement it successfully.
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What Is the Chair Method of Sleep Training?
The chair method is a sleep training technique designed to teach your baby how to fall asleep independently without being picked up when they cry.
Here’s how it works: you put your baby down to sleep, sit in a chair near the crib, and provide comfort as needed. Over time, you gradually move the chair farther from the crib and closer to the door until you’re completely out of the room.
This method is suitable for most babies starting around 4 to 6 months old, as this is when they begin to develop self-soothing skills. Additionally, the chair method can also be applied during nap times to help improve daytime sleep routines.
Many parents find the chair method preferable to other techniques like the cry-it-out or Ferber methods because it allows them to remain physically present and offer comfort. However, it’s important to note that some amount of crying may still occur, as babies often fuss before falling asleep.
How to Implement the Chair Method of Sleep Training
The chair method requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to creating a calm and structured bedtime environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Stick to Your Baby’s Bedtime Routine
Begin with your baby’s usual bedtime ritual, which might include a final feeding, reading a short story, singing a lullaby, or some gentle cuddling. This routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Put Your Baby Down While Drowsy but Awake
Place your baby in the crib while they’re still awake but sleepy. This step is essential for helping them learn to fall asleep independently in their own sleep space.
Take a Seat by the Crib
Sit in a chair near your baby’s crib, offering verbal reassurance or soft sounds like “shh” until they drift off. Avoid making eye contact or engaging too much, as this can overstimulate them.
Respond to Crying Calmly
If your baby cries after falling asleep, return to the room, sit in the chair, and calmly let them know it’s still time to sleep. Use gentle words or sounds to reassure them, but try not to pick them up unless absolutely necessary.
Soothe Without Overstimulating
Offer minimal interaction, such as a light pat on the back or soft cooing, to comfort your baby. The goal is to soothe without creating a dependency on being held or excessively comforted.
Gradually Move the Chair
After three nights near the crib, move the chair halfway to the door. Continue the same soothing routine from this new position.
Shift Closer to the Door
After another few nights, place the chair at the doorway and repeat the process. Gradually decrease verbal reassurance and physical soothing as your baby becomes more comfortable.
Sit Outside the Room
Once you’ve moved the chair to the hallway or another room (still within earshot), maintain consistency. At this point, your baby should start adapting to falling asleep without needing your immediate presence.
Does the Chair Method Work?
The chair method can be an effective sleep training strategy for babies who respond well to a parent’s presence. However, it’s worth noting that this method may not work as effectively for babies who are unable to settle even with a parent nearby.
Gradual methods like the chair method often take longer to produce results compared to cry-it-out approaches, sometimes requiring two to three weeks of consistent practice. If you’re seeking quicker results, this technique may not be ideal.
Potential Challenges
Some babies may cry when they wake up and realize you’re no longer in the chair. Others may protest or demand to be picked up despite your soothing attempts.
However, if you can tolerate some crying and stick to the method with patience and consistency, the chair method can work for both you and your baby. The key is to reassure your baby without creating new sleep dependencies.
Final Thoughts on the Chair Method
The chair method offers a gentle yet structured approach to sleep training, helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently while still feeling supported.
With practice and patience, your baby will begin to understand that bedtime means lying quietly and drifting off to sleep. As you slowly shuffle your way out of the room, take comfort in knowing that you’re helping your little one build healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come.
