If you’re reading this through tired eyes with a cold cup of coffee in hand— I’ve been there.
We hit the 6-month mark with our daughter, and both my husband and I were so ready for a full night’s sleep. I was desperate. Like, wondering if babies actually need sleep at all… or if this was some sort of long con kind of exhausted. At “Mommy and Me,” the other moms were trading night nanny referrals like they were golden tickets. I accepted every contact graciously, but deep down I thought—maybe we can try this on our own first. Maybe we should try sleep training.
Before inviting someone into our home, I gave myself a week-long challenge. If we could make some progress, great. If not, I’d be calling that night nurse ASAP. So, naturally, I turned to my favorite parenting resource: the internet.
The “Sleep Training How To” Blog Post That Changed Everything
After hours of scrolling, I landed on a blog post by another mom named Candice, from This Mama Loves Life. She swore she sleep trained her 6-month-old in just two days. And she did it herself—no fancy consultants, no $500 programs.
Her method? A structured daytime routine and a simple, consistent approach to nighttime sleep.
Honestly, it made total sense. I bookmarked the post, made notes, and the next day, we dove in headfirst.
What We Did (a.k.a. The “Candice Method”)
Candice’s schedule was specific but manageable. During the day, we made sure our baby had age-appropriate wake windows, nap times, and plenty of activity in between. The idea was to help her distinguish daytime from nighttime—and to prevent overtiredness.
But the real game-changer was how we handled bedtime. Candice outlined clear steps for putting baby down awake, giving them a chance to settle themselves, and offering minimal but supportive check-ins.
We stuck to it exactly as she described.
Was it hard? Honestly… yes. The first night was rough. But the second night? Like magic. She fussed for a few minutes, and then… silence. Sleep. Actual, honest-to-goodness sleep.
48 Hours Later: A Whole New World
I could cry just thinking about it. Two nights. That’s all it took. No professionals, no tears-for-hours horror stories—just consistency, a little grit, and a lot of encouragement.
I’m not saying this method will work for every baby. But I am saying it’s worth a try. Kids are expensive, and if you can save on one of the pricier parts of babyhood without compromising care or sanity? That’s a win.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m sharing this because I wish someone had shared it with me. There’s no shortage of advice out there—some of it helpful, a lot of it overwhelming. But this post? It felt different. It was simple, clear, and written by a mom who had been there.
If you’re desperate like I was, give it a try. I’m officially calling it the Candice Method in our house, and I’ll be forever grateful for the gift of sleep she unknowingly gave us.
Want to Read Candice’s Full Post?
Visit her blog This Mama Loves Life, or click below to go straight to her blog post on her sleep training method.
FAQ: Sleep Training a Baby
What is sleep training a baby?
Sleep training a baby means teaching your little one how to fall asleep independently and stay asleep without constant rocking, feeding, or holding. It involves setting routines and creating healthy sleep habits.
When should I start sleep training a baby?
Most experts suggest starting sleep training a baby between 4 and 6 months old, once your baby is developmentally ready and no longer needs frequent nighttime feeds. Always confirm with your pediatrician before beginning.
What are the best methods for sleep training a baby?
Popular methods for sleep training a baby include the Ferber method (gradual check-ins), the chair method (sitting nearby and slowly moving away), and gentler approaches like pick-up/put-down. The right method depends on your baby’s personality and your comfort level.
Is sleep training a baby safe?
Yes. Research shows that sleep training a baby is safe when done correctly. It does not harm emotional development. Babies adapt best when parents stay consistent and reassuring.
How long does sleep training a baby take?
Some babies respond in just a few nights, while others may take one to two weeks. Consistency is the most important factor for success.
What if my baby cries a lot during sleep training?
Crying is part of the adjustment process. When sleep training a baby, it’s normal for them to protest. Different methods allow different levels of crying, so choose one that matches your parenting style.
Can I sleep train while breastfeeding?
Yes. Sleep training a baby while breastfeeding is possible. The key is to separate feeding from falling asleep so that nursing isn’t the only sleep cue.
What if sleep training a baby doesn’t work?
If progress stalls, pause and try again after a week or two. Some babies may need more time. If challenges continue, consider reaching out to a certified sleep consultant for expert guidance.
FINAL SLEEP TRAINING TIPS
- Start Sleep Training with the bedtime routine and worry about naps later. Do whatever you are currently doing during the day to get baby to nap so they are well rested for their first night of sleep training.
- Start when baby is 6 months old and they are getting enough food/weight gain that they can sleep through the night.
- The key to making it work is consistency. No cheating. If you go in on night two and start cuddling your baby, you’ll have to start all over again. Not only that but its confusing and unfair to baby.
- Remember helping your baby learn to self-soothe and sleep better is important. It teaches them self–regulation, and sleep is essential for development. It may be hard at times but baby won’t remember it when they get older. It ensures healthier, happier, and well adjusted children.