Common Sleep Training Methods Used By Night Nurses

Some babies take time to adjust to a regular sleep pattern. Parents may find the nights long and tiring, especially during the first few months. To make this phase smoother, some families bring in professional support during the night. These professionals apply different approaches based on the baby’s temperament and family preferences.

This article shares some methods used by a night nurse for sleep training.

The pick-up, put-down method:

This approach involves lifting the baby when they cry, offering comfort briefly, and placing them back in the crib once calm. It encourages the baby to fall asleep without relying on constant holding or feeding. Night nurses use this method to provide comfort while also promoting some level of independence during sleep time. It is gentle and usually works well for babies who find comfort in close contact but are not easily settled when left alone.

The chair method:

This approach is gradual. The night nurse sits in a chair near the baby’s crib without picking the baby up. Over several nights, the chair is moved further away until the baby gets used to sleeping on their own. This method is useful for babies who respond well to presence and voice but may wake up when touched or lifted. The slow progress allows the baby to adapt without a sudden change.

Scheduled check-ins:

With this method, the baby is placed in the crib awake, and the night nurse checks in at set intervals if the baby cries. The idea is to offer comfort without picking up the baby, using soft words or a gentle pat. This approach helps build a routine. The baby learns that someone is nearby but also starts to fall asleep without much assistance.

Routine and environment setting:

Night nurses often focus on creating the same routine every night—such as a warm bath, dim lights, soft sounds, and a quiet room. These small steps signal to the baby that it is time to sleep. It brings a rhythm to bedtime, which helps over time. A clean and calm sleeping space is always kept in mind, as too much light, noise, or activity can make it harder for a baby to settle.

Consistency over time:

One common element across all sleep training methods is consistency. Night nurses follow a steady routine each night. This helps the baby become familiar with sleep signals and eventually learn when it is time to rest. Each baby is different, so the night nurse may adjust the pace and style to suit individual wants while still staying on track with the general approach.