About Sleep Training and Making the Right Decision for Your Family

By on July 18, 2024

Dr. Nathan Fox, an OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist, recently welcomed Emily Oster, author of “Expecting Better,” “Cribsheet,” and “The Family Firm,” to the “Healthful Woman” podcast. They delved into the topic of sleep training and discussed its significance in early childhood development. Emily Oster, whose books provide data-driven advice on parenting, shared insights and personal experiences about sleep training and its impact on family life.

Purchase “The Unexpected,” the newest release from Emily Oster and Dr. Nathan Fox.

The Importance of Sleep Training

Sleep training is a method used to help babies and small children establish a regular sleep schedule. It often involves techniques that teach children to fall asleep independently, sometimes by allowing them to cry for a period before they fall asleep. Dr. Fox and Emily discussed the common approaches to sleep training, including the “cry it out” method and more gradual techniques where parents check on their children at set intervals. Emily states, “Think of sleep training as any kind of activity that you engage in that tries to encourage a particular sleep schedule for a baby or a small child.”

Personal Experiences and Insights

Emily shared her experiences with her children, highlighting the trial and error in finding what worked best for them. She emphasized the importance of consistency in sleep training and noted that each child is different. Dr. Fox also recounted his experiences with his children, illustrating how varied sleep training success can be even within the same family.

Benefits of Sleep Training

Both Dr. Fox and Emily discussed the significant benefits of sleep training. Research shows that sleep training can lead to better sleep for both children and parents, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and improving overall family functioning. They noted that well-rested parents can better bond with and care for their children, positively impacting the entire family unit.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

One major concern about sleep training is the potential for negative impacts on attachment and emotional development. However, Dr. Fox and Emily referenced studies that show no long-term harm from sleep training. They pointed out that the benefits, such as improved sleep and reduced parental stress, often outweigh the potential risks.

Choosing the Right Method

Emily and Dr. Fox discussed various sleep training methods, including the “cry it out” method, interval checking, and parental presence. They noted that while some methods might work faster, others may take more time but can still be effective. The key is for parents to choose a method they can consistently apply that fits their family’s needs and preferences.

Finding Balance

Dr. Fox and Emily emphasized the importance of finding a balanced approach to sleep training. They encouraged parents to consider the data and their family dynamics when making decisions about sleep training. The goal is to find a method that improves sleep for both the child and the parents, fostering a healthier and happier family environment.

Listen to the Full Episode

For a deeper dive into the discussion on sleep training, listen to the full episode of the “Healthful Woman” podcast with Dr. Nathan Fox and Emily Oster.

Get the Help You Need at Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates

At our OBGYN practice, nestled in the heart of New York, we believe in sharing the best of motherhood and pregnancy advice. If you’re grappling with decisions concerning sleep training or simply need support on your parenting journey, our team at Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates is here to help. Connect with us through our online contact form.

Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!

Disclaimer:
By providing my phone number to Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, I agree and acknowledge that Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates may send text messages to my wireless phone number for any purpose. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary, and you will be able to Opt-out by replying “STOP”. For more information on how your data will be handled please visit https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/26966937

©MaternalFetalMedicineAssociates 2024 | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement
products