No, sleep training does not cause trauma. For a child whose needs are consistently met in a loving and responsive environment—and who hasn’t experienced previous trauma—sleep training poses no risk. Trauma typically results from ongoing neglect over an extended period, whereas sleep training is not neglectful and usually lasts just 1-2 weeks.

The honest truth is, you can't completely avoid tears during sleep training. Babies cry as a form of communication, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in pain or discomfort. Often, crying reflects their feelings about a new routine or their anxiety about change. That said, I specialize in techniques that minimize crying and focus on optimizing parental responses, ensuring that your baby is never left to cry alone.

There’s no perfect age to start sleep training. You can begin teaching your baby healthy sleep habits right from birth, although they typically won’t be able to self-soothe until around three months. Ultimately, the decision hinges on you as the parent and your comfort level. If contact napping and co-sleeping are working well for your family, there’s no need to make a change. Remember, successful sleep training requires consistency from parents.

Yes, you can sleep train while co-sleeping! However, I only work with clients who are breastfeeding and co-sleeping (feel free to email me if you’d like to know why). We’ll discuss safe co-sleeping guidelines and develop a sleep plan that fits your family’s needs.