Sleep training involves implementing behavioral changes to improve infant sleep, functioning similarly to cognitive behavioral therapy for adult insomnia. Before beginning, parents should consult a pediatrician to rule out medical conditions like acid reflux, eczema, or sleep apnea. While often controversial, extinction methods—such as "cry it out"—are safe and effective for infants over four months old, with research confirming no negative impact on parent-child attachment or long-term development. Dr. Craig Canapari, Director of the Pediatric Sleep Center at Yale Medical School, emphasizes that parents should prioritize their own well-being to avoid chronic sleep deprivation, which contributes to postpartum depression and significant safety risks. Successful intervention typically requires only a short period of adjustment, offering a sustainable path toward independent sleep for the child and improved health for the entire family.
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