Do You Believe in Sleep Training?

Sleep Training vs. Following Baby’s Natural Rhythm: What Works Best for Families?

Every parent wants their baby to sleep well — but how to get there can be one of the most debated parenting topics out there. Some families swear by sleep training, while others prefer to follow their baby’s natural rhythm. Neither approach is “right” or “wrong,” but each comes with its own set of benefits and challenges.

At CanadianParent.ca, we asked our members: Do you believe in sleep training, or do you prefer following your baby’s natural rhythm? Here’s what each side has to say — and how to decide what might work best for your family.

What Is Sleep Training?

Sleep training generally refers to helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently and sleep for longer stretches at night. Popular methods include gentle fading, the chair method, and the well-known “Ferber method.”

The main goal is to establish predictable sleep patterns and reduce nighttime wakings. Supporters say it helps babies (and parents!) get the rest they need and can make daily routines more manageable.

Pros of Sleep Training:

• Promotes consistent sleep schedules

• Helps parents get more rest

• Can improve baby’s mood and development with better sleep quality

Cons of Sleep Training:

• May involve crying or short-term stress for baby and parents

• Can feel too rigid for some families

• Not always necessary if your baby’s sleep improves naturally over time

Following Baby’s Natural Rhythm

On the other hand, many parents prefer to let their baby’s sleep evolve naturally — following cues for when they’re tired or hungry rather than sticking to a schedule. This approach is often called “responsive parenting” or “baby-led sleep.”

Parents who take this route often feel more relaxed, focusing on comfort and connection instead of routines.

Pros of Following Baby’s Rhythm:

• Encourages responsive parenting

• May reduce stress for both parent and baby

• Flexible for families with changing schedules

Cons of Following Baby’s Rhythm:

• Can lead to unpredictable nights

• Harder to plan around naps or bedtime

• Parents may experience more sleep deprivation early on

Is There a Middle Ground?

Yes! Many families find that a balanced approach works best — starting with responsive routines and gently introducing structure over time. For example, you might establish a bedtime routine (bath, story, lullaby) but still comfort your baby as needed overnight.

It’s not about choosing one “side,” but about finding what supports your family’s well-being and your baby’s development.

What Canadian Parents Are Saying

When we polled our members at CanadianParent.ca, responses showed there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some parents found success with sleep training and noticed better sleep for the whole family. Others felt more comfortable letting their baby’s natural rhythm guide the way — and still achieved great results with time and patience.

The Bottom Line

Whether you decide to try sleep training or follow your baby’s lead, the most important thing is that your approach feels right for you. Every baby (and every parent) is unique — and so is every sleep journey.

Want to join the conversation?
Vote in our latest poll on CanadianParent.ca and see how other parents feel about sleep training vs. baby-led sleep.