When do we start to sleep train our baby?
The history of sleep training reflects evolving societal, cultural, and medical attitudes toward infant care over centuries. While co-sleeping was common in many cultures throughout history, medieval Europe saw growing concerns about the risks of bed-sharing, with religious authorities and child-rearing manuals discouraging the practice in favor of cradles. By the late 19th century, modern sleep training methods emerged, emphasizing independence and structured routines for infants.
Origins of Sleep Training
The roots of structured infant sleep practices trace back to the late 19th century, shaped by societal shifts during the Industrial Revolution. Dr. Luther Emmett Holt’s influential 1894 book, The Care and Feeding of Children, introduced the concept of fostering early independence in infants by encouraging parents to let babies cry, claiming it would “expand their lungs” [ref].
This marked a departure from traditional co-sleeping norms, aligning with the era’s emphasis on discipline and routine. Earlier influences included the industrialized world’s growing focus on productivity and efficiency, which necessitated separate sleeping arrangements for infants. By the 1830s, infant care manuals began advocating for practices that distanced babies from parents during sleep, reflecting changing family dynamics and living conditions[ref].
Medieval Co-Sleeping Concerns
During the Middle Ages, attitudes towards infant sleep practices began to shift, particularly within religious circles. Concerns about the dangers of co-sleeping emerged, with sermons warning against the risk of overlaying, or accidentally smothering infants during sleep[ref].
The Catholic Church eventually forbade parents from sharing beds with their children, though the exact timing of this prohibition is unclear[ref]. To mitigate these risks, cradles were recommended as a safer alternative for infant sleep. Medieval miracle stories often featured accounts of women who had accidentally smothered their children while co-sleeping, further reinforcing these concerns[ref]. By the 15th century, additional worries arose about infants dying unbaptized if they passed away suddenly during the night, potentially influencing sleep practices and parental vigilance[ref].
20th Century Sleep Training Advancements
The early 20th century saw significant shifts in sleep training approaches, influenced by emerging medical theories and societal changes. Germ theory led to recommendations for minimizing physical contact with infants, while strict feeding and sleeping schedules gained popularity [ref].
Notable figures like Dr. Anna Fullerton advised against picking up crying babies in her 1891 “Handbook of Obstetric Nursing”[ref]. In the 1930s, German pediatricians such as Dr. Philipp Niemes emphasized enforcing nighttime rest, even if it meant allowing babies to cry[ref]. These ideas laid the groundwork for more structured sleep training methods that would emerge later in the century.
Modern Sleep Training Methods
The 1980s marked a significant shift in sleep training approaches with the introduction of structured programs. Dr. Richard Ferber’s 1985 method, known as “graduated extinction” or the “Ferber Method,” involved controlled crying with intermittent parent check-ins[ref].
This was followed by Dr. Marc Weissbluth’s 1987 “extinction” or “cry it out” method, which advocated leaving the child until morning[ref]. These techniques gained widespread popularity and continue to influence modern sleep training practices, albeit with numerous variations and rebranded approaches.
Despite their prevalence in countries like the USA and UK, these methods remain less common in societies that practice co-sleeping, reflecting ongoing cultural differences in infant sleep practices[ref].
Evolving Sleep Training Perspectives
The history of sleep training reflects a complex interplay of cultural, medical, and societal factors that have shaped infant care practices over time. From the early 20th century emphasis on rigid schedules to the more structured methods of the 1980s, sleep training has evolved significantly[ref].
While these practices gained popularity in some Western countries, they remain controversial and are not universally adopted[ref]. Research on sleep training has yielded mixed results, with some studies suggesting improvements in parental perceptions of infant sleep, while objective measures often show little change in actual infant sleep patterns[ref]. As our understanding of infant development continues to grow, the debate around sleep training persists, highlighting the need for individualized approaches that consider both cultural norms and the unique needs of each family[ref]. Ultimately, the history of sleep training underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing parental well-being with infant care practices in an ever-changing societal landscape.
Evolution of Parental Roles
Parental roles have evolved significantly across cultures and historical periods, shaped by ecological, social, and psychological factors. In early human societies, parenting was primarily a communal effort, with shared responsibilities among group members to ensure offspring survival. Over time, as societies became more structured, distinct parental roles emerged, often influenced by gender norms and economic needs. For instance, in many mammalian species, including humans, females traditionally provided direct caregiving, while males contributed indirectly through resource provision or protection. However, in species like birds and some amphibians, biparental care evolved due to ecological demands such as limited resources or predation risks.In modern contexts, parental roles have diversified further.
The rise of family-centered care (FCC) after World War II emphasized collaboration between parents and healthcare providers in child-rearing decisions, particularly in environments like neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Additionally, research highlights the growing importance of paternal involvement in childcare. Studies show that active father participation can reduce developmental delays in children while alleviating maternal stress.
These shifts reflect a broader recognition of the dynamic nature of parenting and its critical impact on child development and family well-being.
So don’t worry about chid sleep and child sleep traing.