Camping out — a sleep teaching approach for babies

Sleep training is a way to help your baby learn to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own, for longer stretches of time.

There are many different sleep training techniques. Camping out is one technique. You can choose a technique that is right for your baby and family. More research is needed to understand how well sleep training techniques work. Different studies have produced different results.

Your baby's doctor or maternal and child health nurse can answer any questions you have and help you decide which technique is right for you.

Whenever you put your baby to sleep, it is important to remember that your baby's sleeping environment must be safe. Safe sleep is very important to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Read more about:

• safe sleep for babies
• getting your baby to sleep
• co-sleeping with your baby
• responsive settling

Camping out is a sleep technique that involves gradually teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves.

When babies are very young, many parents help get them to sleep by patting, rocking, feeding or holding them. Sometimes, your baby can start to depend on these techniques to fall asleep. If your baby wakes up during the night, they won't be able to get back to sleep without you.

The idea of camping out is that you are still by your baby's side for reassurance, but you do not physically help them to fall asleep.

Camping out is different from controlled comforting, where you comfort your baby and then leave them alone in the room to fall asleep.

The camping out technique is for babies who are at least 6 months old. At this age, most babies no longer need to wake up at night for feeds. They eat enough during the day.

Camping out can also help older children learn to fall asleep by themselves, especially if they are anxious or frightened.

You might consider camping out if your baby is having ongoing problems falling asleep, or is waking up and crying often during the night.

Read more about baby sleep patterns by age.

Before you start, it's important to have a good sleep routine in place. Your maternal and child health nurse can help you develop a routine if you are unsure what to do.

When you are ready to begin camping out, follow these steps:

1. Place a mattress or chair next to your baby's cot.
2. Put your baby in their cot when they are still awake.
3. Stay in your baby's room throughout the night.
4. If your baby cries or protests, briefly soothe them every few minutes. Help them find any dummies or comforters. Place your child in a sleeping position.
5. Disengage — try to interact with your baby as little as possible.
6. Repeat these steps every time your baby wakes during the night.
7. Gradually move your mattress or chair further away from your baby until you are outside their room.

Below are some helpful tips to make camping out as effective as possible for you and your baby:

• Make sure everyone who puts your baby to sleep uses the same techniques in the same way. Babies respond well to routine. For example, you can begin an evening routine of bath, feed, quiet play and then bedtime.
• Keep your baby's room quiet and dim. Use a night light or other soft light while you settle them in bed.
• Reassure your baby that you will not leave them.
• Try not to interact too much with your baby. Avoid eye contact — you might find it helps to close your eyes too.
• If your baby starts to cry, pat them to comfort them. If they are very upset, you can pick them up and comfort them. When they are calm, start the process again.

Every baby is different. Some babies learn to settle themselves quickly with this technique, while others take longer. Try not to rush the process. Be consistent whenever you can.

The first few nights might be the hardest. Your baby may cry or protest for a few hours before falling asleep. After the first few nights your baby should start to fall asleep more quickly.

As your baby grows and develops, their sleep needs and patterns will change. You may need to adjust their routine and your expectations over time.

If your baby isn't settling any better after this time, talk to your doctor or maternal and child health nurse.

• Tresillian has a resource with baby sleep training tips.
• Learn more about teaching babies to sleep on the Murdoch Children's Research Institute webpage.
• Red Nose Australia has a collection of articles with information about safe sleeping.

Languages other than English

Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers. They offer parenting support for parents from culturally diverse backgrounds.

The NSW Government's webpage 'Getting your baby to sleep' has been translated into many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Red Nose Australia offers safe sleep resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families.