Are you parent to a baby who just doesn’t want to sleep through the night?
We feel you. No, seriously. It can be rough AF trying to function when you can’t remember the last time you had a night of unbroken sleep.
And look – there is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise. But in the meantime, you might want to check out the ‘Chair Method’ – as more and more parents are swearing it really helps when it comes to helping their babies sleep.
If you are yet to hear about the Chair Method, fear not – we’ll break it down for you. While many have heard of sleep training, but might think it sounds a bit extreme (and hard to do), this method is a sofer approach – and might just be the thing that saves your Z’s right now.
Also known as the Sleep Lady Shuffle, the chair method is a gradual sleep training approach (you’ll want to block out two weeks in your schedule to do it) that allows parents to stay in the room until their baby falls asleep. The only thing you’ll need? A chair (and a lot of patience).
This is how it works:
Put your baby down while still awake, but drowsy. Sit in a chair next to the crib. Some proponents say that it’s OK to shush from the chair while others recommend doing nothing at all (not even making eye contact)—either way, you’ll want to minimize interaction. Every few days, slowly move the chair closer to the door until eventually, you’re completely out of the room and your little one is asleep.
Note that experts recommend spending as much as two weeks on this, so be patient and prepared – this is no quick fix that’ll start working from Day 1.
Here’s what PureWow has to say about the method:
Days one to three, sit on the chair next to the crib. Days four to six, move the chair halfway to the door. Days seven to nine, sit just inside of the doorway. Days 10 to 12, move the chair outside of the room but still within view. Days 13 to 14, stay in the hallway or in another room and congratulate yourself on (hopefully) having a sleep-trained baby.
Most experts don’t recommend starting this method until your baby is around four months – at least. And be prepared, there could be a little crying involved. But note – if your baby starts to seem distressed or won’t stop crying – pick her up for a cuddle. Then start over again next night.
Many claim this method worked for them, and it feels less severe or harsh than regular sleep training. And sure – there is no harm in trying. Just make sure you have a comfy chair!
