If you’re the parent of a 6-month-old and feeling completely exhausted, you are not alone. By this age, many families find themselves in the thick of night wakings, short naps, or unpredictable sleep patterns — and it’s tough. You’ve made it through the newborn stage, but restful nights still feel out of reach.
The good news? Six months is a very common and appropriate age to sleep train — and with the right approach, everyone in the family can start getting the rest they need.
That’s where Sleep Wise Consulting comes in. We specialize in supporting families just like yours with expert, one-on-one guidance. Whether you need help troubleshooting, creating a personalized sleep plan, or just want someone in your corner every step of the way, we’re here to make the process smoother — and successful.
It’s no surprise that many parents start seeking sleep help right around the 6-month mark. At this point, your baby may still not be sleeping through the night, relying heavily on sleep props like feeding to sleep, rocking, or a pacifier — and those dreaded short naps are likely starting to wear everyone down.
The good news? Babies at this age can learn independent sleep skills when given the right structure, support, and comfort. Most 6-month-olds are developmentally ready — often at a healthy weight to drop overnight feeds, possibly starting solids, rolling from back to belly (and maybe belly to back), and ready to shift into a predictable two-nap schedule. This makes it an ideal window to lay a solid sleep foundation that works for both baby and parents.
With all these signs pointing to readiness, the next step is figuring out how to actually teach your baby to sleep more independently — and that’s where things can feel overwhelming. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and step one is finding a method that feels right to you.
So once you’ve chosen a method that feels right for your family, the next question is: how do you actually sleep train a 6-month-old? While the method itself is important, how you implement it — with consistency and the right foundation — is what truly sets you up for success. Here are the essential steps to get started:
Tips for Sleep Training a 6-Month-Old
1. Set up a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A predictable, calming bedtime routine is one of the most powerful tools in sleep training. It helps your baby recognize that bedtime is different from nap time — this is when they’re expected to sleep for a longer stretch.
Start your routine with the bedtime feed. While it may feel backwards, moving the feed to the beginning of the routine (rather than right before sleep) is a game-changer. The feed-to-sleep association is one of the strongest — and often the hardest to break. Feeding first helps your baby learn that sleep doesn’t require eating, and over time, this shift can significantly reduce overnight wakings.
From there, a simple and soothing routine might look like this: bath or wipe-down, lotion, pajamas, a clean diaper, a short book, sleep sack, and then laying your baby down in the crib fully awake.
2. Create an Optimal Sleep Environment
Your baby’s sleep space plays a big role in their ability to settle and stay asleep. Aim for a cool, dark, and quiet room. Blackout curtains are especially helpful in signaling that it’s time for sleep and keeping naps consistent. The ideal room temperature for sleep is between 68–72°F, and a white noise machine can help block out household sounds – play a consistent sound throughout the entirety of the night.
3. Establish Daytime Nap Routines to Support Night Sleep
Good daytime sleep directly supports better nighttime sleep. By 6 months, many babies are ready to transition to a two-nap schedule. A great starting point is:
- 2.5 hours of awake time before the first nap
- 3 hours before the second nap
- 3 hours of wake time before bed
These wake windows help prevent both under-tiredness and overtiredness — two common reasons babies struggle to fall or stay asleep
4. Choose a Sleep Method that Aligns with your Parenting Style
5. Be Consistent and Patient
Sleep training isn’t always easy — there may be some protest, and you might question whether it’s working. But progress often comes faster than you’d expect if you remain consistent. Babies thrive on clear boundaries and routines, and with your calm, confident support, your 6-month-old can absolutely learn how to sleep independently.
Even with the best plan and preparation, bumps in the road are totally normal — and expected. Sleep training is a big shift for your baby, and understanding what’s typical can help you stay confident and consistent through the process.
Sleep training is a journey that often comes with a few bumps along the way. Understanding common challenges can help you stay prepared, patient, and confident as you guide your baby toward better sleep.
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Dealing with Protest Crying
One of the biggest concerns parents face is hearing their baby cry — and we get it. Crying can be hard to hear, especially when you’re doing something new. But it’s important to remember that crying is your baby’s primary way of communicating. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong — it often just means they’re adjusting to a new way of falling asleep.
At Sleep Wise, we create customized sleep plans tailored to your baby’s temperament, developmental stage, and your comfort level. You’re not left to figure this out alone — you have support and strategy every step of the way.
How to Respond to Night Wakings with a 6-Month Old
Waking in the night is completely normal — even for adults. The difference is, we know how to roll over and drift back to sleep, while babies need to learn those independent sleep skills. If your baby has been relying on a sleep prop like feeding, rocking, or a pacifier to fall asleep at bedtime, they’ll likely need that same prop to get back to sleep during the night.
In sleep training, how you respond to these wakings matters and always keeping the goal in mind: helping your baby learn how to fall back asleep on their own and consistency matters.
What is Normal for a Sleep Regression at 6-Months?
Yes, a 6-month sleep regression is possible — but it’s usually tied to developmental leaps. At this age, your baby might be learning to roll, experimenting with solids, or starting to show early signs of separation anxiety (though this tends to peak closer to 8 months). All of these new skills and changes can temporarily disrupt sleep. Signs of a regression might include:
- More frequent night wakings
- Shorter naps
- Early morning wake-ups
Don’t panic. A well-structured routine, consistent response, and a few adjustments (like tweaking wake windows if needed) can help you ride it out. Most regressions are short-lived when you stick to your plan.
Teething and Illness — When Should I Pause Sleep Training?
Teething and illness can feel like roadblocks, but they don’t always mean you have to hit pause. In fact, studies show that teething-related discomfort usually only disrupts sleep the day a tooth erupts and possibly the day after — not for weeks on end.
A well-rested baby actually handles teething and illness better than an overtired one. Of course, comfort is always a priority — if your baby is in pain or truly unwell, offer extra snuggles, but try to stay as consistent as possible with routines and expectations. In most cases, you can still maintain the progress you’ve made.
What sets Sleep Wise Consulting apart is our belief that sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all — and your sleep plan shouldn’t be either. Every baby is unique, and so is every family. That’s why we create customized sleep plans tailored to your child’s age, temperament, sleep environment, and your parenting style.
This personalized approach leads to faster, more sustainable results — but just as importantly, it means you’re never going through it alone. You’ll have a dedicated sleep consultant who’s there to provide emotional support, help you troubleshoot tough situations (like regressions, teething, or daycare transitions), and celebrate every win with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Training
How long does sleep training take?
Every baby is different, but with a consistent approach and the right support, many families see noticeable progress in just 3–5 nights, and significant improvements within 1–2 weeks.
Is sleep training safe for babies?
Yes. Sleep training, when done in an age-appropriate and responsive way, is completely safe. There’s no evidence that it harms a baby physically or emotionally. In fact, improved sleep supports healthy development for both baby and parents.
Do I have to let my baby cry it out?
Can I sleep train while breastfeeding?
What if sleep training doesn’t work?
When families follow a consistent, customized plan, sleep training does work. If progress stalls, it usually means something needs to be adjusted — like timing, the method, or sleep environment. That’s where expert guidance from Sleep Wise makes all the difference. We troubleshoot and tailor every step until your goals are met.
How do I know if my baby isn’t ready for sleep training?
Most full-term babies are developmentally ready for sleep training by 4 months. If your baby is younger or has underlying medical concerns, we recommend checking with your pediatrician first. But readiness also depends on consistency — if your family is committed, success is within reach.
Is it too late to sleep train an older baby or toddler??
Not at all! While earlier is often easier, it’s never too late to teach healthy sleep habits. We regularly work with toddlers and even preschoolers to establish routines, boundaries, and independent sleep skills.
Sleep training your 6-month-old can feel daunting, but with the right timing, approach, and support, it’s absolutely achievable. Remember, most babies are developmentally ready around this age to start learning independent sleep skills. Choosing a method that aligns with your family’s values and style — whether gentle or more hands-off — sets the foundation for success. Above all, consistency is key: sticking with your chosen plan gives your baby the security and structure they need to thrive.
If you’re ready to move forward but want expert guidance tailored specifically to your family, Sleep Wise Consulting is here for you. Book a consultation today with Meghan and get a customized plan and the 1:1 support that feels right for your baby and your parenting style — because better sleep starts with a plan made just for you.
Want to know more about Sleep Wise Consulting?
Check out Meghan’s Services on our resource directory: Sleep Wise Sleep Consulting – Gentle Baby Sleep Support
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