How to Sleep Train a 6-Month-Old?

If your baby is 6 months old and you’re wondering if this is the right time to sleep train you’re asking the exact right question. This age is often called the “sweet spot” for a reason.

At 6 months, most babies are developmentally ready for independent sleep. Their circadian rhythms are more mature, night feeds are reducing, and their sleep cycles are stabilizing. This makes it one of the best ages to begin baby sleep training  gently, confidently, and without guilt.

As a certified sleep consultant in Singapore, I work with families every week whose 6-month-olds are waking every hour, needing to be rocked or fed back to sleep, or struggling with short naps. With the right approach, all of that can change.

Let me walk you through exactly how to sleep train your 6-month-old step-by-step.

Signs Your 6-Month-Old Is Ready for Sleep Training

• They are gaining weight well and have crossed 5 kg
  
  
• They can go 5–6 hour stretches without feeding (especially at night)
  
  
• They’re not settling to sleep independently (need to be rocked, fed, held)
  
  
• Day naps are short or unpredictable
  
  
• Night wakings are frequent and not always hunger-related
  
  
• You feel exhausted and want a routine that works for everyone
  
  

If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. You’re not “spoiling” your baby. You’re helping them develop a skill that will benefit them for years to come.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sleep Training a 6-Month-Old

1. Create a Safe and Consistent Sleep Environment

Before starting any infant sleep program, make sure the room is:

• Dark (use blackout curtains)
  
  
• Cool and quiet
  
  
• Free of distractions
  
  
• With a white noise machine if needed
  
  

Keep the crib consistent. This is where your baby will learn to sleep independently.

2. Set an Age-Appropriate Schedule

At 6 months, most babies need:

• 3 naps per day
  
  
• Wake windows of 2–2.5 hours
  
  
• Bedtime between 7–8 PM
  
  

Having a predictable rhythm makes it easier for your baby to learn new sleep skills. A good schedule is also the backbone of all baby sleep training

3. Be Consistent  Especially in the First 3 Nights

Night 1 can be tough. Night 2 may be tougher. Night 3? That’s where many babies turn the corner. Stay consistent with:

• Your response method
  
  
• Your nap and bedtime routines
  
  
• Your emotional presence and support
  
  

This is where working with a sleep consultant can make all the difference - guiding you through the process with confidence.

4. Don’t Drop All Night Feeds Immediately

At 6 months, many babies can go 6–8 hours without feeding at night  but not all. In my infant sleep training program, we usually:

• Retain 1 night feed initially
  
  
• Shift it to an early night or early morning time
  
  
• Phase it out gently as weight and milk intake stabilize
  
  

You don’t need to stop feeding cold turkey. The key is knowing when and how to reduce feeds safely.

 Common Questions I Get From Parents

Q: What if my baby cries a lot when we start?
Crying is communication  not trauma. When done with love, presence, and support, sleep training helps your baby learn to self-settle while still feeling safe and connected.

Q: What if my baby has started teething?
Teething discomfort may come and go, but it shouldn’t prevent you from teaching sleep. If needed, pause for 1–2 nights and restart.

Q: What if I’ve tried sleep training and failed before?
You probably didn’t fail  you just didn’t have the right method, timing, or support. That’s what expert-led baby sleep programs are for.

 A Note From Me

When I sleep trained my own daughter at 6 months, I was skeptical. She’d been waking every hour and I was beyond exhausted. Within a few nights of using responsive methods, she started connecting sleep cycles and waking only once to feed.

Today, two years later, she still sleeps through the night  independently.

I want you to have that same peace and confidence. Whether you're in Singapore, India, or anywhere else, you're not alone in this.

Ready to Get Started?

If your 6-month-old is ready, and you’re ready, then now is a beautiful time to begin.

Explore my Infant Sleep Training Program to start your journey with expert support, evidence-based methods, and a plan that respects your parenting style.

Because better sleep isn’t just a dream it’s something we can work toward, together.

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