Sleep training is a critical process for many parents, and the chair method is a gentle, gradual approach that can help your baby learn to sleep independently. Also known as the “Sleep Lady Shuffle,” the Chair Method allows parents to stay close to their baby while gradually reducing their presence over time.
What is the chair method?
The chair method, or the Shuffle method, popularized by sleep consultant Kim West, also known as “The Sleep Lady,” was introduced as a gentle alternative to other sleep training techniques in her book The Sleep Lady’s Good Night, Sleep Tight. It involves placing a chair next to your baby’s crib and sitting there while they fall asleep. Over time, the chair is moved further away from the crib until you’re eventually out of the room. This method allows your baby to learn to self-soothe while still feeling reassured by your presence. Below you can see where this method falls on the crying spectrum compare to other available methods.
Goal: Helps babies gradually adjust to sleeping independently without feeling abandoned, making the transition smoother and less stressful.
Age appropriateness
- Recommended age: 6 months and older.
- Why this age:
- Babies at this age are generally ready to start learning to self-soothe and can benefit from the gradual nature of the chair method.
- The method is particularly suitable for older babies and toddlers who may be more aware of their surroundings and find comfort in a parent’s presence.
- Consultation: As always, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is ready for this sleep training method.
Effectiveness
- Success rate: Moderate to high, depending on the baby’s temperament and the consistency of the parents.
- Consistency: Essential for success; parents must be patient and committed to gradually increasing the distance of the chair.
- Variability: Some babies may take longer to adjust, but the method is generally effective for those who need a gentle approach.
How long it takes to see results
- Typical timeframe:
- 7-14 nights: Most parents see gradual improvements as the baby becomes more comfortable falling asleep on their own.
- First few nights:
- These may involve some crying or fussing as the baby adjusts to the new routine.
- Ongoing adjustments:
- As with any sleep training method, changes in routine, travel, illness, or developmental milestones may require revisiting or restarting the Chair method.
Steps to implement the chair method
- Sleep hygiene:
- Ensure the sleep area is safe, comfortable, and conducive to sleep (firm mattress, appropriate sleepwear, a dark and quiet room).
- Prepare the sleep environment:
- Ensure the sleep area is safe and conducive to sleep (firm mattress, appropriate sleepwear, dark room).
- Establish a bedtime routine:
- key for bedtime routine: warm bath, bedtime story, or gentle rocking before placing your baby in the crib.
- Place the baby in the crib awake:
- Helps the baby learn to associate the crib with falling asleep independently.
- Sit in the chair next to the crib:
- Sit in a chair close to the crib where your baby can see you, offering verbal reassurance and comfort without picking them up.
- Gradually move the chair further away:
- Every 2-3 nights, move the chair slightly further from the crib until you’re eventually out of the room. This gradual reduction in your presence helps the baby adjust to sleeping alone.
- Offer comfort without picking up:
- If your baby becomes distressed, offer soothing words or a gentle pat, but avoid picking them up.
- Consistency is key:
- Stick to the method every night, gradually increasing the distance of the chair until your baby can fall asleep independently.
- Reassess as needed:
- If after two weeks there is no improvement or if the baby becomes more distressed, reconsider the method or consult your pediatrician.
Personal experience with the Chair method
When my daughter got a sleep regression at 21 months old, I decided to try the chair method. I found that as she got older, she became more aware and understanding of my presence, making this method particularly effective. I’m currently training my baby using this method and again we’ve seen huge improvements after the first night. This method was a gentle way to re-establish her sleep routine without causing unnecessary stress. Compared to other methods, the chair method allowed us to maintain a comforting bedtime experience while slowly encouraging her to sleep independently. I think Ferber would have been tougher to implement at this age. But keep in mind every baby is different.
See here my training in action: Sleep Training in 9 days. The Chair Method in Action with my 21-months-old.
Conclusion
The chair method is a gentle and gradual sleep training technique that can help your baby learn to sleep independently while still feeling reassured by your presence. It’s particularly effective for older babies and toddlers who may benefit from a more comforting approach. While the process may take some time, the results can lead to better sleep for both your baby and your family.
Just remember: the key in applying any sleep training method is consistency.
If this method is not the right one for you, learn about the other sleep training options you have.