With my background and knowledge as a Child Psychologist, and after extensive research, I chose the Gentle Sleep Coach® method over the (partial) cry-out method. 

The Gentle Sleep Coach® method is a gentle and efficient approach to teaching your baby or child how to fall asleep – and stay asleep. As a parent, you are present and available to your child during the learning process. This means you don’t have to leave your child crying alone in their bed, and can offer them both physical and verbal comfort. This method is customized to your child’s specific needs and has a success rate of 95% (provided that parents are consistent and their child is in good health). 

The Gentle Sleep Coach® program is a leading and all-inclusive certification program for professional sleep coaching worldwide. The program encompasses a rigorous course that integrates both theory and practical application. Specialized lectures are conducted by experts from diverse fields, who share their knowledge on child development and its impact on sleep and potential sleep disorders. These experts consist of (pediatric) doctors, psychologists, lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, family therapists, and the program’s founder, Kim West, who is also known as The Sleep Lady (www.sleeplady.com).   

Topics covered in relation to sleep solutions and strategies for babies aged 0-6 months include: 

• In-depth knowledge of babies under 6 months old 
• Current guidelines and instructions (based on scientific research data) specifically aimed at coaching 4-6 month old babies, and determining if the baby is ready for sleepcoaching 
• Mild sleep solutions and strategies that are effective and appropriate for the development of younger babies. 

Topics covered in relation to coaching children from 6 months to 6 years old include: 

• Child development 
• Sleep science and behavioral therapy in children up to 6 years old 
• Secure attachment theory
• Help and support for breastfeeding mothers 
• Postpartum depression 
• Medical conditions (such as reflux) and sleep apnea 
• Sensory processing disorder combined with sleep 

As a certified Gentle Sleep Coach®, I continuously participate in ongoing education and supervision to maintain my certification.