Expert Sleep Training Advice for Beverly Hills Infants and Toddlers

Welcome to the World of Restful Nights

As a pediatrician serving families in Beverly Hills, I have seen firsthand how sleep deprivation can affect an entire household. Whether you are a new parent holding a newborn or a seasoned pro chasing a toddler, sleep is the foundation of health for both you and your child. When parents come into my office with dark circles under their eyes, asking for help, I always tell them the same thing: teaching your child to sleep well is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

Sleep training often gets a bad reputation. Some people imagine it only means letting a baby cry alone for hours, but that is simply not the case. In reality, sleep training is the process of helping your baby learn to fall asleep—and stay asleep—independently. It is about building healthy habits that last a lifetime. Today, I want to share my expert advice on how to navigate this journey, specifically tailored for the busy, modern families I see here in our community.

Why Sleep Matters for Development

Before we dive into the “how,” it is important to understand the “why.” Sleep is not just downtime; it is an active state where crucial development happens. For infants, sleep is when the brain processes sensory information and builds neural connections. For toddlers, it is essential for emotional regulation and physical growth.

I often remind parents that a well-rested child is a happier, healthier child. During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormones and repairs cells. If your child is constantly waking up or relying on you to rock them back to sleep, they may not be getting the restorative rest they need.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, infants aged 4 to 11 months typically need between 12 and 15 hours of sleep per day, while toddlers aged 1 to 2 years need about 11 to 14 hours. Data Point: Research indicates that up to 25-30% of infants and toddlers experience sleep problems, which means if you are struggling, you are certainly not alone.

Setting the Stage: The Beverly Hills Nursery

In our area, we are fortunate to have access to wonderful resources, but sometimes we overcomplicate the sleep environment. I believe the best sleep environment is simple, safe, and consistent. You do not need the most expensive gadgets to get your baby to sleep, but you do need to set the scene correctly.

The Ideal Environment

First, ensure the room is dark. I recommend high-quality blackout curtains. Even a sliver of street light can disrupt a baby’s circadian rhythm. Second, use a white noise machine. This mimics the sound of the womb and drowns out household noises—like siblings playing or the doorbell ringing.

Temperature is also key. A room that is too warm is a risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and generally makes it harder to sleep. Keep the thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

When to Start Sleep Training

This is the most common question I get: “Dr. Sabeti, when can I start?” Generally, most babies are developmentally ready for formal sleep training between 4 and 6 months of age. At this stage, they have the ability to self-soothe, and they no longer require frequent night feedings for nutrition alone.

However, you can start laying the groundwork much earlier. With newborns, I focus on establishing a routine rather than strict training. This means distinguishing day from night—keeping daytime feeds active and bright, and night feeds quiet and dark.

Methods That Work: Finding Your Fit

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. As your doctor, I encourage you to choose a method that aligns with your parenting philosophy and your child’s temperament. Consistency is far more important than the specific method you choose.

The Ferber Method (Graduated Extinction)

This is a very popular method. You put your baby down awake and check on them at increasing intervals (e.g., 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes). The goal is to reassure them that you are there, without picking them up or feeding them. This teaches them that they are safe, but that it is time to sleep.

The Chair Method (Fading)

For parents who find it too difficult to leave the room, the Chair Method is a great alternative. You sit in a chair next to the crib until your baby falls asleep. Every few nights, you move the chair further away from the crib until you are eventually out of the room. This is gentle but takes a bit more patience and time.

Extinction (Cry It Out)

This involves putting the baby to bed and not returning until morning (unless there is a safety issue or illness). While it sounds harsh to some, it is actually the fastest method for many babies and results in the least amount of crying overall because the process resolves quickly, often within 3 to 4 nights.

Navigating Sleep Training with Caregivers

Many families in Beverly Hills utilize nannies or night nurses. This is a wonderful support system, but it requires coordination. If I give you a sleep plan, it is vital that everyone who cares for your child is on the same page.

I recommend sitting down with your nanny or caregiver and explaining the new routine in detail. If you are using the Ferber method, they need to know exactly how many minutes to wait before checking in. If the baby is rocked to sleep during the day by a nanny but expected to self-soothe at night with you, the baby will be confused. Consistency across all caregivers is the secret to success.

The Toddler Challenge: Boundaries and Beds

Sleep training isn’t just for babies. Toddlers present a whole new set of challenges. This is the age where they gain mobility and a voice. They can climb out of cribs and call out for water, hugs, or “one more story.”

Data Point: Studies suggest that bedtime resistance is a common issue, affecting nearly 27% of toddlers. This resistance often stems from a lack of clear boundaries.

Keeping the Crib

I always advise parents to keep their child in a crib for as long as possible—ideally until age 3. The crib provides a physical boundary that helps them feel safe. Once you move to a toddler bed, you lose that containment, and you may find yourself walking your child back to their room dozens of times a night.

The Bedtime Pass

For older toddlers who keep getting out of bed, I love the “Bedtime Pass” technique. Give your child one physical card or token that they can trade in for one request (a hug, a drink of water). Once the pass is used, they must stay in bed. This gives them a sense of control while maintaining your boundaries.

Nutrition and Sleep

As a pediatrician, I assess the whole child. Nutrition plays a massive role in sleep quality. If a baby is not eating enough calories during the day, they will wake up hungry at night. This is what we call “reverse cycling.”

Ensure your infant is getting full, rich feeds during daylight hours. For toddlers, watch out for sugar or caffeine close to bedtime. Even the natural sugar in juice can cause a spike in energy. I recommend a small, protein-rich snack before the bedtime routine begins, such as yogurt or a bit of cheese, to keep their tummy full through the night.

Handling Regressions and Travel

Just when you think you have mastered sleep, a regression hits. This usually happens around 4 months, 9 months, and 18 months. These are often linked to developmental milestones like rolling over, crawling, or talking.

Beverly Hills families also travel frequently. Travel can disrupt sleep, but it doesn’t have to ruin it. My advice is to bring the environment with you. Pack the unwashed crib sheet (so it smells like home), the sound machine, and the sleep sack. Try to stick to your home time zone schedule if the trip is short. If you are gone for a longer period, adjust to the local time immediately.

When you return home, jump right back into your strict routine. You might have a night or two of protest, but because your child already possesses the skill of independent sleep, they will bounce back quickly.

Safe Sleep Practices

I cannot write about sleep without emphasizing safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has clear guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS. Always place your baby on their back to sleep. The crib should be bare—no bumpers, no stuffed animals, and no loose blankets until at least 12 months of age.

For more detailed information on creating a safe sleep environment, I highly recommend reading this guide from the Sleep Foundation regarding SIDS prevention. It is an excellent resource that aligns with the advice I give in my clinic.

The Role of Routine

Children crave predictability. A bedtime routine is a signal to the brain that sleep is coming. This routine should be about 20 to 30 minutes long and happen in the exact same order every night.

• Bath Time: The warm water is relaxing and separates the day from the night.
• Massage/Lotion: This provides positive physical touch and connection.
• Pajamas and Sleep Sack: A sleep sack is safer than a blanket and acts as a positive sleep association.
• Books: Reading together settles the mind.
• Song/Cuddle: A brief moment of affection before placing them in the crib awake.

Note the emphasis on placing them in the crib awake. If you rock your baby until they are asleep and then sneak them into the crib, they will wake up later confused and crying because the environment has changed. They need to fall asleep in the same place they will wake up.

Emotional Support for Parents

I know that hearing your child cry is physically painful for a parent. It triggers a biological response. However, I want to reassure you that sleep training, when done correctly, does not damage your attachment with your child. In fact, a well-rested parent is more patient, more engaged, and better able to bond with their child during the day.

It is okay to feel frustrated or tired. If you are overwhelmed, step away for a moment. Put the baby in a safe place (the crib), close the door, and take a few deep breaths. You are doing a good job.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Sleep training is a journey, not a race. There will be good nights and challenging nights. The key is to remain calm and consistent. In my practice, I have helped countless families move from sleepless chaos to peaceful nights. It requires commitment, but the reward is a happy, healthy child and a well-rested family.

Trust your instincts, but also trust the process. You are teaching your child a vital life skill. Whether you choose a gentle fading method or a more direct approach, the goal remains the same: high-quality sleep for everyone. If you find yourself stuck or if your child’s sleep issues seem severe (such as loud snoring or pauses in breathing), please come see me. We can rule out medical issues and get you back on track.

Here is to silent nights and bright, happy mornings for you and your little ones.