6 Reasons Not to Start Sleep Training (Yet)

Sleep training is incredibly effective...but only when the timing is right. It’s not something to dive into on a whim. You and your baby both deserve the best chance at success, and that means starting when you’re both truly ready.

So today, I want to hit pause and walk you through six valid reasons to wait before you begin. If you're wondering how to know when to sleep train, this is your guide.

1. Your Baby Is Sick

If your baby is sick or just not feeling well, even mildly now is not the time to start anything new. Illness affects sleep, appetite, and mood, and your little one will likely need more comfort and support than usual. Wait until they’re fully back to themselves before you begin. f you’re in the thick of sickness, I've got you with this blog all about baby sleep tips during illness!

2. They've Just Had Vaccines

Vaccines can temporarily throw things off: sleep disruptions, extra fussiness. or a mild fever. This is super normal, and it usually passes within a few days. Hold off on any new routine until they’re fully recovered and feeling like their usual self.

3. They’re Truly Teething

I say “truly” teething because not every drool or gnawed fist means a tooth is erupting. My second daughter chewed her hands like mad for weeks but it was just a phase. If your baby is actually cutting a tooth (like you can see it poking through), sleep may be off while they’re uncomfortable. Let the tooth erupt, give them a few days to settle, and then revisit sleep training readiness. 

Need help spotting real teething signs? Check out my teething + sleep blog here.

4. Your Partner Isn’t On Board

If your partner’s not supportive of sleep teaching...or you’re not on the same page, I will tell you right now it’s worth pressing pause. You’re a team, and your baby will benefit from both of you responding consistently. That means agreeing on the plan, the approach, and the timing. I recommend watching or reading through the baby sleep course together so you both feel confident, equipped, and ready to support each other.

5. You Have Travel or Big Changes Coming Up

Going away for a weekend? Moving house? Starting daycare?
Any major change like this in your baby’s environment or routine can make sleep trickier and consistency is key when it comes to sleep training support. For the best results, you want at least two solid weeks at home with your usual routine. Give your baby the predictability they need to learn something new.

6. You’re Not Ready

This one might be the most important...cos if you’re dreading sleep training, feeling pressured by someone else, or thinking, “I’m just not ready yet…” then you probably aren't.  You need to be mentally and emotionally in it. Yes, you can be nervous, but if you’re not in a place where you can be consistent and calm, it’s okay to not sleep train right now. This is your family's decision and no one else’s. The baby sleep course will still be here when you’re ready. You can absolutely start reading and learning now, and come back to the practical steps when the timing feels right for you.

Here’s the thing.... sleep training isn’t a race. You don’t need to rush it or make things perfect on the first try. You just need to start when the timing is right. When your baby is well, your routine is stable, and your heart (and your partner's heart) is in it.

And when you’re there… I’ve got you!!

Inside the Cozy Baby Sleep Course (4–24 months), I’ll walk you step-by-step through realistic, gentle sleep training that works!

Prep checklists
Multiple methods
Troubleshooting for real life
Night weaning
And sleep training support the whole way through.

Remember, there’s no prize for starting sleep training sooner. The right time is when your baby is ready, your routine is stable, and you feel confident moving forward. Give yourself permission to wait if you need to, and when you’re ready, you know where I am!!