What intervals should I use for entering the room during sleep training?

This is one of the most asked questions about waiting when baby cries. What matters is responding based on your baby's age and the type of crying.

Here's the general approach: When your baby cries, first assess their needs—are they hungry, is their diaper wet, are they uncomfortable or gassy? After meeting these needs, if crying continues and you believe your baby is simply learning to fall asleep or self-soothe:

• 0-3 months: Go to your baby at almost every cry. At this age, babies can't self-soothe and crying signals a need. Waiting shouldn't exceed 1-2 minutes.
• 4-6 months: Your baby can start self-soothing. Depending on crying intensity, you can wait 2-5 minutes before responding. This brief wait gives your baby a chance to self-calm.
• 6 months and older: You can try the graduated extinction method (also known as the Ferber method): wait 3 minutes the first night, 5 minutes the second night, maintain a fixed interval, then increase by 1-2 minutes every few nights. For prolonged and intense crying (lasting 15-20 minutes), definitely go and soothe your baby.

Critical warning: These waiting periods only apply to a healthy, well-fed baby with a clean diaper. If the crying is a sudden shriek, sounds different, or accompanies signs of illness, don't wait—go immediately. Your baby's temperament matters too: some babies react intensely to even short waits, and this method may not suit them.