The End of Sleep Training? Why Parents Are Embracing Intuitive Sleep

Sleep training has long been a pillar of modern parenting advice. From controlled crying to Ferber methods, generations of parents have been taught to “train” their babies to sleep through the night. But in 2025, a growing number of parents are questioning this conventional wisdom and turning toward something radically different—intuitive sleep.

What Is Intuitive Sleep?

Intuitive sleep is a parenting philosophy that trusts a child’s natural rhythms instead of imposing rigid schedules or techniques. Rather than aiming for uninterrupted sleep as the gold standard, this approach respects wake windows, developmental needs, and emotional cues.

It's not “no plan”—but rather a responsive, flexible mindset that prioritizes connection and long-term regulation over short-term convenience.

Why Are Parents Moving Away from Traditional Sleep Training?

Several cultural and psychological shifts are fueling this trend:

Changing Attitudes Toward Crying: Many parents are no longer comfortable letting babies “cry it out.” They’re embracing attachment-informed care that responds to every cry as communication, not manipulation.
Post-Pandemic Parenting Values: After years of lockdowns and isolation, connection is more valued than ever. Parents are choosing closeness over conformity.
Neuroscience Insights: Research shows stress hormones can spike during prolonged crying, and some studies suggest this may affect emotional development.
Cultural Diversity in Sleep Norms: Global parenting voices are challenging Western sleep ideals, reminding us that co-sleeping and night waking are biologically normal in many societies.

What Does Intuitive Sleep Look Like in Practice?

Intuitive sleep doesn’t mean chaos or exhaustion. It often involves:

Following natural sleep cues like rubbing eyes, fussiness, or yawning
Offering contact naps, babywearing, or rocking if the child needs it
Accepting night wakings as developmentally appropriate
Gradual transitions to independent sleep when the child shows readiness

Benefits of Intuitive Sleep

While it may not lead to 12-hour stretches by 3 months, intuitive sleep offers long-term advantages:

Better emotional regulation: Babies whose needs are consistently met often feel safer and more secure.
Strengthened parent-child bond: Responding to nighttime needs reinforces trust and attachment.
Lower stress for everyone: Removing the pressure to meet strict milestones can reduce anxiety for parents.

Challenges and Criticisms

Intuitive sleep isn’t for everyone. It requires time, flexibility, and often sacrifices in adult sleep. Critics argue that it may delay independent sleep or be impractical for working parents.

But proponents say it’s not about perfection—just presence. Even working families can adopt intuitive principles in a way that fits their routines, like cosleeping safely or using gentle nap transitions.

What the Future Holds

As parenting continues to evolve, the end of rigid sleep training doesn't mean an end to sleep support. Instead, we’re entering a new era of baby-led, parent-supported sleep solutions that honor both science and instinct.

Whether it's called “responsive parenting,” “biological sleep,” or simply trusting your gut, intuitive sleep is changing the narrative—from one of control to one of connection.