Published by Actually Sleeping · Reviewed by Dr. Samantha Abrahamson, PharmD · Review policy · Updated 2026-11-10

Is sleep training safe? What the AAP safe-sleep rules mean for a sleep plan

Yes, when the sleep plan follows the AAP safe-sleep guidance: baby on the back, on a firm flat surface in a crib or bassinet, with nothing else in the sleep space, in the parents’ room for at least the first 6 months. In a randomized trial of babies 6 to 16 months old, behavioral sleep methods improved sleep with no differences in attachment or behavior a year later.

The non-negotiables in every plan

Back to sleep for every nap and every night, until age 1.
Firm, flat surface that does not indent under the baby: crib, bassinet, play yard. The AAP says any surface inclined more than 10 degrees is unsafe for sleep. If a baby falls asleep in a car seat, swing, stroller or carrier, move them to a firm, flat sleep surface on their back as soon as possible.
Nothing in the sleep space except a fitted sheet: no bumpers, pillows, quilts or loose bedding. A wearable sleep sack keeps a baby warm.
Room-share, don’t bed-share, for at least the first 6 months. The AAP says to avoid bed sharing under any circumstances, including with twins and other multiples. A plan can teach independent sleep in a bassinet next to your bed.
No smoke or vape exposure; offer a pacifier at sleep time once breastfeeding is established; keep up with vaccinations.
Swaddling stops as soon as your baby looks like they are trying to roll.

Every plan Actually Sleeping writes is built on these rules. Dr. Sam writes it for your baby, so the safe-sleep setup is part of the plan from the first night rather than something you have to bolt on.

What the research says about sleep training itself

In a 2016 randomized controlled trial of 43 infants aged 6 to 16 months, both graduated extinction and bedtime fading improved sleep. Salivary cortisol showed small-to-moderate declines in those groups compared with controls, and at 12-month follow-up there were no significant differences between groups in emotional and behavioral problems or in secure-insecure attachment. Reasonable people differ on method; this trial does not support the claim that teaching independent sleep harms babies.

Where coaching adds safety

Unsafe sleep often starts as improvisation at 2 a.m.: the exhausted parent who brings the baby into bed, dozes on the couch holding them, or props a bottle. A written plan and daily support remove much of that improvisation. When something goes wrong at night, the plan already says what to do, and a coach is checking in the next morning.

When a sleep plan waits for the pediatrician

During acute illness; when weight gain is a concern; when a pediatrician has flagged a medical sleep issue, for example suspected sleep-disordered breathing. Your pediatrician is the authority on readiness. For young babies, Actually Sleeping works on foundations from the newborn weeks, never drops night feeds, and starts the 14-day guarantee clock at the baby’s 10-week birthday.

Safe and sleeping, both

Families often assume they must choose between a safe sleep space and a baby who sleeps. They do not. Actually Sleeping pairs the AAP rules with a plan built for your baby, bootcamp-style coaching before the first night, daily 1:1 check-ins and naps coached until solid. It is not cry it out. Families who moved a baby out of their bed describe it in the co-sleeping video reviews.

Book the free consultation to build a plan that is safe and works for your baby.

Want this fixed for your baby?

Actually Sleeping is 1:1 coaching: a sleep plan written for your baby by Dr. Sam, bootcamp-style coaching before the first night, and daily check-ins until it is working. 700+ families coached, 129 video reviews, and a written guarantee: 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days, or a full refund.

Book your free consultation → See what families say

Frequently asked

Does cry-it-out cause harm?

In a 2016 randomized trial, babies 6 to 16 months old whose parents used graduated extinction or bedtime fading showed no differences in attachment or behavior a year later. Actually Sleeping does not use cry it out; the plan is written for your baby and supported daily.

Can I sleep train while room-sharing?

Yes. Many families do, following the AAP recommendation to room-share without bed sharing for at least the first 6 months. A plan can be written around a bassinet or crib in your room.

When can my baby have a blanket or stuffed animal?

The AAP safe-sleep recommendations apply until age 1: nothing in the sleep space except a fitted sheet, with a wearable sleep sack for warmth. After the first birthday, ask your pediatrician what is appropriate for your child.