Moving the chair too fast. If your baby is still crying significantly at the current chair position, wait an extra 2–3 nights before moving it. Rushing the process increases distress.

Chair Method vs. graduated extinction: Which Is Better?

Neither is universally better, it depends on your baby's temperament and your family's tolerance for crying. The graduated extinction method typically produces results faster (3–7 nights vs. 2–3 weeks) but involves more crying. The chair method takes longer but keeps you present throughout, which many parents find more manageable emotionally.

A gentle guide to sleep methods support: The Chair Method for Sleep Training: How It Works and Step-by-Step Guide

The chair method (Sleep Lady Shuffle) is a gentle sleep training approach where you stay in the room while your baby learns to self-settle. Here's exactly how to do it.

What Is the Chair Method? The chair method, also known as the Sleep Lady Shuffle, developed by Kim West, is a gradual sleep training approach where you sit next to your baby's crib while they fall asleep, then slowly move the chair further away over 2–3 weeks until you're outside the room. Unlike the graduated extinction method, you never leave your baby alone to cry. You're present throughout, offering reassurance, but you're gradually reducing your involvement. It's one of the most popular "middle ground" approaches for parents who want to teach independent sleep without the crying that comes with extinction-based methods. Who Is the Chair Method For? The chair method works best for babies 6 months and older. It's particularly well-suited for: Babies with strong separation anxiety who become more distressed when left alone Parents who find it difficult to leave the room while their baby cries Families who want a gradual approach and are willing to invest 2–3 weeks Babies transitioning from co-sleeping or contact napping to crib sleep Step-by-Step: How to Do the Chair Method Before You Start Ensure your baby's sleep environment is optimised: dark room, white noise, comfortable temperature (18–20°C), and a consistent bedtime routine of 15–20 minutes. The routine is the foundation, without it, the chair method is harder. [sleep schedule builder](/sleep-schedule) [sleep schedule printable](/free-printables) [which guide is right](/quiz) Night 1–3: Chair Next to the Crib Put your baby in the crib drowsy but awake. Sit in a chair next to the crib. You can offer verbal reassurance ("I'm here, you're safe, it's sleep time") and occasional gentle pats, but do not pick your baby up unless they're extremely distressed. Stay until your baby is asleep. Return to the chair for any night wakings and repeat. Night 4–6: Chair Halfway Across the Room Move the chair to the middle of the room. Same approach: verbal reassurance, minimal physical contact. Your baby can see you but you're further away. Night 7–9: Chair at the Doorway Move the chair to the doorway. You're visible but barely. Continue verbal reassurance if needed. Night 10–12: Chair Outside the Room You're outside the room but your baby can hear you. Brief verbal check-ins ("I'm here") if needed. You're not in sight. Night 13+: Independent Settling Most babies are settling independently by this point. Continue the bedtime routine and put your baby down drowsy but awake. Leave the room. Check in verbally from outside if needed. What to Expect The chair method typically takes 2–3 weeks to see consistent results. The first 3–5 nights are usually the hardest, your baby may cry more than usual because they're confused by the change. This is normal. Consistency is critical: if you give up after 3 nights and go back to your previous approach, you've taught your baby that crying long enough brings back the old response. Most parents see significant improvement by night 7–10. By night 14, most babies are settli