If you’re a parent, you already know how precious — and elusive — a good night’s sleep can be. Whether you have a newborn, an infant, or even a toddler, sleep struggles can make everything feel harder: parenting, working, even just getting through the day. That’s where Suzy Giordano’s sleep training method comes in. Known as “The Baby Coach,” Suzy has helped countless families reclaim their nights, building a reputation for her practical, no-nonsense approach.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into who Suzy Giordano is, what her sleep training philosophy looks like, and how you can implement her strategies at home. We’ll cover her method step-by-step, talk about the pros and cons, and answer some common questions parents have about sleep training. Ready to get started? Let’s jump in.

Who is Suzy Giordano and What is Her Sleep Training Method?

Suzy Giordano, often referred to simply as “The Baby Coach,” is a mother of five who developed her sleep training techniques out of personal necessity — and later turned them into a professional calling. Over the years, she has worked with families across the United States, including high-profile clients, helping them teach their babies how to sleep through the night.

At the core of Suzy’s approach is the belief that babies are capable of learning to sleep well without endless crying, stress, or extreme measures. Her method emphasizes gradual change, consistency, and empowering both babies and parents.

She outlines her approach in her book, The Baby Sleep Solution, co-written with Lisa Abidin. The book is sometimes lovingly referred to as “the 12-hour sleep solution” because it promises that, if followed correctly, most babies will sleep 12 hours at night within a few weeks.

A Quick Look at Suzy Giordano’s Sleep Training Core Concepts

Core Concept	Explanation
Minimum Age	Suzy recommends starting formal sleep training no earlier than 12 weeks old and only after the baby weighs at least 12 pounds.
Gradual Weaning	Night feedings are slowly reduced until the baby no longer needs to eat during nighttime hours.
Feeding Schedule	Daytime feeds are organized into 4 structured feedings. No more “snacking” throughout the day.
Naps	Babies are encouraged to nap at set times, but emphasis is placed on nighttime sleep first.
Parental Role	Parents are active participants, setting clear and consistent expectations, but offering reassurance when needed.
Crying	Some crying is expected but should be limited and never extreme. Comfort is part of the plan.

Suzy Giordano’s Sleep Training Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Suzy’s method is structured but surprisingly gentle compared to some other sleep training methods. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Meet the Minimum Requirements

Before beginning sleep training, Suzy insists that two requirements must be met:

• Your baby must be at least 12 weeks old.
• Your baby must weigh at least 12 pounds.

This ensures that your baby is physically ready to sleep for longer stretches without needing nighttime feedings.

2. Establish a Consistent Daytime Schedule

Suzy emphasizes the importance of a structured day to support nighttime sleep. She recommends 4 evenly spaced feedings during the day. This discourages “grazing” and teaches babies to take full feedings.

For example, feedings could be at:

• 7 AM
• 11 AM
• 3 PM
• 7 PM

In between feedings, the focus should be on play, stimulation, and appropriate naps — not extra bottles or breastfeeding sessions.

3. Gradually Eliminate Nighttime Feedings

Instead of abruptly cutting out night feedings, Suzy advocates a slow and gentle reduction. Here’s how you can do it:

• Start by reducing the volume of nighttime bottles or the amount of time breastfeeding.
• Once nighttime feedings become smaller and less satisfying, your baby will naturally begin to skip them.
• Over a few weeks, night feedings should phase out entirely.

4. Set the Stage for Sleep

Create a predictable bedtime routine. This could include:

• A warm bath
• Gentle rocking
• Storytime
• Soft lullabies

The goal is to signal to your baby that nighttime sleep is coming.

5. Teach Self-Soothing

Suzy believes that babies need the chance to self-soothe, but this doesn’t mean abandoning them to cry indefinitely.

• Put your baby down drowsy but awake.
• If your baby cries, wait a few minutes before intervening.
• When you go in, offer comfort without picking them up.
• Gradually increase the time you wait before checking in.

This teaches your baby that they are safe — and that they can fall asleep without constant help.

6. Be Consistent

Consistency is crucial. Mixed signals confuse babies and make sleep training harder. Stick to your routines and plans even if progress feels slow some nights.

7. Celebrate Success

Once your baby is sleeping through the night, celebrate! It’s a huge milestone for your entire family.

Benefits and Challenges of Suzy Giordano’s Method

Like any parenting strategy, Suzy’s sleep training method has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down.

Benefits

• Gentle Transition: Changes happen slowly, giving both parents and babies time to adjust.
• Clear Structure: Parents have a concrete, easy-to-follow plan.
• No Need for Cry-It-Out: While some crying is inevitable, it’s minimal compared to traditional “cry it out” methods.
• Focus on Daytime Feeds: Helps ensure babies are getting enough calories during the day.
• Empowering for Parents: Parents feel more confident and in control.

Challenges

• Time Commitment: Full implementation can take several weeks.
• Requires Consistency: Parents must stick to the plan even when it’s hard.
• Not Instantaneous: Unlike some “quick fix” methods, results take time.
• Every Baby is Different: Some babies may need slight modifications to the method.

FAQs About Suzy Giordano Sleep Training

Is Suzy Giordano’s method the same as “cry it out”?

Not exactly. While Suzy’s method does involve allowing a baby to fuss or cry briefly, it’s very structured and includes regular parental check-ins. It’s far less extreme than full “cry it out” strategies like the Ferber Method.

When is the best time to start Suzy Giordano sleep training?

Ideally, once your baby is at least 12 weeks old and weighs 12 pounds. However, it’s never too late to introduce good sleep habits, even for older babies or toddlers.

What if my baby is still hungry at night?

If your baby genuinely seems hungry, especially during the transition period, Suzy recommends reducing the amount gradually instead of cutting feedings all at once. It’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrition during daytime feedings.

Can this method be adapted for breastfeeding babies?

Yes, definitely. Breastfed babies may take a little longer to stretch out their nighttime sleep, but the overall structure — scheduled feedings, nighttime weaning, and consistent routines — still works very well.

What should I do if my baby gets sick during sleep training?

Pause the training. Illness is a legitimate reason to temporarily abandon structured sleep training efforts. Once your baby is feeling better, you can start back up again.

Will my baby still nap during the day?

Absolutely. Suzy emphasizes that naps are important, but her main focus is making sure that nighttime sleep is prioritized. As nighttime sleep improves, daytime naps often become more predictable too.

Conclusion

Suzy Giordano’s sleep training method offers a breath of fresh air for tired parents looking for a structured but compassionate approach to better sleep. By focusing on gradual changes, consistency, and empowering both babies and parents, Suzy’s method makes it possible to achieve the dream of peaceful, uninterrupted nights — without feeling like you’re abandoning your child.

Of course, no two babies are exactly alike. Some families may need to tweak the plan to fit their baby’s temperament or family lifestyle. But the foundation Suzy lays out — focusing on daytime structure, gradually eliminating nighttime feeds, teaching self-soothing, and being consistent — can work for nearly any family willing to stick with the process.

If you’re ready to make bedtime battles and sleepless nights a thing of the past, Suzy Giordano’s sleep training method might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. Sweet dreams await!