#36 in popularitySince 1989Emotional presence
Hand in Hand (Staylistening)
Opposes sleep training Listed as an alternative for families who'd rather not sleep train.
Patty Wipfler
Stay close and warm while baby cries before sleep, without trying to stop the crying.
- Starts
- BirthNo formal training phase
- Results in
- No set timeline
- Crying
- No training
- Evidence
- Weak
Overview
Patty Wipfler founded Hand in Hand Parenting in 1989, and its book Listen sets out the approach. Staylistening means staying close, warm and attentive while a baby cries or releases emotion before sleep, without trying to stop the crying. Building connection during the day is seen as the foundation for calmer nights.
The baby is never left alone, which appeals to many parents. There's little structure for night wakings, crying still happens in arms, and the approach hasn't been studied in trials.
How it works
- Stay close and warm while baby cries/releases emotion before sleep.
- Don't try to stop the crying.
- Build connection during the day.
Pros
- Emphasizes connection
Cons
- Involves crying in arms
- Little structure
Evidence
Weak. Not trialed.
Details
- Popularity
- #36 of 39 · Niche (estimated)
- Since
- 1989 (37 years)
- When to start
- Any age
- Day structure
- Baby-led (no set structure)
- Format
- Website, book (Listen)
- Good fit for
- Parents focused on emotional connection who are comfortable holding baby through tears.