40. Is Sleep Training Safe or Harmful?

Does sleep training really teach babies to self-soothe, or does it just teach them to stop crying? 🤔

In this evidence-based episode of The Modern Indian Parent Podcast, Rinie Gupta sits down with Dr. Sujay Kansagra, a pediatric neurologist, sleep medicine doctor, and professor at Duke University, to break down the science behind sleep training.

If you're an exhausted parent questioning every decision, this episode will debunk myths, challenge common fears, and help you decide what’s best for your baby—with facts, not opinions.

🎥 Watch & Listen Here

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No time to watch/listen to the full episode? Read the blog in under 10 min to get all the key learning.

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[Blog] Sleep Training: Is it Safe or Harmful?

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📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/

👩‍⚕️ Connect With The Hosts

Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/

Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/

🤝 Connect With The Guest

Dr. Sujay Kansagra (Pediatric Neurologist & Sleep Expert): https://www.instagram.com/thatsleepdoc/

📌 Episode Chapters

⏳ Skip to the part that interests you:

00:00 Introduction: The Sleep Training Debate on Social Media
03:04 Meet Dr. Sujay Kansagra: Pediatric Neurologist & Sleep Expert
03:53 Why Sleep Training is Uncommon in Indian Families
06:12 “Sleep Training Teaches Babies to Stop Crying, Not Sleep”
09:33 “Babies Cannot Learn to Self-Soothe”
11:01 “Babies Will Sleep Through the Night When They’re Ready”
14:21 “Sleep Training is Traumatic and Breaks Attachment”
18:53 “There’s No Scientific Evidence That Sleep Training is Safe”
20:37 “Sleep Training Raises Cortisol & Stresses Babies”
25:20 “Kids Must Co-Sleep Until Age 7 for a Healthy Nervous System”
28:05 “SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Doesn’t Happen in India”
31:12 How to Handle Family Pushback on Sleep Training
33:29 Final Thoughts: Empowering Parents to Make the Best Sleep Choices

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