Gentle Removal
The parent gradually removes the breast, dummy or bottle before the child has fully fallen asleep, so that the child learns to fall asleep without sucking. The method is described in Elizabeth Pantley's book The No-Cry Sleep Solution.¹
How the method works
When the child begins to fall asleep at the breast or with a dummy, the parent gently breaks the suction before the child is fully asleep. If the child protests, the breast or dummy is offered again briefly, and the removal is repeated. Over time the child gets used to completing the falling-asleep process without sucking. The process is repeated at every sleep onset and night waking.
What the research says
The method lacks support from controlled studies. It is based on the principle of gradually breaking a sleep association, which has some theoretical basis in learning psychology. Pantley's book¹ relies primarily on parent reports and practical experience of helping families rather than systematic research.
Potential benefits
- Very gentle method with minimal crying
- The child maintains closeness to the parent throughout
- Can feel natural and secure
- Specifically designed for breastfeeding families
Challenges
- –Can be very slow, often several weeks
- –Requires patience with repeated nightly removals
- –Limited to children who fall asleep by sucking
- –Difficult to judge the right moment for removal
Sources
- Pantley, E. (2002). The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night. McGraw-Hill.