Research in child development continues to show that an infant’s first year of life is a critical period for building emotional regulation and a sense of safety. During this time, babies are not biologically capable of self-regulating stress. Instead, their developing nervous systems rely on co-regulation—calming that happens through responsive interaction with caregivers.

When infants experience stress, close contact with a parent or caregiver helps signal safety, reduce stress hormones, and support healthy brain development. Proximity, touch, and timely responses play an important role in helping babies gradually learn how to regulate their emotions over time. Practices such as room-sharing and responsive nighttime care can support this process, particularly during the early months.

Some child-development experts caution that introducing sleep-training methods too early may not align with an infant’s neurological readiness. They note that learning calm does not come from managing stress alone, but from repeated experiences of being soothed. Over time, these supported experiences help infants internalize regulation skills as their brains mature.

It is important to note that parenting decisions around sleep exist within cultural norms that often emphasize early independence. Many parents have made sleep choices based on the best information available to them at the time. Current research encourages viewing infant sleep through a developmental lens rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Experts agree that secure attachment is built through consistent, responsive care—not through a single sleep strategy. Supporting infants during moments of distress helps lay the foundation for emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy relationships later in life.

As understanding of infant brain development continues to evolve, families are encouraged to choose sleep approaches that reflect both current science and their child’s individual needs.