Is the 5-10-15 method dangerous?

When facing difficulties putting your baby to sleep, the 5-10-15 method may already have been suggested to you. This method, which involves letting your baby cry for progressively longer periods before intervening, is now widely debated. What are its principles? What alternatives exist? When should you consult a professional? Is the 5-10-15 method dangerous? Let’s take a closer look.

Origins and principles of the 5-10-15 method

The 5-10-15 method originated in the 1980s–1990s, at a time when many pediatricians and baby sleep specialists were seeking solutions to help parents get their babies to sleep through the night. This method is based on the principle of gradually learning independent sleep, meaning teaching your baby to fall asleep without external help—no bottle, cuddling, or co-sleeping.

The “scientific” foundations of the 5-10-15 method

Initial recommendations were based on the idea that, to sleep through the night and better manage nighttime awakenings, a child must learn to fall back asleep independently after waking. To achieve this, the method suggests letting the baby cry in increasing intervals: first 5 minutes, then 10, then 15, before briefly comforting them. This protocol aims to gradually reduce parental presence so the child develops their own self-soothing abilities.

Criticism of the 5-10-15 method

The 5-10-15 method raises many concerns among healthcare professionals. Several points require caution:

• Stress-related risks: letting your baby cry alone activates their stress system. According to research in affective neuroscience, repeated and intense stress can impact brain development, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex. A baby may eventually fall asleep, but often out of exhaustion, without having their need for reassurance met.
• Psychological effects: professionals emphasize that infants cry to express a real need. The risk is that the child may associate bedtime or nighttime with anxiety, which can harm your bond of trust.
• Risk of resignation: your baby may stop crying not because they have learned to fall asleep independently, but because they understand no one will come. This reflects resignation rather than autonomy.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVubzMAk9WY

Alternatives to the 5-10-15 method for helping a child sleep

Since the 5-10-15 method is far from universally accepted, it is preferable to explore gentler alternatives that respect your child’s rhythm without causing unnecessary stress.

Alternatives to the 5-10-15 method: bedtime routine

A regular, simple, and predictable bedtime routine helps your baby understand that it’s time to sleep. This special moment, ideally lasting 5 to 10 minutes, should include gentle and consistent actions, always in the same order:

• a short story,
• a cuddle,
• a lullaby,
• a bottle or breastfeeding if needed.

Be careful not to prolong this routine, as too much stimulation can make falling asleep more difficult. Also try to recognize signs of fatigue so you don’t miss the ideal time to put your baby to bed.

Alternatives to the 5-10-15 method: gradual support

Instead of letting your baby cry, you can stay with them until they fall asleep, gradually reducing your presence over time:

• If your baby usually falls asleep while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, do so in another room, then continue the routine in the bedroom.
• Lay them down when they are drowsy, and if needed, gently stroke or speak softly to soothe them.
• If they wake or cry, reassure them with words or a gentle touch, then gradually move away until they become comfortable falling asleep independently but with a sense of security.

Alternatives to the 5-10-15 method: reassuring presence

your baby’s sleep is not linear: they may wake during the night and need soothing or reassurance. In these moments, it is recommended to go to them, speak softly, or hold them briefly if needed. Your presence reassures your child and helps them fall back asleep more peacefully. To make things easier, it is recommended to practice co-sleeping in the same room with your baby, meaning placing their bed in the parents’ bedroom.

This makes it easier to comfort them during the night. The WHO also recommends this practice at least until the baby is 6 months old. Note: it is important not to confuse room-sharing with bed-sharing, which involves having your baby sleep in your bed and increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Alternatives to the 5-10-15 method: adaptation

Every baby has their own rhythm and specific needs, especially during periods of change, teething, illness, or sleep regressions. In these cases, it may be necessary to increase closeness, adapt the routine, or accept that naps and nights may be more disrupted. The key is to respect your child’s development and share responsibilities with your co-parent. There is no single method or magic solution to promote your baby’s sleep—only approaches to explore.

A word from Clémentine Testuz, pediatric nurse:

“Waiting until your baby is very tired before putting them to bed is a mistake! No, they won’t wake up later in the morning, and falling asleep may become difficult. When overtired, your baby struggles to fall asleep. If you miss this sleep window, you may have to wait for the next one.”

When should you consult a professional about your baby’s crying and sleep?

It is normal for your baby to have restless nights, wake during the night, or have difficulty falling asleep or taking good naps. However, certain signs or situations may require advice from a pediatrician or a sleep specialist. Here are warning signs that should prompt you to seek advice:

• Inconsolable and prolonged crying: if your baby regularly cries for several hours in a row, even after attempts to soothe them with cuddles, a bottle, or adjusting the bedtime routine, it is important to consult.
• Unusual, high-pitched crying, or crying associated with other symptoms: if your baby has a fever, projectile vomiting, or digestive issues, this may indicate an underlying medical problem.
• Significant lack of sleep: chronic sleep deprivation due to sleep debt can impact development, appetite, and mood. If this persists despite your efforts, do not hesitate to consult.
• Total refusal to sleep: if your baby consistently refuses to sleep, even during naps, and this is accompanied by other unusual signs (weight loss, feeding difficulties), it is important to discuss it with a professional.

Support from professionals is invaluable: they can help you understand your baby’s needs and adapt your approach. Every baby is unique. A pediatrician or pediatric nurse can guide and reassure you, offering tailored solutions so that nights and naps become peaceful again for the whole family.

In summary, the 5-10-15 method has long been presented as an effective solution to help babies sleep, but it is now widely debated and questioned. Your baby’s sleep develops gradually, in line with their maturation and within a secure environment. Your presence, a consistent bedtime routine, and support tailored to their needs are often the keys to more peaceful nights.

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Photo credits: aliona2194

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.