Is sleep training allowed in Islam?

Yes, in general. Islam doesn't rule on sleep-training methods. Teaching a baby healthy sleep habits is allowed, as long as you meet their needs, respond with mercy, and keep them safe. Gentle methods with check-ins fit that spirit more easily than leaving a very young baby to cry for long stretches alone.

What guides the choice

Islam gives principles, not a method. The most relevant is mercy toward children. When al-Aqra' said he had ten children and had never kissed any of them, the Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997).

The Prophet ﷺ also noticed a baby's cry. He said that when he stood to pray and meant to make the prayer long, he would hear a child crying and shorten it, because he disliked causing distress to the child's mother (Sahih al-Bukhari 707). A baby's cry matters, and so does the parent's wellbeing.

What is generally fine

A calm bedtime routine: bath, feed, a quiet dua and a lullaby.
Putting your baby down drowsy so they learn to fall asleep.
Gentle methods where you stay nearby, soothe them and respond, adjusting the speed to your baby.
Checking in at set times if you use a "graduated" method.

What to be careful about

Hunger, pain and illness come first. A baby who is hungry, wet, teething or sick shouldn't be left to cry. Always rule these out.
Very young babies need night feeds and frequent comfort. Many paediatric services advise waiting until a baby is older and ready before starting any sleep training. Ask your doctor or health visitor what suits your child.
Leaving a baby to cry for a long time with no response sits poorly with the sunnah of mercy. If you choose a "cry it out" method, many parents still check on the child, and you should stop if your baby seems distressed.
Safety: follow your health service's safe-sleep guidance on bedding and position.

There's no single right method. Parents know their own child best, and different families make different choices within these limits. See What are the rights of children in Islam?

Parents have rights too

Long-term exhaustion is hard on a family. The Prophet ﷺ told Abdullah ibn 'Amr, who was praying all night, that his body has a right over him, and his family has a right over him (Sahih al-Bukhari 1153). That includes you: rest is not a luxury, and wanting better sleep doesn't make you a bad parent. Share night duties with your spouse if you can. If the tiredness feels overwhelming, or you feel low or anxious, talk to a doctor. See Can I get help for postpartum depression as a Muslim?

Sleeping arrangements

Islam leaves room on whether a baby sleeps in your room, a cot or your bed, within safety guidance. Separate beds only become a recommendation as children grow older. See At what age should Muslim children sleep in separate beds?

Key points

Sleep training isn't forbidden in Islam.
Mercy and meeting the baby's needs guide the method.
Don't leave a hungry, ill or very young baby to cry.
Parents' rest matters too; get help if you're struggling.

Tip: Whichever method you choose, end the bedtime routine the same way every night, with "Bismillah", a short dua and a soft voice. Babies learn the pattern quickly.