Sleep Training in the New Year: Cry It Out vs. Neighbors

Is Crying a Violation?

Legally, the sound of a crying baby is almost never considered a noise ordinance violation. Courts and police generally view it as an unavoidable, natural human sound, distinct from a barking dog or loud music. You are unlikely to be fined because your baby is crying.

However, "legal" doesn't mean "neighborly." Prolonged screaming at 2 AM can severely impact your neighbors' quality of life and strain your relationship with them.

Proactive Communication

The best strategy is to warn your neighbors before you start. A simple note can work wonders:

"Hi neighbor, we are going to start sleep training our baby this week. There might be some crying at night for a few days. We are doing our best to comfort her, and we really appreciate your patience while she learns to sleep. Here is a gift card for coffee on us!"

When neighbors know there is a plan and an end date, their tolerance increases dramatically.

Soundproofing the Nursery

Help your neighbors out by dampening the sound from within:

• White Noise: Place a sound machine near the shared wall to mask the crying from escaping.
• Soft Surfaces: Hang heavy blankets or tapestries on shared walls to absorb high-frequency cries.
• Check Seals: Ensure the door to the hallway is sealed tight with weatherstripping.

The Takeaway

Sleep training is a difficult but temporary phase. By communicating with your neighbors and taking steps to dampen the sound, you can get through the tough nights without creating lasting animosity in your building.