For many new parents, sleep deprivation is one of the most challenging aspects of early parenthood. Establishing a consistent sleep routine for your baby can feel overwhelming, with so much conflicting advice available. One popular sleep training approach is the Moms on Call method, a structured yet flexible program designed to help babies sleep through the night as early as 8 to 12 weeks.
Developed by pediatric nurses and moms Laura Hunter and Jennifer Walker, Moms on Call provides a step-by-step schedule that includes feeding, naps, and bedtime routines. This method aims to create predictability for both baby and parents, leading to more restful nights and a happier household.
In this article, we’ll dive into how the Moms on Call sleep training method works, its key principles, and how to implement it successfully.
What Is the Moms on Call Sleep Training Method?
The Moms on Call (MOC) method is a schedule-based sleep training program designed to help babies establish a predictable sleep routine. It combines elements of parent-led scheduling with gentle self-soothing techniques, allowing infants to gradually learn how to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own.
The program is divided into different age groups, with structured routines that adapt as babies grow. The core goal is to create a consistent schedule that meets a baby’s feeding and sleep needs while also helping parents regain some control over their daily lives.
Who Created Moms on Call?
The method was created by Laura Hunter and Jennifer Walker, two pediatric nurses and mothers with years of experience working with newborns. Their expertise in both medical and practical aspects of infant care led them to develop a system that is effective, simple to follow, and designed to work in real-life parenting situations.
They authored the Moms on Call book series, which provides guidance on baby care, feeding, sleep training, and common infant issues. The program has since grown into an online platform with courses, a mobile app, and consulting services.
The Core Principles of Moms on Call
The Moms on Call method is based on four core principles that help parents establish a solid sleep routine:
- A Consistent Schedule – Babies thrive on predictability. MOC provides structured routines for feeding, naps, and bedtime to regulate a baby’s internal clock.
- Full Feedings – Ensuring a baby eats well during feedings reduces unnecessary nighttime wakings due to hunger.
- Encouraging Self-Soothing – Babies learn to fall asleep independently through gentle techniques that reduce reliance on rocking, nursing, or other external sleep aids.
- Creating the Right Sleep Environment – A dark, cool room with white noise helps babies sleep better by mimicking the conditions of the womb.
These principles work together to help babies develop healthy sleep habits early on, reducing sleep disruptions for both infants and parents.
How to Implement the Moms on Call Sleep Training Method
1. Establish a Routine
The heart of Moms on Call is its structured daily routine. The schedule varies based on the baby’s age, with specific wake, feed, nap, and bedtime windows to follow.
For example, here’s a sample MOC schedule for a 4- to 8-week-old baby:
- 7:00 AM – Wake up and feed
- 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Nap
- 10:00 AM – Feed
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Nap
- 1:00 PM – Feed
- 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Nap
- 4:00 PM – Feed
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Short nap
- 7:00 PM – Feed
- 7:30 PM – Bedtime
- 10:00 PM – Dream feed
- Middle of the Night – Feed if necessary (gradually phased out as baby grows)
As babies get older, the schedule adapts, with longer sleep stretches at night and fewer naps during the day.
2. Encourage Full Feedings
One of the key factors in getting a baby to sleep longer at night is ensuring they are fully fed during the day. The Moms on Call method encourages full feedings every 2.5 to 3 hours, rather than allowing babies to snack throughout the day.
This helps regulate their hunger cues and reduces the need for nighttime feeds as they grow. Daytime calories = nighttime sleep.
3. Follow the “Pause” Method
A major component of MOC is teaching babies to self-soothe. Instead of immediately picking up a baby when they cry, parents are encouraged to pause for a few minutes before responding.
This allows the baby to try settling on their own. If they continue crying, parents can intervene with minimal interaction (such as a gentle pat or shushing) before putting them back down.
By consistently practicing this, babies learn that they don’t need external assistance (like rocking or feeding) to fall back asleep.
4. Create an Ideal Sleep Environment
A conducive sleep environment is crucial for success with Moms on Call sleep training. The method recommends:
✅ A dark room – Use blackout curtains to keep the room pitch black.
✅ White noise – A consistent, loud white noise machine mimics womb sounds and blocks out household noise.
✅ A swaddle (for younger babies) – Swaddling provides a snug, womb-like feeling that reduces startle reflexes.
✅ Cool room temperature – Around 68-72°F (20-22°C) is ideal for better sleep.
These elements help signal to the baby that it’s time for sleep and reduce nighttime wake-ups.
What Makes Moms on Call Different from Other Sleep Training Methods?
There are many sleep training methods available, but Moms on Call stands out for its balance between structure and flexibility.
Moms on Call vs. Taking Cara Babies
Both methods focus on gentle sleep training and promoting healthy sleep habits. However:
- Moms on Call follows a strict schedule from the start.
- Taking Cara Babies allows for more flexibility and responsiveness to the baby’s needs.
Moms on Call vs. Ferber Method
The Ferber method uses progressive waiting (controlled crying) to teach babies to sleep.
- Moms on Call encourages self-soothing but allows for parental intervention if needed.
- Ferber uses longer wait times before responding to crying.
Moms on Call vs. Baby-Led Sleep Training
Some parents prefer a baby-led approach, which follows a baby’s natural sleep cues.
- Moms on Call prioritizes parent-led scheduling for faster sleep success.
- Baby-led methods may take longer for babies to sleep through the night.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Baby Resists the Schedule
- Be consistent and allow at least a week for adjustment.
- Ensure the baby is getting full feedings during the day.
- Frequent Night Wakings
- Check the sleep environment (darkness, white noise, temperature).
- Try extending pauses before responding to fussiness.
- Short Naps
- Stick to the schedule even if naps are short—babies adjust over time.
- Make sure baby is drowsy but awake when put down.
Final Thoughts: Is Moms on Call Right for You?
The Moms on Call sleep training method is a structured yet loving approach that helps babies sleep independently. By following a consistent schedule, encouraging full feedings, and promoting self-soothing, many parents see dramatic improvements in their baby’s sleep.
While it may not work for every family, those who thrive with routines often find Moms on Call to be a game-changer. If you’re looking for a clear, easy-to-follow sleep plan, this method may be worth considering.
