Israeli Influencer Sparks Debate Over Baby Sleep Training Video

Linoy Bar-Lev Baribu, an Israeli social media influencer and wife of footballer Tai Baribu, ignited controversy after posting a video demonstrating her method of sleep training her eight-month-old daughter. In the video, Linoy explains that her daughter frequently wakes up multiple times a night, prompting her to teach the baby to fall asleep independently using a gradual approach. She describes putting the baby to bed in darkness, leaving the room for two minutes, then returning periodically to comfort her with brief reassurances until she falls asleep.

The video quickly drew polarized reactions online. Some viewers criticized the method and the decision to share such a personal process publicly, calling it difficult to watch and expressing concern for the child’s well-being. One mother shared her negative experience with similar sleep training, citing subsequent separation anxiety and emotional difficulties in her child.

Conversely, many supporters defended Linoy’s approach, praising her honesty and encouraging other mothers to consider the method. Linoy responded to the backlash by clarifying that the technique is about "independent falling asleep" rather than "sleep training," emphasizing that she was always responsive to her daughter’s cries and felt at peace with her choice. She also noted receiving messages from other mothers who found the method life-changing but hesitate to share publicly due to fear of judgment.

The debate highlights the sensitive nature of parenting choices shared on social media and the diverse opinions surrounding infant sleep training methods in Israel today.