With a history spanning over three decades, the Ferber method has guided numerous babies toward independent sleep😴. Wondering if "Ferberizing" is the right fit for you and your little one? Let's take a closer look🧐.
What is a Ferber method?
The Ferber method, coined as "graduated extinction," was devised by Dr. Richard Ferber, a renowned pediatric sleep specialist👩🏾⚕️. With this technique, parents guide their baby to self-soothe and slumber independently, while periodically offering comfort through timed check-ins. This method is recognized for its gradual and compassionate approach, fostering the development of self-soothing skills and healthier sleep patterns.
During the check-ins, you have the opportunity to provide verbal reassurance or gentle touches to soothe your baby👶. It's important to refrain from picking up or feeding your little one during these visits, keeping them brief, usually lasting only a minute or two. The beauty of the Ferber method lies in its progressive nature, as intervals between check-ins are incrementally extended, enabling your baby to gradually embrace self-soothing and achieve more restful nights.
How can you use the Ferber method?
The Ferber method, though emotionally challenging at times, follows a straightforward series of steps to help your baby learn to sleep independently. After your regular bedtime routine🛏️, gently place your baby in the crib while she's still drowsy but awake. Offer a comforting goodnight and leave the room. If your baby cries, exercise patience and wait for a predetermined period before re-entering. During these check-ins, use a soothing voice or gentle pat to reassure her, avoiding picking her up or feeding her.
Remember, the goal is to gradually build her self-soothing skills🏃. Leave the room again and, if needed, repeat the process, returning at specific timed intervals to offer comfort. This method guides your baby toward independent sleep while providing supportive reassurance along the way.
When to start the Ferber method on your baby!
Around 5 or 6 months old, most babies reach a developmental stage where they're ready for sleep training🐰, which can include methods like the Ferber approach. At this point, they are becoming capable of self-soothing and are typically able to sleep through the night without needing to be fed.
If you're uncertain or have questions about your baby's readiness, discussing it with her pediatrician is a great idea😉. Remember, there's no rush to start sleep training right when your baby reaches the 5- or 6-month mark. You can choose to wait until your baby is a bit older if that feels more comfortable for you. Just be aware that the older your baby becomes, the more challenging it might be for her to transition to falling asleep independently without relying on rocking, feeding, or soothing from you.