How to Use the Ferber Sleep Method

The Ferber Sleep Method is one of many sleep methods available; choose one that feels comfortable for you.

A newborn who cries at bedtime and during the night can be frustrating for any new parent. One of the most popular methods for getting babies to sleep is the Ferber Sleep Method, developed by Dr. Richard Ferber. The method involves developing a soothing bedtime routine, putting your baby to bed awake and then leaving him alone and awake for certain intervals of time until he falls asleep. The method may sound difficult to put into practice (especially for a parent who can't imagine walking away from a crying baby), but you may find it helps you — and your baby — get the rest you need.

Instructions

1. Develop a nighttime routine for your baby. This may involve taking a soothing bath, reading a story or rocking in a rocking chair. Do not allow the baby to fall asleep while you are holding him. Put the baby in his bed while he is awake but sleepy.

2. Leave the room and wait five minutes before returning to the baby. He will likely cry once you leave, but try to resist checking on him before the five minutes are up.

3. Comfort the baby without picking him up. Talk to him in a quiet, calm voice and touch him gently, but do not pick him up and only stay for a few minutes.

4. Wait 10 minutes before returning to the room a second time. Follow the same steps as before. Do not pick the baby up, but comfort him for a few minutes before leaving the room again.

5. Wait 15 minutes before returning to the room a third time. Again, follow the same routine as before.

6. Repeat these steps every 15 minutes until the baby falls asleep on his own. If the baby wakes again after an extended period of sleep, the Ferber Sleep Method recommends following the steps again, starting at a five-minute interval and working up to 15 minutes until the baby falls asleep.

7. On the next night, after performing your nighttime routine, repeat the Ferber Sleep Method, but start at a 10-minute interval. Each subsequent night, start at longer intervals (20, 25, 30 minutes).

8. After several days to a week of leaving your baby on his own for longer intervals, he should learn to fall asleep on his own.

Tips & Warnings

• The Ferber Method is recommended for babies who are at least 4 to 6 months old.

• Make sure you are well rested when beginning the Ferber Sleep Method, because you will be up frequently until the baby learns to sleep through the night.

References

• BabyCenter.com: The Ferber Method Demystified