Most parents are anxious to get their babies to sleep through the night; several theories are reported to be the best way to achieve that goal. One popular method is the Ferber Sleep Method, named for Dr. Richard Ferber. Dr. Ferber is the director of Pediatric Sleep Disorders at the Children's Hospital in Boston and author of "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems," which outlines the Ferber Method and discusses various sleep issues babies can have.
Crying It Out
The Ferber Sleep Method is often known as "Ferberizing" your baby, or letting him cry it out. Rather than letting your baby fall asleep in your arms and going to him right away each time he wakes, you put him in bed while he's still awake. Every time he cries, wait a little longer before you go in to comfort him. Don't feed him, play with him, or pick him up; simply check on him, rub his back and let him know you are there and that it's time to go to sleep. The theory is that he will eventually learn to self-comfort and get himself back to sleep.
Modified Ferber Method
In the Modified Ferber Method, you put your baby in bed and help him go to sleep by playing a lullaby CD or turning on a musical toy. Rub his back for a minute and then leave him alone to go to sleep. Return to check on him every five to 10 minutes but do not pick him up or play with him.
When to Use the Ferber Method
Ferber recommends using the Ferber Sleep Method on babies who are older than 6 months. Some experts, such as those at the University of Michigan, recommend waiting until your baby is at least 1 year old before trying the Ferber Method or the Modified Ferber Method. Always make sure your baby gets fed before going down for the night so you know he isn't waking up because of hunger.
How Long It Takes to Work
The Ferber Sleep Method may take as little as a week to work, or it may take several weeks. Much of the time it takes to work depends on your baby's own sleep needs, personality and how consistently you use the Ferber Method. If you go away on a trip, your baby is ill, or something else disturbs his sleep patterns, you might have to start the process over to retrain him to get back to sleep on his own.
Advantages
People who advocate for the Ferber Sleep Method believe it helps babies develop good sleeping habits that will last through their childhoods. It teaches them to calm and comfort themselves, so that parents don't have to respond to every cry. This allows parents to get more sleep themselves.
Disadvantages and Precautions
Some people who don't believe in the Ferber Sleep Method believe that it interferes with the bonding process between infants and parents. Experts at the University of Michigan believe that the Ferber Method shouldn't be used in babies younger than 1 year. This gives your baby time to establish a bond and learn to trust that you will be there when he needs you. If your baby seems to be crying because he's in pain or uncomfortable, pick him up and make sure he isn't sick or hurt.
The Ferber Method may not be appropriate for every baby. If you think your baby has sleep problems, or if he has special health care needs, talk to your pediatrician before trying this method.
