There are many approaches available to sleep train the child but the two prominent ones are the “Ferber Method” and the “Cry It Out” technique. Both of the methods have the same goal which is to teach the child self to soothe and establish healthy sleep patterns. 

What makes these two methods different is their approach to training a child. In this blog, we will extensively study both the method and its approaches so that parents out there can make informed decisions about their child’s sleep training

What is the Ferber method:

Dr.Richard Ferber developed the Ferber method to solve sleep problems in children. This method aims to sleep-train a child so that they self-soothe themselves at night if they wake up and get back to sleep on their own. The method involves allowing the child to cry for a designated time interval before he receives comfort from the parents.

The method has a chart that has all the progressive waiting intervals mentioned for the parents to follow for a week.

FIRST CHECK-IN AFTERSECOND CHECK-IN AFTERTHIRD CHECK-IN AFTERSUBSEQUENT CHECK-IN AFTER
DAY 1351010
DAY 25101212
DAY 310121515
DAY 412151717
DAY 515172020
DAY 617202525
DAY 720253030
ferber method chart

However, the intervals can be modified and prolonged depending on the temperament of the family. The one rule that cannot be changed is you are not allowed to pick up the child to comfort him, except for a few exceptions. For example, diaper change, feeding, or any unforeseen emergencies.

Does Ferber Method Work?

Yes, the Ferber method works well for many children. However, not every child is the same. Some parents may not find it helpful. So, the result varies from child to child.

Other than the response of a child to the Ferber method of sleep training, some parents do not like the idea of letting the child cry (even for a few minutes).

When you are deciding whether you should use the Ferber method or not, you should consider your own parenting style, your child’s temperament, and your family’s comfort. Discuss the plan with your partner. You can also talk to the doctor about the sleep training method you are considering.

I suggest, reading the Ferber method book so you have a better idea of what the method really is and why it worked for many babies. Dr. Richard Ferber has a lot of great information to share with you in his book.

I recommend reading the book “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems”.

Dr. Richard Ferber has a lot of great information to share that will help you sleep-train your baby within 7 days without being overwhelmed.

Click the link below to get the book on Amazon.

ferber method guidebook

Pros and cons of the Ferber method:

Pros:

1- Your child will be able to become an independent sleeper at an early age.

2- The child will develop self-soothing skills which will lead to more consolidated and long sleep for both parents and the child.

3- It helps in making a consistent sleeping routine.

4- The child once trained under the Ferber method become less dependent on parents in other tasks as well.

Cons:

1- It could be difficult for both the parents and the child when the progressive waiting interval is prolonged from the third day. It could lead to distress for both.

2- It might affect a child’s emotional well-being due to long crying and waiting for the parents.

3- There is no guarantee that the Ferber method would work on every child, as every family is different.

4- A child could develop anxiety and fear in children when they find themselves alone in the room especially if the parents do not follow the method properly.

What is the cry-out method:

The cry-it-out method is another sleep training technique, where parents leave the child in a separate room and let him cry until he can and learns to self-soothe himself on his own. The cry-it-out method has no parental intervention unless there is an emergency. Parents remain outside the room after putting the child on the bed and cannot check in after that.

The experts say that the first few nights would be chaos but after a while, the child would learn that there is no one there to soothe him so he will eventually develop the ability to soothe himself.

Pros and cons of the cry-out method:

Pros:

1- A child will develop an independent sleeping habit and learn how to self-soothe himself.

2- This approach promotes a consistent bedtime routine and makes the child a sound sleeper.

3- The parents would be able to have uninterrupted sleep once the child learns to sleep back if he gets up.

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4- Children who undergo the cry-it-out method become more independent in other aspects of life as well.

Cons:

1- Due to no parental intervention, the child would cry a lot in the first few days which can put him in severe distress.

2- Due to long crying and helpless feeling a child might feel that the parents have abandoned him, if he is that big enough to feel it.

3- There is no confirmation that this would work for every child.

4- The child might associate sleep time with crying and negative emotions, so he would protest as bedtime approaches.

Ferber Method vs. Cry It Out Method

Comparison chart:

The Ferber methodThe cry-out method
Goal: To make the child an independent sleeperGoal: To make the child an independent sleeper.
Support: Parents intervention.Support: No parental intervention.
Best for: Children who are more resistant to change. Co-sleep with their parents in bed.Best for: Children who are less resistant to change and adapt to changes easily. Sleep in a crib since birth.
Progress: Initial results can be seen within 3-4 days or even longer than a week.Progress: Initial results can be seen after 1-2 days.
Basic rule: Parents are allowed to comfort the child and enter the room after progressive waiting but cannot pick up the child unless there is an emergency. Basic rule: Parents are not allowed to comfort the child or enter the room unless there is an emergency.

Is the Ferber method more effective and works better:

Since every family, child, and parent is different, what works for you might not work for anyone else. So it depends on the parents and their decisions. But if you take our opinion without a doubt, the Ferber method is more effective and works better. 

The cry-it-out method has no parental intervention and check-ins, which can lead to more distress and backing off from the training. It is also not good to never check your child if he is crying for a long time.

The Ferber method is a gentle version of the cry-it-out method where there is constant support from parents is involved. We agree that the child cries in this method, but after a certain time, he gets comfort from his parent. Reassurance and constant parental involvement give a child a sense of protection and emotional support.

I recommend reading the book “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems”.

Dr. Richard Ferber has a lot of great information to share that will help you sleep-train your baby within 7 days without being overwhelmed.

Click the link below to get the book on Amazon.

ferber method guidebook

Find out more about the Ferber method of sleep training.

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