Ferber method for naps:
Ever since you entered the parenthood phase, you might have anticipated that this journey will be a roller coaster ride. From sleepless nights to waking up super tired, we all have been through it and our patience has been tested in a great way.
As every parent strives to find the perfect balance between getting some well-deserved sleep and rest, the Ferber method is the one that emerges as a popular solution for sleep training the child.
Since the Ferber method is a renowned sleep training method effective for nights, many parents wonder if it will work for daytime naps or not. In this blog, we will dive into the topic Ferber method for naps, what should be the place for napping, and whether to prioritize sleep training or nap training first.
Can I use the Ferber method for daytime naps?
Yes, the Ferber method can be used for daytime naps as well. The purpose of training is the same as the nighttime training, that is to help the child learn how to self-soothe himself if he wakes up and sleeps back on his own. The principles of the Ferber method remain the same for naps. But as the daytime naps are shorter, you can alter the intervals as per the nap schedule.
However, if your child has been put in bed for a nap and does not sleep or wakes up again and again and gets upset even after 30 minutes, then go ahead and end the nap period.
Also keep in mind that, daytime naps should not be longer, as doing so will interfere with nighttime sleep. Similarly, don’t allow naps in the evenings as it ruins bedtime.
Is the Ferber method for naps different compared to the nighttime routine?
The core principle of the Ferber method remains the same regardless of the time of day.
For both daytime naps and nighttime sleep, the Ferber method emphasizes gradually increasing the intervals of time between checking on the child if they cry or protest.
This approach aims to teach the child to self-soothe and learn healthy sleep habits.
However, since the daytime nap is usually one or two times a day depending upon the age of the child, you can modify the time intervals before checking in.
Usually, daytime naps are around an hour or so, you can decrease the interval time accordingly.
Where does the child take the nap in the daytime?
Where should the child take daytime naps? Preferably where he sleeps at night. But if his bedroom is upstairs or somewhere you cannot see him or approach him quickly then dedicate a different space so that the child can associate that place with daytime naps.
The place should be quiet and there should be no disturbance or sunlight coming in. Be consistent with the nap timings as well, as it has an impact on the nighttime sleep as well.
Figure out how many naps your child needs according to his age.
Don’t give extra naps, it will disturb his sleep cycle.
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Should I nap train first or sleep (night) train?
It is better to train the child at night first. Since nighttime sleep tends to be more solid and deeper than naps, it is usually easier to start with sleep training at night.
You can also start the nap training after a couple of days since the sleep training has been started, in this way, the child would know that whenever he sleeps the same pattern will be followed by his parents and he will gradually learn how to self-soothe and go back to sleep.
you can also choose to sleep train for naps and nighttime sleep at the same time if that suits you. There is no rule of thumb you have to follow.
Ferber Method for naps: Step-by-step:
Nap training through the Ferber method varies from age to age. Generally, the Ferber method can be used on a child 6 months old and above. A six-month-old child needs 12-16 hours of sleep the whole day which means 3-4 hours day time sleep should be split into 2-3 naps.
Once the child is a year old, the nap timings start to reduce. For the first few months, the child will most likely take 2 naps a day but at around 1.5 years of age, two naps would condense into 1 long nap.
Till the age of 3, many toddlers skip their naps during the day and sleep through the night. Most parents start the Ferber method in the age bracket of 6 months to 3.5 years as after that it would become harder to train a child to sleep independently.
Also, most children start preschool at age 4, so parents try to get over the sleep training process before it.
Ferber Method for naps; Steps:
To make it easier for you, below is the step-by-step guide for nap training a child through the Ferber method.
- First of all, establish the nap routine just like you do for the nighttime routine.
Following all the calming activities you do for the night time like reading books, singing lullabies, etc. using the same activities as the bedtime routine will signal to your child that it’s time to sleep.
If you don’t want to follow the same nap time routine as the bedtime routine, then follow a consistent pattern for all naps. - Set your alarm clock and determine a suitable naptime schedule for your child based on his age and sleep needs.
For example, if your child is a 6-12 months old baby, he would need more sleep than a child who is above 1 year. So make sure the nap times are equally divided according to age. - Put your child in the crib/bed when he is drowsy but still awake, just the way you do it at night.
You should give the nap at the same place where he sleeps through the night but if it is not in your range in the daytime then dedicate a space where there is no disturbance and you can leave him so that he sleeps independently. - Leave the room by saying comforting phrases like “Have a good sleep” or “Sleep well, mommy would be just around” and then just go.
If the child cries instantly after you leave the room then wait for the graduated waiting period. - Remember since it is nap time training, which means a child would hardly sleep for 1-1.5 hours so in this case you can alter the check-in time interval accordingly.f (If you wish so; you can use the same progressive waiting intervals you use at night)
For instance, if on day one, the graduate waiting for the first check-in is 3 minutes for the night training, you can bring it to 1 minute and gradually increase and remain within the bracket of 5 minutes.
But remember if your child has been put in bed for a nap and does not sleep or wakes up again and again and gets upset even after 30 minutes, then go ahead and end the nap period. - Once you go back to the room during check-ins, keep the interaction less and calm, the way you do at night. Don’t pick up the child, offer words of comfort and pat his back.
- Repeat the process of check-ins using the modified graduated waiting period until the child falls asleep.
Use the same modified graduated waiting period for nap time. - Be consistent with the training by following the same waiting periods every day, both for naps and nighttime sleep.
Even if you have modified the waiting period due to the baby’s need then continue following it strictly.
This training needs consistency, patience, and dedication so before giving up do ask yourself whether you have it all or not.
How long does it take for Ferber to work for naps?
The time it takes for ferber to work for naps significantly varies from child to child. If your baby is showing good progress at night, it may mean they will show good results at nap time as well.
Your baby may become nap-trained within 2-3 days or they may take around 1-2 weeks.
You must focus on the progress, not on the end result, otherwise, you may lose patience.
Here’s how to know if the ferber method is working for your child.
Summary:
The Ferber method is also suitable for naps. The child can learn to sleep on his own without external support during the day. The rules of sleep training will remain the same. You can alter the intervals according to your requirements and the age of your little one.
