The Ferber method is equally effective for nap time as it is for nighttime sleep. If your baby is sleep-trained at night using this method, there is a high chance that this method will work for naps as well. If the Ferber method for naps is not working for you, there must be some solid reason behind it.
In this article, we are going to explore the reasons that the Ferber method for naps is not working in your case. By going through the reasons, hopefully, you will find a good solution to your problem.
This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
1- No routine for naps:
Typically, parents follow a specific routine for bedtime, but a routine is harder to manage in the daytime when you have other chores to do as well.
Try to follow the same routine as you do during the nighttime sleep. If this is not possible for you then develop a consistent routine that you can follow with each nap.
For example, put the baby for a nap at the same place each time. Change the diaper and make them wear a sleep sack.
By following the same routine for each nap, your little one will show good progress.
2- No schedule for naps:
Similar to the naptime routine, the schedule is also harder to manage during the day because of other activities that are going on during the day.
Fix a nap time that is manageable to follow for each nap. If you put your baby to bed at 1 pm for a nap, then be consistent with this time.
Let’s say your baby is used to taking a nap at 1 pm and you are trying to train them at 12:30, they won’t be able to sleep and you will think that the Ferber method for naps is not working.
3- Room too bright or noisy:
Typically, the environment is very calm and dark at night but during the day it’s different. Because the room is too bright or noisy, your baby will have a hard time falling asleep.
The best solution is to use a white noise machine and put blackout curtains on the window.
White noise machine will mask the noise coming from outside and the baby will fall asleep quickly because the white noise is so relaxing.
You can check out this Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine. It comes in very handy and is not expensive as well.
Similarly, the blackout curtains will keep the room dark enough for the baby to sleep peacefully.
You can find out any kind of blackout curtains on Amazon easily.
4- Naps are shorter:
During the night, you get a lot of time to train your little one to go to sleep on his own but during naps, you don’t get enough time to train your little one.
By the time, your child starts to show some progress, you are out of time.
This is one of the common reasons why the Ferber method for naps might not work as it works at night.
Consistency and patience is the key here. If the nap time is finished and your baby hasn’t slept, stop trying further and finish the nap time. Try again for the next nap time.
The time between the two naps may become harder. But remember, having a schedule is so important during the Ferber method. If your baby falls asleep before the next nap time, its okay. Falling asleep on their own is our goal.
Read more about the Ferber method for naps here.
5- Different energy levels:
Just like adults, kids have different energy levels during the day and night. This is one of the reasons why your little one is having a hard time falling asleep during naps.
6- More naps than required:
The sleeping patterns of young babies change a lot. Check how many naps your baby needs at his age.
Maybe your child needs two naps while you are arranging three?
Your baby will not sleep if his sleep timing is more than required.
7- A different person taking care of during the day:
Ideally, the person who is sleep training the baby during the night should train him during naps as well.
This is important to be consistent with the training method.
If this is not possible, all the people who are going to be engaged in sleep training, should plan together and use the same method and time intervals.
A nanny log can be quite helpful if multiple people are sleep-training the baby. Or a sleep training log can be beneficial.
8- The baby is not well-fed before naps:
A hungry baby will fall asleep with difficulty. Make sure your baby is well-fed before you try to put him to sleep during the day.
9- It may take longer than you expected:
Every child is different. Some kids start to sleep peacefully within a couple of days while some take more time. It is possible, your baby needs a few more days to be sleep trained.
10- You are not tracking the progress:
Are you tracking the progress? If not, you should write down the progress your baby is making. By writing down everything you will have a better idea of what’s going on.
Summary:
The Ferber method for naps might not be working because of several different reasons. Nap time is very different from nighttime. Aim to set a fixed routine and schedule for naps and ensure that the baby’s room is dark and quiet during the naps. Also, track the progress in writing so you know exactly what is going on.
Featured Posts:
10 Clever Tools (GADGETS) for Moms Of Newborns & Toddlers (Game-Changers)
8 Cool Things That Ensure A Baby’s Restful, Deep Sleep
15+ Expert Sleep Training Tips For Super Restful Nights
Want to learn more about ferber method?
If you want to learn more about Ferber method, please click here.
