It is very crucial to strike a balance between naptime and nighttime sleep especially when you are sleep training the child. Parents always wonder if there is a way to streamline both processes in one go so that they have to go through the struggle once.
Parents who decide to use the Ferber method to sleep train their child must have this question in mind: Can this method effectively be implemented on naps and bedtime routines at the same time?
In this blog, we will comprehend naps and nighttime sleep training through the Ferber method and how it can be done simultaneously.
Can I do nap training and bedtime training at the same time:
Yes, you can sleep and nap trains the child at the same time using the Ferber method.
The child will learn to self-soothe himself for both times together and he 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.
It does get overwhelming for the parents and the child to go through the nighttime and nap training at the same time, but If you wish to get over the overall training in one go then gear up to compromise on some sleepless nights and restless days.
How should I start both at the same time:
Once you get a hold of the proper research of the Ferber method (I suggest reading the ferber method book before you start the training), prepare yourself and plan ahead. Get ready for all types of emotional and physical stress, so prepare your home, errands, and office (if you are working).
Plan for the whole week and do some pre-cooking and cleaning because if you decide to do the nap and night sleep training at the same time, it will take a lot of your time settling the child for the new change.
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.
Quick tips:
1- Start on a fresh weekday, and prepare on the weekend.
2- Start the nighttime training on Sunday and continue the nap training on Monday.
3- Identify how long the nap should be and how many naps your child needs, according to his age.
4- Ensure that your child takes naps and sleeps
5- It is better to put the child in the same place to nap where he sleeps at night.
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A short guide to nap and sleep train a child at the same time with the Ferber method:
- Start the training on Sunday night. Follow the Ferber method chart for progressive waiting or modify it according to your child’s temperament.
- Now it’s time to put the child for a nap the next day. Depending upon the age, if the child is between 6 to 12 months old, 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.
- Set your alarm clock and determine a suitable naptime schedule for your child based on his age and sleep needs.
- 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 a bedtime routine, then follow a consistent pattern for all naps.
- 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 will 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.
- 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 did 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 every day.
- 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 had it all or not.
- Follow the nighttime routine for the same day through the Ferber method chart.
- Repeat the process as mentioned above until you see improvement in your child.
Summary:
You can use the Ferber method for naps and bedtime at the same time. However, be prepared to face more physical and emotional stress. Prepare by pre-cooking meals for at least one week, finishing groceries, and not planning any unusual activity during the sleep training.
Want to learn more about the Ferber method? Click here
