The Ferber method is a well-known sleep training method that has worked for so many babies. However, on your way, you may find a lot of small problems that may hinder the success of the process. For example, how to follow the Ferber method when the baby is overtired?
When babies are overtired, it will be hard to settle them down without intense soothing, that is against the main goal of the ferber method.
In this article, we’ll explore overtiredness and sleep training using ferber method. I’ll give you some amazing tips to calm down the baby so you can continue the training effectively.
When do babies become overtired?
First of all, you need to understand the major factors that make your baby over-tired. Here are the most common factors:
1- Staying up too late:
If you ignored your baby’s natural sleep cues, the baby has stayed up too late, and the baby’s body has passed its optimal sleeping window, it will make the baby super tired.
2- Haven’t had enough sleep:
If the naps or previous night’s sleep has been disturbed, your baby will be more cranky.
3- Not having a consistent schedule:
A consistent schedule is a must-have when you are trying to sleep-train your baby.
When the baby sleeps at the same time each day, he will fall asleep easily at that time.
You may miss the baby’s optimal sleeping time by not having a consistent schedule.
4- Overstimulation:
Overstimulation such as watching TV or other screens, too many bright lights, and too noisy or active environment before going to bed will make the baby overtired.
Signs your baby is overtired:
How do you know that the baby is overtired? Following are some signs to look for:
- Crankiness and fussiness
- Difficulty settling down
- Arching back when putting on the bed
- Crying that escalates quickly
- Hyperactivity
- Clinginess
Can you sleep train when the baby is overtired?
Sleep training works well when the baby is tired enough to fall asleep quickly but when the baby is overtired, it becomes harder.
It will be hard for the baby to settle down without intense comfort such as rocking.
So, I don’t recommend starting any sleep training technique when your baby is not properly rested.
Can you sleep train using the Ferber method when the baby is overtired?
The Ferber method is an effective way to sleep train a baby above 6 months old however, if the baby is overtired, this method will lose its effectiveness as your baby will have a very hard time soothing himself.
The progressive waiting intervals of the ferber method will only make the baby cry more intensely and become more tired. The check-ins can become horrible.
So, starting the Ferber method of sleep training when the baby is not getting enough rest, is not a good idea.
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Should you stop the Ferber method of sleep training when the baby is overtired?
You shouldn’t start any sleep training when the baby is overtired, however, if you are in the middle of the training and your baby is overtired at any night, what should you do? Should you stop the training or continue?
It is not a good idea to stop the Ferber method if the baby is overtired. Stopping the training and then restarting may lose its effectiveness.
However, you can modify the intervals according to your baby’s current temperament.
Along with the time modifications you can try different ways of comforting and soothing the child.
Do not pick up the baby during the check-ins.
In the next section, I’m gonna share some helpful tips for overcoming a baby’s overtirdness.
Read more: 10+ Mommy Tips To Soothe An Overtired Baby Quickly
How to continue implementing the Ferber method for overtired babies?
Here are a few tips to continue implementing the Ferber method for an overtired baby. Our main focus will be calming down the baby so he can fall asleep on his own.
You can use these tips to prevent overtiredness as well.
1- Massage the baby’s feet with a calming massage oil:
When you have a baby, you must have a calming massage oil in your baby’s diaper basket. Especially the oils that contain chamomile extract (a herb known for its soothing effects)
Zarbee’s Baby Massage Oil is a perfect option. If you haven’t tried it, get it now. It consists of lavender and chamomile that will calm down the baby and help them sleep for longer. (Check reviews on Amazon).
Massage the baby’s legs or feet with a calming massage oil and you will see a difference quickly.
2- Use a calming essential oil via a diffuser:
Aromatherapy is a great way to calm down a fussy baby. A few drops of lavender essential oil in the diffuser will work wonders for your overtired baby.
3- Massage the baby’s legs during the check-ins:
Make the check-ins more comforting. Instead of patting the back, massage or press the baby’s legs gently to provide rest and comfort.
You can also try the baby’s reflexology. Find the solar plexus pressure point on your baby’s feet (just below the ball of the foot, right in the center). Gently press this point and massage in a circular motion).
Massaging at this point will help the baby to calm down faster and you will easily continue with the training.
4- Modify the intervals:
You can shorten the progressive waiting intervals and lengthen the check-in intervals as per the current temperament of the baby. Just ensure to stick with the plan.
6- Play white noise:
White noise can be very very helpful when your baby is very upset. The gentle and consistent sound will relax the baby and reduce restlessness.
A small white noise machine can do wonders for your baby (and you as well, as it is also helpful for adults).
Prevent over-tiredness:
Once the baby is overtired, it will be very hard for him to settle down. So, it is best to prevent this situation.
Here are simple yet effective tips to prevent overtiredness:
- Follow a schedule as it will help you understand when the baby needs to sleep. It will also be easier for the baby to fall asleep on his own.
- Provide a sleep-friendly environment: Put the child to bed and ensure that there is less movement in the house. The lights should be dim and the room temperature should be set according to the weather. Keep your child’s clothes breathable and add any extra layer if you think is needed.
- Add soothing exercises and practices in the bedtime routine like massage and bath before you put the child in bed. You can give a quick warm bath to your child followed by a foot and hand massage.
Massage is the most effective way to relax the muscles that cause pain and restlessness at night. A warm bath stimulates blood circulation and calms down the core temperature of the body.
A good massage oil just like zarbee’s calming oil can be very helpful.
You can turn the lights dim and make an environment where the child feels relaxed and cozy.
- Ensure that the child is well-fed at bedtime so that he becomes less cranky and sleeps peacefully for longer.
Summary:
You shouldn’t start the ferber method when the baby is overtired. First work on this problem then start. However, if you are in the middle of the training, you shouldn’t stop.
Continue the training while modifying the intervals. Make use of essential oils and massage techniques to provide comfort to your baby.
