Ever since you have decided to opt for the Ferber method of sleep training, I am sure you must have been thinking about sleeping arrangements for your child.
Usually, most parents co-sleep with their children or make them sleep in a crib or extra bed in the same room.
But when it comes to the Ferber method, it not only offers a structured approach to teach the child how to self-soothe and fall asleep independently but it also promotes sleeping alone.
In this blog, we will explore what should be the sleeping arrangements that can help the child to adjust new sleeping patterns, where should he sleep, what sort of clothes he should wear, and what other things can be used in the whole journey.
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Best sleeping arrangements for the child while using the Ferber method:
When you decide to start the Ferber method for sleep training, one thing you need to know is that your child can’t stay with you in your room.
Following are some basic arrangements you need to finalize before you start the Ferber method.
1- Make a separate sleeping space for your child:
Before you decide on starting the Ferber method, make sure you have a separate sleeping space for your child otherwise implementing the Ferber method is not possible.
The main idea of the Ferber method is to teach the child to sleep on his own and self-soothe himself.
So make a separate space and put a bed or crib according to your child’s age.
The bedding should be soft and comfortable so that it does not irritate the child in sleep.
If you have to sleep train the child in the same room, read this article.
2- Make sure the environment is safe:
Ensure that the room you have chosen for the child is free from any kind of insects.
The bed or crib should be safe and the mattress should be firm.
3- The room should be near the parent’s room.
The room you will be choosing for your child must be closer to you so that it would be easier for you to approach your child at night.
4- The room should have good visibility inside:
Place a dim light in the room. The light should be bright enough that the child can see around him easily. It is also necessary so that the child does not get afraid of his surroundings.
Where should the child sleep?
The main idea of the Ferber method is to help the child to sleep independently and alone. So you have to make separate room arrangements for the child before you start the method.
I would also recommend that before starting the Ferber method, make your child used to his living space by initially putting him to sleep in the same room but with the help of your support so that he gets familiar with the environment and surroundings.
Also, try to put the child in the same room during daytime naps, so that he gets used to his room.
Read more: Ferber method for naps
What should the child wear at night?
It is very important to keep the child in appropriate clothing so that he sleeps through the night and does not get up from cold or hot weather.
1- Use breathable fabrics:
Opt for clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton. This helps to regulate your child’s body temperature and prevent overheating. You can layer him up according to the weather in your area, but keep the basic wear breathable.
2- Consider making them wear footed sleepers to keep their foot warm. In winter:
Footed sleepers or footed pajamas can be a good option as they keep your child’s feet warm without the need for separate socks. This option will be best for the winter season as keeping the feet warm makes a huge difference in the body temperature.
3- Make the child wear sleep sacks according to the temperature:
Use sleep sacks according to your child’s age and the temperature of your area. Sleep sacks keep the child warm and it does not come off as it is just like a layer of cloth on the body.
Check out sleep sacks on Amazon.
4- Use blackout curtains if the room becomes bright during the day:
If your child is napping in the same room in the daytime, use blackout curtains for his room so that the bright sunlight blocks through it, giving him the same impression as at night.
Check out blackout curtains on Amazon.
5- Give your child a lovey to associate with something while sleeping:
A baby can sleep with a lovey when they can roll over on their own. Lovies are soft and comforting which helps to make your child feel safe.
What should be the room temperature?
The ideal temperature for children to sleep in is between 18-22 degree Celsius. Whether it is winter or summer, keep the room temperature of the baby in between the given readings.
Can I use a pacifier with the training?
The use of a pacifier during the Ferber method totally depends on the child’s need and the parent’s preference. As there is no rule of thumb, some parents use the pacifier. But it’s better to wean it off before the sleep training as using it contradicts the sole purpose of the Ferber method i.e. self-soothing without any external support.”
Can I use the white noise machine with the Ferber method?
Yes, it can be used with the Ferber method. The main motive for playing white noise is to keep the environment soothing and comforting.
Apparently, when white noise is played while the Ferber method is going on, the chances are there that the child will not wake up because of any external sounds like car horns, door opening, and voices that probably disturb their sleep.
Read more: Can you play white noise with ferber method?
How can baby monitor help during the training?
A baby monitor is a good investment as you can notice your child’s patterns and behaviors in it to make proper decisions for the future. You can monitor your child during the daytime and also when he sleeps in his room for a nap.
The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Wall Mount is a top-of-the-line device that sets a new standard in child monitoring. Its superior image quality, innovative wall mount, insightful analytics, and user-friendly app combine to create an exceptional monitoring experience. If you’re a parent who values advanced technology and wants nothing but the best for your child, the Nanit Pro is an absolute must-have.
