Once you enter parenthood, the one thing that takes on your nerves is the sleepless nights. For parents who struggle with their child’s sleep issues, the Ferber method is one method that has emerged and is used by many parents around the globe.
One common concern that most parents show is how long does the Ferber method take to adjust the child to sleep on his own. Also, some parents want to cut the time short for the training and some want to know how they can follow the procedure effectively so that it does not take more than usual.
In this blog, you are getting answers to some of the common concerns parents show when they want to sleep train their child through the Ferber method. Additionally, I will be adding some valuable tips that can make the process effective and work for both the parents and the child.
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.
How long does the Ferber method take to work:
Every child is different so it is understood that every child will respond to the sleep training in his own way. Some children adapt to the changes in bedtime routine a little faster and some struggle to soak the changes.
Generally, if the parents are following the Ferber method design plan consistently, it usually takes 3-5 days before significant progress can be seen. Within 1-2 weeks, your child should be fully sleep-trained.
There is one thing that I would like to bring to your notice is that it does not mean that after adopting the sleep training successfully your child will never cry at bedtime or wake up in the middle of the night.
Even after the sleep training your child might get fussier if he goes through a rough patch like teething, sickness, or growth spurt, etc.
Since the sleep training has given him a solid foundation of self-soothing, it would be easier for you to bring him back to his actual sleep routine once he has gone through the patch.
Also, If you opt for the Ferber method sleep training technique, feel free to modify it as needed.
For example, if your child is screaming and very upset during the Ferber method, you can adjust the intervals and check on your little one more often.
Remember, no two babies or families are alike, so the Ferber method may not work for you, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on it completely.
Modifying the Ferber method might make the technique take longer to be effective, but some children naturally need more time and more attention during sleep training than others.
Can I reduce the time of the Ferber method:
To be honest, No!
Since the Ferber method involves a certain amount of time, commitment, and consistency so that it works for the child effectively. It is important to note that the method is designed to gradually adjust the child’s sleeping habits for several days or weeks.
The plan can not be rushed or get shorter in terms of days as it will lose its essence.
If you try to reduce the duration of the method it could weaken its effectiveness and it will potentially put the child and you in distress.
It is recommended to follow the guidelines and be patient with the process just like you do in any other transitions.
Since every child is different, it is possible that one of your children might adapt to the new sleeping routine faster than your other child.
However, if your child naturally becomes trained within 2-3 days, that’s your good luck.
How to effectively follow the procedure of the Ferber method:
Following are a few tips to reap results from the Ferber method of sleep training:
1- Establish a consistent bedtime routine followed by the same practices:
The key to success is to fully maintain a consistent bedtime routine with the same practices every day.
The bedtime should be on time, incorporating sleep rituals like massaging and giving a bath to the child.
Properly feed the child before bedtime and make sure his crib/bed is warm and cozy.
Make him wear clothes that complement the weather so that he does not wake up because of cold or sweating.
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2- Avoid sleep training when there is something already happening.
Don’t start the sleep training in the middle of something which makes it even more difficult.
If your child is in the teething phase, or you note a growth spurt is happening or he is sick due to any reason, don’t start the training or stop it if something happens in the middle.
3- Put the child on the bed drowsy, not fully sleeping, and leave the room.
This is the main focus of the Ferber method never put the child in bed sleeping instead make his fixed bedtime and make sure that by that time the child becomes drowsy or sleepy. (it means when the baby is near to fall asleep)
Follow all the night rituals, put him in the crib/bed, and leave the room. The main motive is that he learns to sleep on his own.
4- Modify the intervals but it should be the same throughout the training.
You can modify the time of interval for check-ins.
For example, if your child is more demanding and was your co-sleeper before the sleep training then there is a chance he will make a fuss in the initial days.
So you can change the interval times and reduce the time between each check-in. After some time you can gradually increase the time intervals.
5- Continuity and patience are needed.
Continuity, dedication, and patience are all the Ferber method needs.
As mentioned above that every child is different. Some might adapt the process easily and get trained in a week or so, some might take a long time to adapt it.
6- Get some days off from your work.
You should start the sleep training when you plan to take some days off from your work to keep your sanity.
In this way, you would be less worried in the morning and can take naps for the rest of the day when your child takes a nap.
7- Take help from your partner for alternate checkups.
Plan and involve your partner in the process. You guys can take turns for every interval so that one can get some hours of peaceful sleep.
It is important that both of you should know the process and have done the research together.
8- Comfort the child without picking them up.
One more important point to keep in mind is never to pick up the child when he cries in the middle of sleep, instead say comforting words, pat his back, or sing some soothing lullabies he likes.
9- Keep the hunger cues the top priority.
Never ignore the hunger cues of your child at night. If he takes night feedings then synchronize the time and feed him before the hunger strikes. A well-fed baby usually does not get up at night more often.
Read more about baby’s hunger during ferber method.
10- Do thorough research on the Ferber method and start it when the child starts to sleep through the night.
The Ferber method applies to babies of 6 months and above, so usually a 6-month-old baby starts to sleep through the night.
Keep the night feedings in mind, as a 6-month-old baby does need a few feedings at night. Night feedings reduce with age so notice your child’s night requirements and act accordingly.
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Summary:
It takes at least 3-5 days for your baby to start showing sleep training progress with the Ferber method. Some kids may take up to two weeks.
Continuity and dedication are the keys to successful sleep training with the Ferber method.
