You probably already know something about the Ferber Method, also referred to as Ferberizing or, sometimes, “cry it out.” The invention of Dr. Richard Ferber (and described for the first time in his 1985 book Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems), it advocates establishing a regular, comforting bedtime routine and then having your baby self-soothe to get to sleep (or fall back asleep), including letting him cry.
How old should my child be to start this method?
The ideal time to start is between 4 and 6 months.
How It Works:
Establish a good routine for going to bed:
Have a relaxing bathtime, read a few books together or find your own way to calm down baby. Put him to bed while he’s still awake, in his own bed, in his own room (if possible) and with the lights switched off. Say good night and leave the room.
The first night:
• If baby starts to cry after you’ve gone through the routine, wait for three minutes and go in to him. If he is standing up in bed, lay him down again, say good night and leave the room.
• If the child continues crying, wait five minutes before you go in to him. Stroke his head before saying good night and leaving the room.
• If he keeps crying, go to him every seven minutes.
The following nights:
• The second night, wait five minutes, then seven and then nine minutes before you go in to him.
• The third night, wait seven minutes, then nine and then ten minutes before you go in to him.
• The fourth night, wait ten minutes, then 15 and then between 20 and 30 minutes before you go in to him.
Pointers and reminders:
• Be precise with the timing. Check your watch and follow the time intervals.
• The method can be used both at naptime and bedtime.
• This is about making boundaries, so it’s important to be consistent.
• Your child remembers the “reward” he gets when he’s picked up, fed and comforted, and he’ll soon learn to ask for this reward, making him more inclined to wake up and cry out. This method reverses that dynamic by not offering a reward for waking.
• Your child should be in good health when you begin practicing this method.
• The method works best when both parents practice it together.
• Although it’s very precise, this method can and should be adapted to each individual child and family.
• Be patient!
Read more on Sleep: