Ferber Method for Naps

If your baby or toddler has trouble taking naps, you might be desperate for a solution. The Ferber method, named after Dr. Richard Ferber, may be an effective way to teach your child to sleep by himself.

What Is It?

• The Ferber Method was first proposed by Dr. Richard Ferber as an effective way to teach babies how to sleep by themselves. It uses a technique known as "graduated extinction," which is commonly referred to as "crying it out."

Method

• The Ferber Method is gradual. For naps, parents would begin by putting their baby in bed by himself and leaving for three minutes. After checking on the baby, they would leave for five minutes, gradually working up to 10 minutes at a time. The next day, increase the first interval to five minutes and work up to 20-minute intervals.

Potential

• Some parents have taught their children to put themselves to sleep after as little as four weeks of Ferber training. According to Parenting Science, children who learn to fall asleep with the Ferber method may disturb parents less during the night and display better behavior during the day.

Considerations

• The Ferber Method should not be used for babies younger than 6 months, or to treat sleep disorders and other medical conditions. Some critics maintain that the Ferber Method may have detrimental psychological effects.