Ferberizing 101

Though I’ve already written a review on Ferber’s Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems, after using the book recently a second time with baby number two I remembered why Dr. Ferber was one of my favorite people in the world and worth another look. With a two year old who sleeps like a charm and a four month old we recently “sleep trained,” I’m even more convinced of his methods. Basically it boils down to using the “progressive waiting” approach and letting baby cry. Yes, it’s awfully hard and makes you want to cry too but in the long run is best for the entire family. You wait 3, 5, 7, and 10 minutes progressively without picking up or rocking etc. though you can verbally reassure them for a minute or so. The goal is for baby to learn to sleep on their own. If he or she is also feeding upon waking, you must also break that habit by extending the time 1/2 hour each night until the feeding is pushed back into the morning. Using this method, we went from 2-3 wakings with feedings to a ten hour stretch of sleep a few weeks later. Buy Solving Your Child’s Sleep Problems and join the Dr. Ferber Fan Club. (I haven’t been in a fan club since Luke Skywalker, but that one I would join!)

Cool Tip: Feel free to comment with any questions you have, and I’ll gladly answer them if I can.

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