Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest challenges for parents to babies and toddlers. The Ferber sleep training method is a structured, research-based way to help your baby learn to fall asleep independently and stay asleep longer.
This sleep training method involves allowing your baby to self-soothe with timed check-ins for reassurance. As a mom of 3 (who had to use sleep training with 2 of my kids) I found this method to be very effective for improving sleep routines and reducing night wake-ups in a short period of time.
Since I found the Ferber method to be so helpful in my household, I wanted to share how to do it here on the blog. In this guide, you’ll learn how the Ferber method works, when to start, and practical tips to implement it successfully.
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What Is the Ferber Method?
The Ferber method (also referred to as “graduated extinction”) is a sleep training approach developed by pediatrician Richard Ferber that teaches babies how to fall asleep independently. You can get his book and read even more details on using the Ferber method there too. This sleep training method focuses on helping your baby self-soothe rather than relying on rocking, feeding, or holding to fall asleep.
With the Ferber method, parents follow a structured routine where the baby is placed in their crib sleepy, but still awake. If the baby cries, caregivers wait for a specific amount of time before briefly checking in to offer comfort without picking them up.
The time between check-ins gradually increases over time. These check-ins reassure your baby, while still encouraging them to learn how to settle themselves back to sleep.
Over several nights, the intervals between check-ins get longer, which helps reduce nighttime crying and frequent wake-ups. The goal is to teach your baby self-soothing skills so they can fall asleep without relying on rocking, feeding, or being held. While it does take consistency and patience, many families (mine included) find the Ferber method to be an effective, gentle way to establish a predictable sleep routine.
Is the Ferber Method Safe?
Yes, for healthy babies that are at least 4 months old, the Ferber method is considered safe. Studies show no long-term negative effects on emotional development when used appropriately.
Benefits of the Ferber Method
Here are some reasons to consider using the Ferber sleep training method with your baby.
- Encourages independent sleep skills
- Reduces night wakings
- Helps babies fall asleep faster
- Creates predictable sleep routines
When to Start Ferber Method Sleep Training
The recommended age to start sleep training is between 4 and 6 months of age. At this stage, babies are developmentally ready to learn independent sleep habits.
I do want to point out that you can still use the Ferber sleep training method if your baby or toddler is older than this, it’s just that 4 months is the minimum age for sleep training. Personally, I felt comfortable with sleep training when my kids were around 6 months old. It will be up to you when you feel the time is right.
You might have noticed that I mentioned I used sleep training with 2 out of my 3 kids. That’s because one of my twins just didn’t need sleep training help. She just started sleeping well around 6 months old. Interestingly, she was not a great sleeper until this age.
On the other hand my other two kids, either cried when put down in their crib (and would only sleep when held) or were waking after a few hours of sleep and not going back to sleep. We were EXHAUSTED! If you are in the same boat, these are signs that it’s time to consider sleep training so that everyone in your household can get a good night’s sleep.
How To Do the Ferber Sleep Training Method
Now that we have established the minimum age to start sleep training and the type of sleep struggles that could be happening, let’s talk about how to use a structured approach to do the Ferber sleep training method.
You can use this sleep training method for falling asleep at bedtime, night wakings, or for napping. One my my babies struggled to sleep on his own at bedtime, while my other would go to sleep no problem at bedtime.
However, she would wake up 2-3 hours after bedtime and want to stay up all night. It wasn’t as convenient timing-wise, but we used this method when she woke up, and after 3 days the night wakings stopped!
Step 1: Understand Your Baby’s Schedule (Including Age Appropriate Wake Windows)
Getting your baby to sleep well at night starts with a consistent daytime schedule, with the right amount of naps and feedings. You will want to space naps apart with age appropriate wake windows and have a reasonable bedtime for your little one. Try to make sure your baby has a feeding close to bedtime.
I have written extensively about baby schedules. Check out these sample baby schedules by age to see what your day should look like. Or, check out these printable Baby Schedules for the First Year.
Step 2: Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A bedtime routine does not have to take a long time. Check out this sample 5 minute baby bedtime routine to get an idea of how to do one quickly. Some examples of calming activities to do before bedtime include:
- Bath time (this does make a routine take longer unfortunately)
- Feeding
- Diaper change & putting on pajamas
- Reading a book
- Cuddling and rocking
Step 3: Put Your Baby Down in the Crib While Drowsy But Still Awake
It is very important that you do not rock your baby to sleep and then put them in their crib. One of the most important parts of the Ferber method is to put your baby to bed while they are still awake.
This sleep training method is meant to teach your baby how to self-soothe and fall asleep independently without rocking, cradling, and being held by a parent or caregiver. I also personally used the following items for helping my babies sleep well at 6 months old:
Step 4: Leave the Room & Use Timed Check-Ins
After placing your baby in the crib, leave the room. If they cry, wait a set amount of time before checking in, keeping your check-ins brief and calm.
If your baby is crying return briefly to comfort your baby without picking them up, talking to them, or turning the light on. You are just going in the room to make sure there is nothing wrong in the room.
For example, my kids used to throw their pacifiers out of the crib. We would put those back in their crib, pat them on the head or back, and then leave again. Gradually increase the time between check-ins each night. Here is an example schedule of the time intervals I personally used.
- Night 1: 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes
- Night 2: 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes
- Night 3: 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes
Once your baby falls sleep you do not need to continue with these time intervals.
Step 6: Stick With It Even Though It’s Hard
It was incredibly difficult to listen to my babies cry for more than 5 minutes at a time. But trust me – it will all be worth it, even though it feels like your baby has been crying for hours when it’s actually only been 5 or 10 minutes. I do recommend a video baby monitor, so you can check on your baby from afar for reassurance that they are indeed okay.
For both of my kids sleep training took a total of 3 days. Day 1 we had to check on them for about an hour before they went to sleep. Day 2 was easier and only about 15 minutes of crying. But then Day 3 was actually harder again and back to about an hour of crying.
But guess what? On Day 4 there was no crying and sleep became easy. In the heat of the moment, it is very hard because we are so used to going to our children when they are crying. Stay strong and don’t give up because it WILL GET BETTER and in the long term it will be worth it.
Common Ferber Method Sleep Training Challenges (& How to Handle Them)
It’s important to be aware of the following things that make sleep training hard.
- Crying – Crying is expected. The method allows your baby to learn self-soothing, but check-ins provide reassurance.
- Inconsistency – Consistency is key. Changing the approach mid-process can confuse your baby and delay results.
- Sleep Regressions – Temporary setbacks are normal during growth spurts or developmental milestones. Return to the routine as soon as possible. You might need to sleep train again after a sleep regression, but the good news is it doesn’t typically take as long to get your baby back on track.
Ferber Method vs. Cry It Out
While both methods involve allowing some crying, the Ferber method differs from the cry it out sleep training method because:
- It includes scheduled check-ins
- It gradually increases response time
- It offers reassurance without creating sleep dependency
The Ferber sleep training method can be an effective solution for exhausted parents seeking better sleep.
With consistency, patience, and a good plan, many families experience significant sleep improvements in just a few nights. Every baby is different, so adapt the method to fit your family’s needs, while maintaining a consistent routine. Good luck – you can do it!
