Ferber Method To Put The Baby To Sleep, Does It Really Work?
One of the most difficult challenges for parents is for their babies to learn “on their own” to fall asleep. In desperation, you have probably tried radical techniques like the Ferber method. Next we will analyze if this strategy to put the baby to sleep really works.
Basically the Ferber Method consists of teaching children to sleep on their own. Creating a routine for them to fall asleep without help from mommy or daddy
The method in question has generated strong controversies around the world, because it invites parents to leave their little ones alone in the room. Regardless of whether or not they are crying for short periods of time, until they fall asleep. Some experts do not consider it appropriate and others do, the truth is that it is a decision of each family.
Many babies who reach four to five months may begin to have great difficulty sleeping and begin to cry uncontrollably. As parents we are scared by this situation and we would like to have a magic wand that will calm him and fall asleep with the sound of our heart. But the reality is different and it must be solved.
Some pediatricians explain that this irritability is due to the fact that they do not recognize the dream and manifest it as a bodily discomfort. They even believe that as they give in to fatigue, they feel an emptiness that prevents them from fully relaxing.
There are many strategies that you can apply at nightfall to help your baby feel calmer:
- Relax it physically. Bathe the baby with lukewarm water and give him a massage with natural oils.
- Create a calm environment. Avoid visual and sound stimuli.
What is the Ferber Method about?
Richard Ferber was the founder and director of the Pediatric Center for Sleep Disorders at Children’s Hospital Boston. The pediatrician insisted that for a child to learn to sleep, he had to be left alone.
In his book, “Fix Your Child’s Sleep Problems,” he clearly described his method. Which consists of letting them cry when they want to go to sleep. That is, when you are physically and emotionally ready to do so.
Once this moment has arrived, mom or dad should follow loving habits and place the baby only on the bed awake, for periods that are prolonged.
And what should you do if you are crying ? Ferber tells us that we should leave them alone. Even though they are showing their emotions. For some people this method is somewhat unacceptable. However, for Ferber it is a progressive wait.
During these periods of time, the doctor insisted that you should not carry him, so that they understand the procedure. You can start with a five minute time frame. Later, the mother can increase them, to the extent that she feels comfortable with that decision.
A new vision of the Ferber Method
In 2006, a new edition of the text that Ferber published was published, offering a clearer view of what he had always advocated. Certain specialists considered that he had retracted. However, everything indicates that what he did was clarify what he was trying to say.
As for letting them cry, he explained that he did not agree with allowing them to stay alone for a long time, while crying inconsolably. According to him, many tactics tried to avoid unnecessary crying.
On the other hand, he was less emphatic about the fact that sleeping next to them was not positive. In this new opportunity, he clarified that a child who sleeps with his parents will not have difficulties to recognize himself as an individual. Additionally, he indicated that the mother should do what makes her feel most comfortable.
Two decades later, he was also less critical of the baby’s naps. In this updated version of the method, parents have the power to adapt it to their particular customs and needs.
Many controversies that have been generated about this strategy that tries to help the child to sleep, have probably been due to lack of information. On the other hand, promoters of sleep without crying insist that this will be detrimental to the development of the little one.
The truth is that the decision is yours and only you can help him understand something as natural as sleep. Do not worry, choose what you consider best for him and for your family, remember that you are his main support for his development.
