The 5 Best Sleep Training Methods (Plus Tips From Parents)
5. Ferber method
Named for the physician who developed the method، the Ferber method calls for caregivers to put their baby down for sleep and respond to the baby's cries at set time intervals that gradually increase each night. Advocates of the method say that the baby will eventually learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently through "Ferberization."
Sleep Training Tips From Real Parents
No matter which sleep training method you choose، hearing advice from other parents can make the process easier—or at least make you feel less alone. Here، real-life parents share their best tips for sleep training babies، from bedtime routines and swaddles to soothing music and nighttime nursing.
Don't adjust the volume in your house
"Never let the house be dead quiet at bedtime. Babies should learn to sleep through a little noise—don't blast Metallica، but don't tiptoe around either. And if you're tempted to run to them whenever they cry، invest in a baby monitor with a camera so you can see if they are in distress، but let them whine or cry it out for a little." —Chemere
Put your baby down awake but drowsy
"Our baby is 10 months old and we start her bedtime routine at 8 p.m. We brush her teeth، give her a bath، and then she plays، plays، plays. After that، it's lavender bedtime lotion and a bottle. But the key is putting her down drowsy but awake، and she usually sleeps all night without a peep." —April
Plan your day around a good night's rest
"It's true what they say: 'sleep begets sleep.' Give your little one ample time to nap during the day، and try to spend some waking hours outdoors (even if it means bundling up).
Nix unscheduled naps
Quick cat naps in the car، no matter how short، have a tendency of ruining any chance of a real nap later on، so stock some tricks in your car to avoid those sneaky sleeps. Try things like playing their favorite song، stashing safe snacks، coloring books، special car toys، or a tablet or even a game on your phone to keep them awake.
