Most parents will be worried if they let their baby sleep alone in his room. However, babies can actually be taught to sleep on their own. you know. This method is called the Ferber method.
The Ferber method is a method of training babies to sleep on their own when they feel sleepy or to go back to sleep after waking up in the middle of their sleep. This method was first coined by a pediatrician named Richard Ferber.
In addition to being able to make babies sleep on their own, applying the Ferber method can also make babies sleep better throughout the night, easily fall back asleep when they wake up, and have regular sleep patterns.
In addition, this method can also be beneficial for Mother. Your little one's sleep patterns that become regular and calmer throughout the night can give you enough and quality rest time. That way, you can also avoid fatigue and stress.
Here's How to Apply the Ferber Method
Mothers have started to be able to apply the Ferber method when the Little One is 6 months old. At this age, the baby is considered physically and mentally ready to sleep alone in his room. In addition, your little one no longer needs food in the middle of the night like when he was still drinking exclusive breastfeeding.
The Ferber method is done by letting the baby try to sleep alone until he is used to and feels safe in his room. In other words, when he calls you crying, don't come straight to him.
However, this does not mean that you really leave your little one alone until the morning, yes. When he cries, Mother still needs to come to him, but not immediately and there are limitations.
Here's how to implement the Ferber method:
1. Create a regular bedtime schedule and ritual
Set the same bedtime every day and apply a bedtime routine for your little one, for example reading a book, singing a song, or giving him a gentle massage on the little one's back, arms, and legs. Also make sure he's wearing comfortable sleepwear and a new diaper, OK?
2. Put the baby on the bed
After doing the routine before bed, put your little one in his sleeping crib. Turn off the main room lights and make the room as comfortable and quiet as possible. After that, leave him alone in his room.
3. Don't go straight to the baby when he cries
When your little one cries, wait a while before seeing how he is. On the first night this method is applied, let your little one cry for 3-5 minutes before approaching him.
4. Limit visits and contact with children
When approaching him, calm your little one by gently patting his body or whispering words that can make him calmer, for example "Sleep again, come on. Mother is here."
Keep in mind, you can't hold, breastfeed, or turn on the room lights, okay? In addition, you must also limit the time you spend in your little one's room, which is about 1-2 minutes. This is the part that can make you not have the heart and difficulty while undergoing this method.
5. Increase the interval of visiting each crying child
If after being left your little one cries again, let your little one cry longer than before. You can increase the length of about 2-3 minutes gradually.
Apply the same steps the following nights. However, gradually increase the time you wait for your little one to cry so that it is longer than the night before. Generally, babies will begin to get used to sleeping alone without crying on the 5th or 7th day since this method is applied.
The Ferber method needs to be done consistently and routinely. The first 3 days can be very hard for you because you don't have the heart to leave your little one. However, try to hold back, Mom, so that your little one can learn to sleep on their own.
Even so, it's a different story if your little one is sick or on a long trip so that his sleep schedule changes. At times like this, your little one needs you to always be near him. If after that your little one's sleep pattern changes again, chances are you have to repeat this method from the beginning.
Although it has been proven effective, the Ferber method may not be applicable to all children. If after 7 days your little one's sleep pattern does not improve or even worsens, this method may not be suitable for him. If this happens, you can consult a doctor about your little one's sleep patterns and the method that should be applied.
