Quick Answer: The Ferber method is a graduated extinction sleep training technique where you place your baby in the crib drowsy but awake, then return to check in at increasing intervals (3, 5, 10 minutes). Most babies learn to self-soothe within 3 to 7 nights. It is considered safe for healthy infants 6 months and older, and is backed by decades of paediatric research.
Brad Grose, founder, Mattress Miracle, family owned in Brantford since 1997, with 40+ years in the mattress industry: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
In This Guide
Reading Time: 10 minutes
If you are a new parent running on two hours of broken sleep, you are not alone. Sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of early parenthood, and the Ferber method is one of the most studied and widely recommended approaches to teaching babies to fall asleep independently. Developed by Dr. Richard Ferber at Boston Children's Hospital in 1985, this method has helped millions of families get better rest.
This guide walks you through exactly how Ferber method sleep training works, when to start, what the research says about safety, and how your baby's crib mattress plays a role in successful sleep training.
What Is the Ferber Method?
The Ferber method (sometimes called "graduated extinction" or "Ferberization") is a sleep training approach where parents put their baby down awake and leave the room, then return at gradually increasing intervals to briefly reassure the child. The goal is teaching your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep without being held, rocked, or nursed to sleep.
Dr. Richard Ferber, a paediatrician and director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Children's Hospital Boston, published the method in his book Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems (1985, revised 2006). He emphasised that the technique is not about ignoring your baby. It is about giving your child the opportunity to develop independent sleep skills while still providing regular reassurance.
What the Research Says
A landmark randomised controlled trial published in Pediatrics followed 326 children and found that graduated extinction (the Ferber method) significantly reduced infant sleep problems compared to a control group, with no evidence of long-term emotional or behavioural harm at 6-year follow-up (Price et al., 2012, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3467). The Canadian Paediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recognise graduated extinction as a safe and effective approach for healthy infants.
When to Start
Most paediatricians recommend starting the Ferber method at 6 months of age, when babies are developmentally capable of sleeping longer stretches without a night feeding. Some families begin as early as 4 months (after consulting their doctor), while others wait until 8 to 12 months. The method can also be adapted for toddlers transitioning from a crib to a bed.
How the Ferber Method Works: Step by Step
Step 1: Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Create a predictable 20 to 30 minute bedtime routine: bath, pajamas, feeding (if needed), book, lullaby. Consistency signals to your baby that sleep is coming. Do the same routine in the same order every night. Keep the room dimly lit and the environment calm.
Step 2: Place Baby in the Crib Drowsy but Awake
This is the key principle. Put your baby in the crib when they are sleepy but still conscious. If they always fall asleep in your arms, they never learn to connect sleep cycles independently. Say goodnight, give a gentle pat, and leave the room while they are still awake.
Step 3: Wait Before Checking In
On Night 1, wait 3 minutes before your first check-in. If baby cries, let them try to self-soothe for the full interval before returning. This is the hardest part for most parents.
Step 4: Brief Check-In (1 to 2 Minutes Maximum)
Return to the room, speak softly ("You're okay, I love you, it's time to sleep"), and give a gentle pat. Do not pick the baby up, start a feeding, or stay longer than 2 minutes. The check-in is to reassure both you and your baby that everything is safe.
Step 5: Increase the Wait Time
After the first check-in, wait 5 minutes before checking again. Then 10 minutes. Continue at the maximum interval (10 minutes on Night 1) until baby falls asleep. Each subsequent night, increase all intervals.
Step 6: Repeat for Night Wakings
Apply the same graduated check-in approach when your baby wakes during the night. Start with that night's first interval and work up. If your baby still has a scheduled night feed, feed them and then return them to the crib awake.
Step 7: Stay Consistent for 5 to 7 Nights
Most babies show significant improvement by Night 3 and are falling asleep independently by Night 5 to 7. Some take longer. The most important thing is consistency. If you give in on Night 4, you essentially reset to Night 1.
8 min read
Ferber Method Timing Chart
Dr. Ferber's original graduated waiting schedule increases intervals each night. Here is the standard timing:
| Night | First Check | Second Check | Third Check | All Subsequent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | 3 min | 5 min | 10 min | 10 min |
| Night 2 | 5 min | 10 min | 12 min | 12 min |
| Night 3 | 10 min | 12 min | 15 min | 15 min |
| Night 4 | 12 min | 15 min | 17 min | 17 min |
| Night 5 | 15 min | 17 min | 20 min | 20 min |
| Night 6 | 17 min | 20 min | 25 min | 25 min |
| Night 7 | 20 min | 25 min | 30 min | 30 min |
These intervals are guidelines, not rigid rules. If 3 minutes feels too long on Night 1, start at 2 minutes and adjust upward from there. The principle is gradual increase, not a specific number.
Is the Ferber Method Safe for Babies?
This is the question every parent asks, and the research is reassuring. Multiple long-term studies have found no evidence that the Ferber method causes lasting emotional harm, insecure attachment, or elevated stress hormones in children.
Key Safety Research
No long-term harm: A study published in Pediatrics followed sleep-trained children for 5 years and found no differences in emotional health, behaviour, sleep quality, stress levels, or parent-child attachment compared to children who were not sleep trained (Price et al., 2012, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3467).
Cortisol normalises: While some studies show a brief initial increase in cortisol during the first night or two, levels normalise quickly. Research in Early Human Development found that cortisol levels in sleep-trained infants returned to baseline within 3 days and that the infants showed improved sleep patterns and no behavioural changes (Gradisar et al., 2016, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-1486).
Endorsed by major organisations: The Canadian Paediatric Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Australian Sleep Health Foundation all recognise graduated extinction as an evidence-based, safe approach.
When to Avoid the Ferber Method
The Ferber method is not appropriate for every situation. Consult your paediatrician before starting if your baby:
- Is under 4 months old (too young for sleep training)
- Was born premature (adjust for corrected age)
- Has reflux, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions
- Is going through a major transition (new daycare, illness, teething pain)
- Shares a room with a sibling who would be disrupted
Choosing the Right Crib Mattress for Sleep Training
A safe, comfortable crib mattress is the foundation of any sleep training method. If your baby's mattress is too soft, too old, or the wrong size, it can undermine both safety and sleep quality.
Crib Mattress Essentials for Sleep Training
- Firmness: Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend a firm crib mattress. Press your hand into the centre and edges. It should spring back immediately. A mattress that holds the impression of your hand is too soft and poses a suffocation risk.
- Fit: The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with no more than two finger-widths of gap on any side. Standard Canadian crib mattress dimensions are 51 5/8 inches by 27 1/4 inches.
- Flat surface: No pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or loose blankets in the crib during sleep training. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet is all your baby needs.
- Waterproof cover: Sleep training can involve crying, which sometimes triggers spit-up. A waterproof mattress protector makes cleanup easier without disrupting the routine.
- Age of mattress: If you are using a hand-me-down crib mattress, check for sagging, lumps, or tears. The Sleep Foundation recommends replacing crib mattresses if they show visible wear or do not meet current safety standards.
Brantford Parents: Crib Mattress Questions?
If you are unsure whether your crib mattress meets current safety standards, bring your questions to Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street in Brantford. We have been helping Ontario families with sleep since 1997, and we carry mattress protectors and bedding accessories that make sleep training smoother. Call Brad at (519) 770-0001 to check what we have in stock.
Alternatives: Cry It Out, Chair Method, and More
The Ferber method is not the only sleep training approach. Here is how it compares to other common methods:
Full Extinction (Cry It Out Method)
The cry it out method (sometimes called "unmodified extinction") involves putting your baby down and not returning until morning or a scheduled feed. There are no check-ins. Research shows it works faster than Ferber (often 2 to 3 nights), but many parents find it harder emotionally. A study in Pediatrics found that both graduated extinction (Ferber) and full extinction produced equivalent outcomes at 12 months, with no difference in child stress or attachment (Gradisar et al., 2016, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-1486).
Chair Method (Sleep Lady Shuffle)
You sit in a chair beside the crib while your baby falls asleep, then move the chair farther away each night until you are outside the room. This is gentler but typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. It works well for parents who want to be physically present but can be harder for babies who are more stimulated by a parent's presence.
Pick Up, Put Down
Popular with parents of babies under 6 months. You pick baby up when they cry, soothe them until calm, then put them back down. Repeat until they fall asleep. This is the most hands-on approach and can take the longest.
Bedtime Fading
You gradually shift your baby's bedtime later until it aligns with when they naturally fall asleep, then slowly move it earlier. This avoids crying but requires patience and careful scheduling.
Which Method Is Right for Your Family?
- Ferber method: Best for parents who want a structured, research-backed approach with some check-ins. Works within 5 to 7 nights for most babies.
- Cry it out method: Fastest results but hardest emotionally. Best for parents who are confident in the approach and want quick resolution.
- Chair method: Best for anxious parents who need to be physically present. Takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- Pick up, put down: Best for younger babies (3 to 5 months) or parents who cannot tolerate any crying.
Tips for Successful Sleep Training at Any Age
Sleep Training at 6 Months
Six months is considered the ideal starting age for the Ferber method. At this age, most babies are physically capable of sleeping 6 to 8 hours without a feed (though some still need one). They are developing object permanence but have not yet formed strong sleep associations that are harder to break later.
Sleep Training Toddlers
For toddlers, the Ferber method can be adapted. The main difference is that toddlers can get out of bed (if in a toddler bed), so you may need to calmly and silently return them to bed each time they get up. Keep verbal interaction minimal. Toddlers respond well to positive reinforcement: a sticker chart for staying in bed can work wonders.
Both Parents Need to Agree
Sleep training only works if both parents (or all caregivers) follow the same plan. If one parent checks in at intervals while the other picks the baby up and rocks them, the mixed signals confuse your child and extend the process. Discuss the plan before Night 1 and commit together.
Expect Night 2 to Be the Hardest
Many parents report that Night 1 is emotional but manageable, Night 2 is worse (sometimes called the "extinction burst" where crying intensifies), and Night 3 shows dramatic improvement. This is a well-documented pattern in behavioural science. If you can push through Night 2, the rest typically gets much easier.
Shop: Bunk Beds at Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular picks at Mattress Miracle:
Or compare our mattresses in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ferber method take to work?
Most babies show significant improvement within 3 to 5 nights and are falling asleep independently by Night 7. Some babies respond faster (2 to 3 nights), while others may take up to 2 weeks. Consistency is the biggest factor in how quickly it works.
Is the Ferber method the same as cry it out?
No. The Ferber method uses graduated check-ins where you return to briefly reassure your baby at increasing intervals. The cry it out method (full extinction) means not returning at all until morning or a scheduled feed. Ferber is considered a gentler approach because of the periodic reassurance.
Can I use the Ferber method for naps?
Yes, but nap training is often harder because the biological sleep drive is weaker during the day. Start with nighttime sleep training first, and once your baby is falling asleep independently at bedtime (usually after 5 to 7 nights), apply the same method to naps. If your baby has not fallen asleep after 30 minutes of trying, end the nap attempt and try again at the next scheduled nap.
What kind of crib mattress is best for sleep training?
A firm, flat crib mattress that fits snugly in the crib frame with no gaps. Health Canada recommends firm crib mattresses for all infants. Avoid memory foam or pillow-top crib mattresses, as these can conform to a baby's face and create a suffocation risk. At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we can help you find the right crib accessories and mattress protectors for safe sleep.
What if my baby vomits during sleep training?
Some babies cry hard enough to trigger vomiting, especially in the first 1 to 2 nights. If this happens, calmly clean up, change bedding and pajamas, give a brief reassurance, and resume the method. Do not treat vomiting as a reason to stop entirely, as this teaches the baby that vomiting ends the process. Having a waterproof mattress protector and a spare set of crib sheets ready makes nighttime cleanups much faster.
Sources and References
- Ferber, R. (2006). Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems. Revised Edition. Touchstone.
- Price, A.M.H., et al. (2012). Five-Year Follow-up of Harms and Benefits of Behavioral Infant Sleep Intervention. Pediatrics, 130(4), 643-651. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3467
- Gradisar, M., et al. (2016). Behavioral Interventions for Infant Sleep Problems. Pediatrics, 137(6), e20151486. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-1486
- Mindell, J.A., et al. (2006). Behavioral Treatment of Bedtime Problems and Night Wakings in Infants and Young Children. Sleep, 29(10), 1263-1276. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/29.10.1263
- Canadian Paediatric Society. Healthy sleep for your baby and child. Caring for Kids.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Starting sleep training and want to make sure your nursery setup is safe? We carry mattress protectors, waterproof covers, and bedding accessories. Come visit us or call Brad to chat about what you need.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.