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#1 in popularitySince 1985Graduated extinction (timed check-ins)

Ferber Method

Richard Ferber, MD (Boston Children's), Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems

Put baby down awake, then check in briefly at intervals that get longer each night.

Find the book
Starts
6 mo
Results in
3–7 nights
Crying
Timed check-ins
Evidence
Strong

Overview

Pediatric sleep specialist Richard Ferber introduced this method in 1985, and it became so widespread that “Ferberizing” entered everyday speech. After a consistent bedtime routine, you put your baby down awake and leave the room. If they cry, you return at set intervals to reassure them briefly, without picking them up, and then leave again. The intervals get longer each night.

The check-ins let your baby know you're nearby while giving them room to learn to fall asleep on their own. Graduated extinction, the technique behind Ferber, is among the best-studied sleep interventions, and long-term follow-up has found no harm to children. Ferber suggests starting around 6 months; many pediatric sources consider 4 to 6 months reasonable once a baby is developmentally ready.

How it works

  1. Consistent bedtime routine.
  2. Put baby down drowsy but awake and leave.
  3. If crying, return after a set interval (e.g., 3, 5, then 10 min on night 1), reassure briefly without picking up, and leave.
  4. Lengthen intervals each night (e.g., night 2: 5/10/12; night 3: 10/12/15).
  5. Use the same approach for night wakings.

Pros

  • Fast
  • Clear structure
  • Parents still check in
  • Among the best-studied methods

Cons

  • Involves crying that many parents find hard
  • Progress can slip after illness or travel
  • Not for young infants

Evidence

Strong. Graduated extinction is supported by multiple RCTs, including a 5-year follow-up showing no long-term harm.

Details

Popularity
#1 of 39 · Very high (estimated)
Since
1985 (41 years)
When to start
~6 months per Ferber; many pediatric sources allow 4–6 months once developmentally ready
Day structure
Cue-based routine
Format
Book
Good fit for
Parents who want a fast, clearly structured plan and can tolerate some crying.

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