ferber method (graduated extinction)
the parent puts the baby down awake and leaves, but returns at gradually increasing intervals to briefly check and reassure — without picking the baby up. intervals increase each night.
best age
4-6 months onwards
time to work
3-7 nights typically
crying level
moderate
how it works — step by step
- 1.complete your bedtime routine and put baby down awake.
- 2.leave the room. if baby cries, wait 3 minutes before your first check.
- 3.during a check: go in, briefly pat or shush (30 seconds max), do not pick up, then leave.
- 4.wait 5 minutes before the second check, then 10 minutes for subsequent checks.
- 5.on night 2, start at 5 minutes and increase to 10, then 15.
- 6.by night 3-4, start at 10 minutes. most babies are self-settling by this point.
pros
- +allows parents to provide some reassurance, which many find easier than full extinction.
- +well-researched and widely recommended by Australian paediatricians.
- +structured — the clear intervals give parents a plan to follow.
cons
- -still involves crying, which some parents find distressing.
- -checks can sometimes escalate crying in some babies (they get more upset when the parent leaves again).
- -takes slightly longer than full extinction.
what the research says
the ferber method is one of the most studied sleep training approaches. the same 2016 Pediatrics study found it effective with no adverse effects on child stress or parent-child attachment. it is recommended by Raising Children Network (the Australian parenting authority).
view all sleep training methods
the complete comparison guide
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. always consult your child's paediatrician or GP before starting any sleep training method. evidence cited is from peer-reviewed research and the Raising Children Network (Australia). mini mode is not affiliated with any health organisation.