The concept

• The first step is to make sure all the baby's needs are met and that the baby is tired but not overtired. As a parent, you are the best person to gauge the timing of this. It's a good idea to have someone with you who can back you up and encourage you through the process. It can be helpful to start a bedtime routine so that the baby and the parents can wind down in preparation for sleep. This could include a bath, a story or a lullaby--whatever works for you and your child. When everything is ready, you lay the baby down in the crib and leave the room. Ferber's method suggests going in at pre-determined times to check on the baby and comfort him or her, without picking up the baby. Comfort could include a little tummy rub or just some comforting, calming words. It is important for the person going in to be as calm as possible. As you and baby progress, increase the time between comfort sessions. This method is called "progressive waiting."
  
  

Nothing good is easy, right?

• Nobody says the process is easy -- in fact, it's often grueling. Listening to the baby cry is stressful and heart-wrenching, but most people see results in about a week. It's important to talk to somebody about how you're feeling. Make sure you have an outlet for your frustration. No matter how well the process goes, you're bound to have mixed emotions about it. Check out online resources or community groups to help you get through this tough time. Once your baby learns how to go to sleep on his or her own and stay asleep, the struggle will be worth it because you'll both be well-rested for a change.
  
  

Variations

• Some people have more success by not using the comfort technique. For some babies the constant checks are more of a distraction than a help. It is important to monitor your baby, but if touching or talking seem to make things worse, it's OK to just look in on him or her. Also, if you feel like you or the baby need to stall the progression of the checks, perhaps only lengthening the time every other day, instead of every day, that's fine, too. Not everything works for every baby. Stick with the program for at least a week, though, because for many people it works wonders.