Sleep Problems in Infancy

Question 1

Odds & ends about sleep problems in infancy

Answer 1

(1) A major developmental task during first year of life is consolidation & organization of sleep periods
(2) As many as 30% children have problems with sleep during first few years of life
(3) If untreated, infant sleep problems can become chronic

Question 2

Who is known for developing popular interventions for sleep problems for children?

Answer 2

Ferber and his “ferberizing” techniques aka progressive waiting method which involve training children to fall and stay asleep by letting them cry for prescribed periods of time before comforting them; after each successive time, interval is increased until child falls asleep

Question 3

When are parents encouraged to begin Ferberizing training?

Answer 3

When child is 5-6 mos old

Question 4

Step-by-step Ferberizing summary

Answer 4

(1) Establish soothing, pre-bedtime ritual and put baby to bed while he/she is still awake
(2) If child cries, parents instructed to wait predetermined interval, usually 5 mins then go in a check on & comfort the child verbally without touch (e.g., rocking, feeding, picking up, etc.)
(3) Leave the room
(4) If child cries again, wait 10 mins before same response
(5) Each time interval is increased until child falls asleep

Question 5

If parents can endure this, how long will it take before child learns to fall asleep on his/her own with Ferberizing technique?

Answer 5

In about 1 week

Question 6

What cautions to technique are made?

Answer 6

Cautions against using technique with highly anxious children

Question 7

What does research show about Ferberizing technique?

Answer 7

It is effective in developing more stable sleep patterns and reversing maladaptive sleep problems.