Ferber Method: The Sleep Trick Moms Swear By?

Together with

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

Happy Friday, Ladies! Ready to tackle the big issues today? And by "big issues," I mean how to actually sleep at night and trick, I mean, educate your kids into eating veggies.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Ferber: Sleep or Myth?

• Sippy Cup Hacks: Spill-Proof Your Life

• Pizza Muffins: With Surprise Veggies

• Toilet Roll Crayons: Yep!

Don't compromise on your child's early education—See if Tierra is Minutes Away.

Mom’s Field Guide

Ferber Method: The Sleep Trick Moms Swear By

The What and Who of Ferber

Dr. Richard Ferber, a pediatric sleep guru who wrote the book on baby sleep training.

His method, known as the Ferber Method or "graduated extinction," is your ticket to reclaiming your beauty sleep while teaching your baby the art of self-soothing.

The Ferber Method is NOT the same as letting your baby "cry it out."

In fact, it's more like interval training—for sleep!

Ferber in Action: Timing is Everything

Ready for the nuts and bolts? Here it goes:

• Day 1: First check-in after 3 minutes, then 5, and finally 10. Subsequent check-ins stay at 10 minutes.

• Day 2: First check-in after 5 minutes, then jump to 10 and 12. Continue with 12-minute check-ins.

• Day 3: First check-in after at 10 minutes, proceed to 12, and finish off with 15. Keep future checks at 15 minutes.

• Day 4: First check-in at 12 minutes, then bump it to 15 and 17. From there, stick with 17-minute intervals.

• Day 5: First check-in after at 15 minutes, then extend to 17 and finally 20. Keep it at 20 minutes for following checks.

• Day 6: First check-in after at 17 minutes, escalate to 20, and cap it at 25. Maintain 25-minute checks from then on.

• Day 7: First check-in after 20 minutes, ratchet up to 25, and max out at 30. All following check-ins should stay at 30 minutes.

Comfort your crying munchkin briefly, without lifting them up, and then walk out. Repeat until they fall asleep.

Call it "progressive waiting."

When To Start Ferberizing?

The sweet spot for this method is between 4 to 6 months.

You could try beyond this age, but it gets trickier as the kiddo ages, just like convincing them that broccoli is better than cookies.

Sticking to It: The Make or Break

Consistency is king!

Expect the toughest cries on the second or third night, but don't give in.

It's called an 'extinction burst' and it means you're close to victory.

Make sure your partner is also committed to this bedtime revolution or else you might end up back at square one.

Conclusion:

Congrats! You've graduated from Night Owl University.

Now, while your baby learns the superpower of self-soothing, you can rediscover another important skill: dreaming.

Sweet dreams, mama! 🌙✨

Keep reading here.

Together with Tierra Encatada

Distinguished childcare experience that focuses on the growth of the whole child

Tierra Encantada is the leader in Spanish immersion early education - a distinguished experience for children ages 6 weeks - 6 years. 

Our expert-curated curriculum is taught through the language of Spanish, providing children the opportunity to learn a second language similar to how they learn English - naturally through conversation and context.

We know the learning environment is more than just education, so children’s days are filled with warmth, great food, and connection.

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll

Poll Results From 9/6

How do you usually handle picky eaters?

 🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Let them skip the meal (19%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Cook them their favorite food (3%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Mix disliked food with something they love (69%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Persist until they eat it (9%)

Featured Response 🙂 

“I’m all for food-based independence. I’ve enjoyed some techniques including a snack plate filled with approved options that are easy to refill throughout the day or giving kids the choice between two easy to make options - and if they decide later they want something different… providing them the option to learn to make it themselves, or choosing from a “grab-and-go” perspective. My mental health and time are just as important as keeping their bellies full and healthy respect for food. ”
- Community Mom

Mom Hack

Convert any cup into a sippy cup

Mom Hack

Stretchy sippy cup tops are brilliant for making any glass child-proof.

Turn any glass into a toddler-friendly one.

Mom’s Menu

Pizza Muffins (with Veggies!)

Want to sneak some veggies into your kids' favorite foods?

Get your aprons ready!

We've got an easy-peasy recipe for delicious Pizza Muffins that pack a punch of nutrition with shredded carrots. 🥳

Ingredients 📝

• 1½ cups milk

• 1 cup grated carrot (for that secret veggie action!)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (because what's pizza without cheese?)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup melted and slightly cooled butter or neutral oil

• ¼ cup diced pepperoni, plus 2 tablespoons (optional, but adds a nice flavor)

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten (the glue that holds everything together!)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup whole wheat flour (for a little bit of that healthy whole grain)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 2½ teaspoons pizza seasoning (that's where the magic happens!)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Marinara or pizza sauce (warmed for dipping, optional but adds to the pizza-feel)

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and give your muffin tin a good spray with non-stick spray.

2. Stir together the milk, carrot, cheeses, butter, pepperoni (keep the 2 tablespoons for later), and eggs in a medium bowl.

3. Time to bring in the dry squad - add in the flours, baking powder, baking soda, pizza seasoning, and salt.

4. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, aiming for about a ¼ cup in each.

5. Don't forget those extra pepperonis - sprinkle them on top of each muffin.

6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they're lightly golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean (apart from any melted cheese!)

7. Let them cool for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

8. Serve slightly warm for that comforting, straight-from-the-oven feel.

Note 📌

• Freezer-friendly: Just let the muffins cool completely before sealing them in a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, and reheated in 30-60 seconds when needed.

• Substitutions: You can try using broccoli instead of carrots, all of one type of flour, or omit the pepperoni for a vegetarian option.

• For a pizza experience, serve with warmed marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Finally, remember: don't fret if your little ones notice they're not eating "real" pizza.

Emphasize on the adventure of trying something different - "pizza" in a new, fun shape!

Plus, less mess - so really, it's a win for everyone. Happy cooking! 😊🍴

Keep reading here.

Daily DIY

Toilet Paper Crayons

Get crafty with old toilet paper rolls and turn them into crayon holders that add a touch of creativity to the study area.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

This little machine is a naptime game-changer.

It's helped create a peaceful environment at home and on-the-go.

Plus, it's so simple to use, even on those sleep-deprived mornings. 🎶

Portable White Noise Sound Machine

Game

Parenting Quiz

When should a child be able to comfortably use a fork and spoon? (Answer below)

A) By 2 years

B) By 3 years

C) By 4 years

D) By 5 years

E) When they start critiquing your cooking

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

B) By 3 years