The Complete Sleep Guide

for contented babies and toddlers

Gina Ford

There are already a huge number of parents who are fans of Ford’s books, and they will no doubt welcome this latest addition to her list of childcare strategies. If you are a parent who is short on sleep you will seize upon this latest book in the hope of finding a way to help you, and your child, get a good night’s rest.

Many parents will shudder at the words sleep-training or ‘controlled crying’, but if you want to give them a try, then Ford spells out the way to proceed. Some desperate parents are full of wonder when they hear that ‘other’ babies sleep through the night. Ford advises, after the first few weeks, parents not to cuddle, rock, feed or use a dummy to get a baby to sleep. Otherwise ‘a real problem can evolve’. The author accepts that it is very difficult to let a young baby cry himself to sleep, but believes it will prevent serious sleep problems in the future. Um! Well, I wonder about what other problems will arise when she advises that reassurance for a baby or toddler should be kept to a minimum.

I agree that a bedtime routine is important, but that it is not always easy to stick to, and I find it hard to believe that the there is a one-size fits all way to help your baby sleep through the night. I believe you should go with your feelings. Experts are all very well - but mum and dad really do know best.

Review published 26 September 2003 © Jill Curtis 2003

 Published by Vermilion

 paperback   £9.99     ISBN 0091887550

and is available  from