Top 5 Sleep Training Books for Infants

Parenting is perhaps the most rewarding work, but it can also be one of the most exhausting. Working on too little sleep, juggling everyday tasks, and being awakened at 2 a.m. by a crying baby can leave you stressed out and frustrated. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be your reality. In this article, we’ve compiled some of the best sleep training books for infants to help your baby sleep better and bring peace back into your life.

What is Sleep Training?

Sleep training is a process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves at night. It’s about helping your baby to recognize that they are capable of falling asleep at night and self-soothing when they wake up in the middle of the night without a need to be rocked, swayed, cuddled, or nursed [1].

It’s important to understand that this approach is not the same as letting your babies ‘cry it out’ until they fall asleep by themselves. Many parents have the misconception that that is how you teach your baby to sleep. It’s normal for your baby to cry, especially when you are leaving them alone for the first time, and you should not ignore it or let them cry for an excessively long time.

Instead, you want to help them develop the ability to self-soothe and get used to figuring out sleep cues.

5 Recommended Sleep Training Books

For first-time parents, it’s natural to panic and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you’re doing enough when your baby starts to cry all of a sudden at night. You’ve probably also spent countless nights getting out of bed at night to calm your baby down when they cry.

If you find yourself in this situation, fret not. Here are 5 recommended books on sleep training and how you can successfully implement a few of these methods for your baby.

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1. Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber

This book is where the highly popular sleep training method, the ‘Ferber method’, was first introduced by Richard Ferber, M.D. This book is a comprehensive guide for parents to better understand the nature of sleep, what healthy sleep patterns look like throughout a child’s key developmental stages. Dr Ferber also discusses some of the common sleep disturbances that may happen from birth to adolescence and some strategies that parents may take to help their child fall asleep and stay asleep so that they can perform well during the day.

Contrary to the belief that Dr Ferber advocates for letting your child cry it out till they fall asleep or a “complete extinction”, he advocates for “graduated extinction”. This is a method that teaches parents how they can teach their child to fall asleep independently by gradually increasing the amount of time they wait before offering comfort.

For parents who have always had this misconception, you may want to consider giving this book a read and see if it changes your perspective on how to sleep train your baby.

2. The Complete Sleep Guide for Contented Babies and Toddlers by Gina Ford

Known for her no-nonsense and structured approach, Gina Ford offers a detailed guide to establishing consistent sleep routines that work from infancy through toddlerhood. With this book, Gina hopes to reassure parents and dispel common myths and anxieties revolving around the changing sleep needs of their baby.

Focusing on the idea of having a fixed routine of feeding, sleeping, and playing times, Gina explains how it can help babies and toddlers to sleep longer and better. However, it’s worth noting that while many parents have found her approach to be effective, many parents have also criticized Gina’s methods for being too strict and restrictive. Feel free to decide whether her approach is beneficial or not after giving this book a go.

3. The Sleepeasy Solution by Jennifer Waldburger and Jill Spivack

The Sleepeasy Solution is a family-friendly approach to getting your child to sleep. Written by psychotherapists and sleep specialists, Jennifer Waldburg and Jill Spivack. The book details the concept of consistency, emotional support, and a structured bedtime routine with a step-by-step plan tailored for each development stage that a child goes through.

It also addresses the common sleep problems faced by a child and strategies to help a child successfully navigate them without being too harsh.

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4. Precious Little Sleep by Alexis Dubrief

Precious Little Sleep by Alexis Dubrief is a favourite among many parents. Combining humor and practical tips, Dubrief helps to break down and solve the common sleep challenges faced by babies and toddlers throughout the night. Using several evidence-based strategies, she guides you through a variety of sleep methods tailored for each developmental stage.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking for a new method to get your child to sleep, this book will equip you with the right tools and mindset to establish healthy sleep habits for your child.

5. The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

Perfect for parents who would like a kind, loving approach to sleep training, The No-Cry Sleep Solution is a book that offers gentle solutions to help your baby fall asleep without crying. Elizabeth Pantley focuses on the idea that healthy sleep patterns can be achieved gradually without resorting to the controversial “cry it out” method. The book offers step-by-step methods and a tailored sleep plan to help you achieve your goals with your child.

Whether starting your sleep-training journey or looking for a softer alternative to cry-based methods, this book provides a respectful, evidence-based path to quieter nights.

Benefits of Sleep Training Your Infant

Sleep training offers many benefits for your infant in both the short-term and long-term. Well-rested babies have a reduced risk for health problems and are also generally much healthier and better adjusted compared to babies who are not [2].

Some of the other benefits include:

• Being able to fall asleep faster
• Being able to sleep longer
• Fewer sleep disruptions
• Improved mood
• Improved learning
• Better learning abilities

See also: 10 Best Sleep Tips for Newborns

Conclusion

Ultimately, sleep training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Sleep training may work for some parents in helping their baby sleep better, while some may still find it a struggle even after trying all methods. It’s worth reading these books for valuable insights and strategies to guide you through this process, but remember that it’s still about understanding your baby’s needs.

If you are looking for extra support in helping your baby sleep well, consider using the ShutEye® app. ShutEye is a sleep tracking app that offers sleep tools like soothing soundscapes and personalized tips to help you and your baby improve sleep. Download today for FREE!

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