Good Nights: The Happy Parents' Guide to the Family Bed (and a Peaceful Night's Sleep!)
Parents of babies and toddlers hope for a good night's rest after a demanding day, but they rarely get it. Books like Richard Ferber's Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems argue that if bedtime becomes a problem, parents should put children in their own beds and let them cry it out. Here, pediatrician Gordon (UCLA Medical Sch.) and former USA Today writer Goodavage offer a gentler approach: put kids in the "family bed" every night, they say. Children will feel secure and happy, Mom can nurse without getting out of bed, Dad will relax, and a good night's rest for all will follow. Covered in full are "beducation," the problems that may arise, how to childproof the bed, dealing with intimacy, and coping with "naysayers." The text also offers reassuring comments from current and past family bedders. Skeptical? So was this reviewer, but the authors conducted impressive research and present it convincingly. Though not for everyone, this book provides a good alternative to dealing with those difficult "night nights." Recommended. Annette V. Janes, Hamilton, MACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.