6 Best Baby Sleep Training Books (2022 Updated)
Sleep is crucial for a baby. Especially long and deep sleep cycles. It promotes healthy habits and good habits. Not to mention, if your baby is sleeping soundly, you will also have a less stressful time overall.
Here is the thing though, babies do not sleep long hours. They wake up every 45 minutes or so. That is where a sleep training book comes in. But wait. There are hundreds of sleep training books. Well, do not worry, we rounded up the 6 best baby sleep training books you can find in 2022. So, let’s get started.
6 Best Baby Sleep Training Books to Buy In 2022
The first thing you should remember is that books are not the be-all and end-all of sleep. They are an important part of any parent. But you should also consult a pediatrician.
The combination of the two will help you get the best results. And besides, it is always a good idea to consult a professional for some one-to-one sessions. It will help you get what is right for your baby. With that said, let’s get started.
1. The Happiest Baby on the Block
Author: Harvey Karp
Versions: Kindle, Paperback, Spiral-bound, and Audiobook
Pages: 352
Language: English
This book is by the far most highly rated baby sleep training book you will find around. It is filled with all kinds of awesome tips and tricks. Not only does it give parents all they need to know about baby sleep, but you can also learn cool techniques.
Techniques like how to soothe a baby into sleep. This bit will be particularly helpful for parents that have trouble calming their babies down and making them relaxed. That is not all. This book is full of great advice on a lot of other things.
You will learn all about breastfeeding, bed sharing, and more. If you have twins, the bed sharing bit is something you can look forward to. There is also a lot of information about the 5s – swaddling, stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking.
We can guarantee you that after reading this book thoroughly, your baby will indeed be the happiest baby on the block.
Pros
- Great tips
- Very well written
- Has information on different topics
- Great reviews
Cons
- A bit too long
2. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
Author: Marc Weissbluth M. D.
Versions: Digital, Paperback, Hardcover, Spiral-bound, and MP3 CD
Pages: 688
Language: English
Want something a bit more academic? Then this one from author Marc Weissbluth M.D. is the one to get. It has great insights on sleep habits and also how to put your baby to sleep the right way, every time.
Do you know the author? He has quite an impressive resume. Dr. Marc Weissbluth M.D has 40 years of field experience as a pediatrician. So, you can be sure that he knows what he is talking about. And that shows in every sentence of this phenomenally written book.
One of the best things about this book is it provides data based on the current and latest research. It will give you the most scientific and academic insights into baby sleep and sleep training.
Not only that, you will get to know in-depth about all kinds of sleep training problems along with their solutions. Also, some pretty nifty methods as well to tackle all situations.
It gives you a very good overview of strategies. And then you can implement these strategies in your baby’s sleep training. If you are someone who is looking for solid medical advice on sleep and baby sleep training, this is a gem of a book to read. Especially for new parents.
This book will help you create a more suitable environment for your baby’s sleep. Speaking of a suitable environment for your baby, check out the best activities for your baby to develop their motor skills.
Pros
- Very academic
- Written by an experienced author
- Great strategies for sleep training
- Based on current research
Cons
- Can be too academic for some readers
3. Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems
Author: Richard Ferber
Versions: Kindle, Paperback, and MP3 CD
Pages: 464
Language: English
Just look at the cover of this book. Tell us that you do not see the most well-rested baby ever. Anyway, as the old saying goes, do not judge a book by its cover. But, let us tell you, this is one of the best baby sleep training books you can buy! And there are a couple of reasons for that.
It has a great Amazon review rating for a reason. You will learn all the cool tips and tricks for teaching your baby to put themselves to sleep. This is a great thing and one that will also help you later on.
The method is even named after the author himself. It is called the Ferber method. Pretty cool, isn’t it? Here is a small sneak peek into one of the methods. It involves you checking in on your baby while they are sleeping.
The thing here is that you will increase the intervals as time goes by. This will teach your baby to sleep. There are in-depth talks about sleep difficulties that your baby might be facing and more.
Things like sleepwalking, sleep terrors, and nap strategies as well. Some other serious topics are also covered like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and more. This is a very comprehensive book that all parents will love.
Pros
- Covers lots of topics
- Very well written
- Awesome reviews
- Dives deep into different topics
Cons
- No audio version
4. Precious Little Sleep
Author: Alexis Dubief
Versions: Kindle, Audiobook, and Paperback
Pages: 310
Language: English
The name is cute. This book is a departure from heavily academic books. It takes a more humorous approach to child sleep training. That does not mean it skimps on information though. You will learn pretty much all you need to know but also have a laugh while doing it. It sort of is the best of both worlds.
Parenting does not need to be all serious. You can still get valuable information in a humorous and well-written book. This one proves that point.
The author is Alexis Dubief. A prominent sleep expert. And after reading this book you can be sure that your baby will sleep throughout the night. It gives you all the basic information about how sleep is important for a baby.
And it also gives you tools that you can help them to get the best sleep of their baby lives. And the tools are evidence-based as well. So, you can be sure that they are effective. We liked how light-hearted this book is.
Precious little sleep covers a wide range of topics too! So, that is always a good thing. It has useful information about naps, baby sleep issues, and also night weaning. New parents that want a light read but also want solid information will love this one.
Pros
- Lighthearted
- Gives you effective tools
- Has lots of information
- Covers various topics
Cons
- Some might want a more academic approach
5. The Gentle Sleep Book
Author: Sarah Ockwell-Smith
Versions: Kindle, Audiobook, and Paperback
Pages: 353
Language: English
This book is written by Sarah Ockwell-Smith. She is a mother herself and also a certified physiologist. That means you can be pretty sure that she knows what she is talking about. And what she talks about in this book is pure gold.
She takes a lot of information from her personal experience. She is trained in a lot of discipline and gives a lot of useful information in her book. The first thing readers will see is that this book is focused on sleep during a baby’s first couple of years.
These are years when sleep is especially important. It gives you information on dealing with different sleep-related issues. Things like night walking, bedwetting, and more. It covers all common topics around baby sleep.
And will help your baby sleep much better too. And you will be a more informed parent after reading this book. The anecdotes from the author’s personal life are not the only thing though. There is scientific and evidence-based information as well.
Pros
- Personal anecdotes
- Scientific and evidence-based information
- Deals with early years
- Perfect for all readers
Cons
- No MP3 CD version
6. On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep
Author: Author Robert Bucknam M. D.
Versions: Kindle, Audiobook, and Paperback
Pages: 279
Language: English
If you are a completely new parent and want a bit more hand holding sort of, then this book is perfect for you. It focuses more on new parents and guides them. This book is an OG as well. It has been in publication for over 25 years. That is telling something.
Over the years, the authors have updated it with current and scientific evidence to help your baby get the best sleep. The best thing about this book is that it is pretty easy to follow. As a new parent, you do not have to deal with any technical terms that mean little to you.
Rather it gives you an actionable approach and strategies based on solid science. Author Robert Bucknam M. D. is a licensed pediatrician. And has been practicing for over 29 years. So, you get the expert advice of someone very knowledgeable about the field. That is priceless if you ask us.
The book gives you solid information for children till the age of seven. However, the downside of this book is that the step-by-step might not be suitable for everyone out there. Depending on your lifestyle, you might need to keep that in mind.
Pros
- Expert advice
- Step-by-step guides and strategies
- Based on current scientific information
- Very well written
Cons
- Not the best for some lifestyles
Buying the Best Baby Sleep Training Books
We covered 6 of the best books you can read for baby sleep training. But all of them might not be right for everyone. All parents live different lifestyles. And all babies are not the same either.
While the general information applies to all babies, it might be worth it to consider some important factors when buying a book. That way you will ensure that the information and strategies you get are suitable for you.
Type of Book
The type of book is probably the first thing you should consider. By type of book, we mean how academic it is. Some books are more serious and academic. They almost read like a research paper.
On the other hand, some books are more light-hearted. And frankly, they can be easier to read for some parents. You need to decide what kind of book you want to get. If you are someone who likes to have all the scientific evidence in the world, then a more academically written book is the right choice.
But if you prefer a more light-hearted read, then that might not be a good option. Then you need to choose something a bit more humorous and fun. Keep in mind that being fun and humorous does not mean it lacks solid information.
Humorous baby books written by credible authors will also give you ample information on the topic. They just present it differently. And this brings us to our next consideration.
Author’s Expertise
The range of authors who have written awesome and effective baby sleep training books is pretty vast. You need to keep in mind how qualified an author is. Do they have a degree in the field? For example, they might be a sleep physiologist or a baby expert.
Most authors in our list are certified pediatricians. You can rest assured that all of them are very well qualified to write about baby sleep training. And some authors are even parents themselves.
You will get real-life anecdotes from them. The author’s expertise is a very important factor when it comes to choosing a book. That way you can trust every word that is written. It takes away the uncertainty out of the way. And you can just immerse yourself in the book with confidence.
Credibility of Information
The credibility of the information is crucial as well. You should look for a book that is based on current scientific research. This will ensure that all the information is based on modern data and not backdated research. Those early research might not be valid anymore.
Some facts are true regardless of when the research was done. For example, sleep is essential for a baby’s health and growth. Anyway, the point is to see how scientific the information in the book is.
Lifestyle
Not all books are great for every kind of parent. Some books outline specific step-by-step guides and strategies. And this might not be the best for parents with a different lifestyle. You need to see how well a book fits your lifestyle.
Otherwise, chances are that you might not be able to follow the guides and the strategies provided. And it will be a waste. So, get one that somewhat fits your lifestyle. That is why reviews are important. It is how you know whether or not the strategies will work for your lifestyle.
Version
Lastly, there is the version. Books do not just come in physical form anymore. You can get audiobooks and also MP3 CDs. If you are a particularly busy parent and want to get an audiobook to listen to on your commute, that is perfectly normal.
Check out whether the book you want gives you that option. Not all books support audio versions. But let’s not kid ourselves. There is definitely something satisfying about holding a book in your hand and reading it.
That tactile feel is something many of us love. If that is you, then all the power to you. Check to see whether the book you want is available the way you want to enjoy it.
Sleep is very important. That is why you should buy the right book to give your baby the perfect sleep. Do you know what else will help with your baby’s sleep? The best mosquito repellents for babies.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it. These were the 6 best baby sleep training books you can buy in 2022. When picking out a book make sure to see whether it is right for you. And as we mentioned at the beginning of the review, a pediatrician visit is a must.
Not all routines will be helpful for every baby. That is why to make your book and strategies most effective, a one-to-one session with a qualified pediatrician will be very valuable.
For any kind of further information on all parenting do not forget to check out Parenting Routine. They have awesome gear reviews and info articles like the best baby monitors you can buy.
Jennifer Crowley
I'm Jennifer, a dedicated mother passionate about writing insightful blog posts. My life revolves around the joys and challenges of parenting and brings my unique perspective and experiences to writing, with a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling. My blog is a platform for sharing parenting tips and advice and a place where I want to be with other moms and dads, offering them a sense of camaraderie in the wonderful, chaotic world of parenthood.