How Babies Sleep by Helen L. Ball is a lifeline for bleary-eyed parents drowning in contradictory baby sleep advice. Ball, a rockstar anthropologist and infant sleep researcher, flips the script on “sleep problems” by showing it’s not your baby’s fault—it’s our modern expectations clashing with their biology. With decades of research, she blends hard science, evolutionary insights, and practical tips to help you navigate those chaotic first 365 nights. From debunking rigid sleep training to embracing flexible, baby-led approaches like safe co-sleeping, her empathetic vibe reassures you to trust your instincts. It’s not perfect—some tips feel a tad vague, and the science can get heavy—but it’s a game-changer for understanding why your baby wakes up (spoiler: it’s normal!). A must-read for new parents craving sanity and a nap. 4.5 stars

Thank you Grand Central Publishing @grandcentralpub and Helen L. Ball @basis_babysleepinfosource for this free book!
“How Babies Sleep: A Science-Based Guide to the First 365 Days and Nights ” by Helen L. Ball ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Science-based Child Development.

Baby sleep doesn’t need fixing—only our understanding of it! Infant sleep is terribly misunderstood, with parents and professionals trying to manipulate babies’ sleep to fit adult lives. Unfortunately, this creates a problem with babies’ biology commonly called ‘baby sleep problems’, which leads to infants being ‘treated’ using behavioural and clinical interventions. Instead, let’s harmonize our needs with those of our babies, and reject approaches that make us and babies uncomfortable. Safe, healthy infant sleep is critical to brain development and lifelong health.

Author Ball has written a science-based, empathetic book for parents of newborns who are trying to maintain a sleep routine. Her book combines cutting-edge science, anthropological insight, and practical advice. She describes the evolutionary reasons for how babies sleep, how cultural context influences our perceptions of baby sleep and professional advice, and clearly shows how families can understand their children’s individual sleep patterns and requirements, relax, and enjoy their babies who then receive the rest they need.

Dr. Ball is Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre. She pioneered the translation of academic research on infant sleep into evidence for use by parents and healthcare staff via BASIS – the Baby Sleep Information Source website. Durham University was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Ball’s research and outreach on parent-infant sleep. It’s clear, it’s hopeful, it’s a comforting survival guide, and it’s 5 stars from me 📚👩🏼‍🦳#babysleep #helenlball #howbabiessleep