The Sleep Book That Surprised Me – My Honest Thoughts on the Gina Ford Method
- nmsheikh92
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Let’s talk about baby sleep again — because wow, it’s a topic that just never ends, right?
When Aiden hit the 3-month sleep regression, I was at my wit’s end. He was waking frequently, I was running on fumes, and I was desperate for a bit of routine (and, you know, more than 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep). That’s when I came across The Complete Sleep Guide for Contented Babies and Toddlers by Gina Ford — and after hearing mixed opinions about the Gina Ford method, I decided to give it a go.
Now that I’ve read it, I’ve got thoughts — honest, balanced ones — and whether you’re already a Gina Ford fan or totally new to her style, I think this book definitely has some gems worth sharing.
What Is the Gina Ford Routine All About?
This book is part of the Contented Little Baby series, written by Gina Ford, a maternity nurse who became well-known for her structured, routine-based approach to parenting. In this sleep training book, she focuses specifically on helping babies and toddlers (and exhausted parents) get better sleep — by finding the right balance between feeding, sleeping, and awake time.
Gina’s core idea is that sleep issues can often be solved by creating a regular rhythm in your baby’s day. She lays out structured daily routines, practical sleep tips, and troubleshooting for common sleep challenges — from newborn through toddlerhood.
So, if you’ve been searching through lists of the best sleep training books and wondering if this one’s for you, keep reading!
Why I Picked Up This Sleep Training Book
I was in the thick of the 3-month regression, and after yet another 4am wake followed by a 5am party in the cot, I needed something — anything — that might help me understand what was happening and how to support Aiden through it.
A friend recommended this book as a more structured alternative to the flexible “follow baby’s cues” approach I’d been trying. I’ll admit, I’d heard that the Gina Ford routine was intense, but I was open to giving it a read and taking from it what I needed.
Spoiler alert: It actually ended up being a really useful read — even if I didn’t follow it to the letter.
What I Loved About the Gina Ford Method
1. It’s Fast, Clear, and Straight to the Point
This book doesn’t waffle. I found it easy to read — even in those tired, foggy moments when I barely had brainpower for Instagram captions, let alone chapters.
Gina breaks everything down clearly, with headings for each stage of baby and toddler sleep. The book covers newborn sleep, naps, regressions, toddler transitions, and more — but the best part is, you can skip to the sections that apply to you, making it even faster to read.
2. It Gave Me Nuggets of Gold (Even If I Didn’t Follow It All)
I’ll be honest — the Gina Ford routine is pretty rigid, especially when it comes to feed and nap timings. At the time, I found the idea of feeding at strict set times a bit daunting. I wasn’t following a structured feeding schedule and couldn’t imagine watching the clock that closely.
That said, I still took loads from the book. There were small changes I could make straight away, like being more mindful of awake windows, gently encouraging wind-down routines, and understanding how feeding and sleep impact each other. These little nuggets made a big difference during that tough phase.
And now that Aiden is older, I’m actually a bit more open to trying a schedule — especially for meal and nap times — which is something I plan to do after we’re back from our holiday!
3. A Great Reference Book to Keep Re-Reading
One thing I’ve found helpful is that this isn’t a “read once and forget it” kind of book. I keep it nearby and dip back into it during each new stage — because let’s be real, babies change fast.
Whether it’s transitioning from three naps to two, understanding overtiredness, or figuring out why Aiden suddenly fights bedtime, there’s almost always a section that covers what I need. That’s why I totally get why this is on so many best sleep training books lists — it’s something you’ll refer back to again and again.
What Could Be Better?
This wouldn’t be an honest review if I didn’t mention a few things that might not be for everyone.
It’s structured — very structured. If you like flexibility or follow more of a baby-led style, the Gina Ford method might feel overwhelming at first. The routines are quite detailed with specific timings.
It’s a bit intense for newborn days. I found it more useful around 3 months and beyond. Earlier than that, it felt a bit too soon to implement a routine that strict.
You won’t follow everything — and that’s okay. I didn’t, and I still found it helpful. The key is to take what works for you and leave the rest. This isn’t an all-or-nothing book.
Who This Sleep Book Is Best For
This book is great for parents who:
✔ Want a structured, routine-based approach to sleep✔ Are looking for practical, age-specific sleep advice✔ Love a clear plan and easy-to-skim layout✔ Are open to trying the Gina Ford routine, even if only in parts✔ Want a go-to sleep training book they can dip into again and again
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just want a bit of predictability back in your days, I think there’s definitely value in this guide — even if you’re not a strict schedule kind of parent.
Final Thoughts: Is It One of the Best Sleep Training Books?
In my opinion? Yes — as long as you go into it with an open mind.
I think the Gina Ford method offers structure and reassurance when you need it most. No, I didn’t follow everything, and I still won’t be watching the clock to the minute — but I’ve definitely taken helpful ideas that I now use daily.
Whether you’re building a routine from scratch or just want to improve naps and nights, this book is a great place to start — and revisit — as your baby grows.
Where to Buy the Gina Ford Sleep Guide
You can find The Complete Sleep Guide for Contented Babies and Toddlers by Gina Ford on Amazon. It’s usually under £10 and comes highly rated. If you’re looking to start building your own version of a routine, or just need sleep help that’s practical and clear, it’s worth having on your shelf.
Check our her other books below that are on my reading list!
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