How Babies Sleep

In a world where infant sleep is grossly misunderstood by parents and professionals, Professor Helen Ball is the most important voice we have to bring clarity. We must support infants to have safe and healthy sleep, because their brain development and lifelong health depends on it. – Greer Kirshenbaum * PhD, Neuroscientist, Doula, and author of The Nurture Revolution *In the confusing and contentious world of baby sleep, Professor Helen Ball offers evidence-based reason and sensibility. Thank goodness this book exists – it will be the reassuring companion all new parents rely on. – Jodi Wilson * postpartum doula and author of The Complete Guide to Postpartum *A must-read for new parents looking for data to back up what their intuition has been telling them about their baby. Compelling, reassuring, and empowering, it will change everything. – Tiffany Belanger * author of Cosleepy *A fascinating review of the science of infant sleep. This book will show you how to let go of your fears and get connected as a family. – Dr Herbert Renz-Polster * paediatrician, academic and author *In a clear explanation of the science, Helen Ball has provided information and reassurance so families can understand their children’s individual sleep patterns and requirements. This book will help parents truly relax and enjoy their babies while getting the rest they need. – Mary Francell * lactation consultant and writer ‘What Babies Need’ *How Babies Sleep fills me with hope for all the parents and babies who will be nurtured through the night by Helen Ball’s words. Cutting through the overwhelming world of baby sleep advice with science, insight, and compassion, this book offers parents the confidence to trust their instincts and rest easy, knowing their nighttime parenting is exactly what their baby needs. It’s a gift and a lifeline for families everywhere. – Tracy Gillett * Founder of Raised Good *Based on first-hand experience and decades of research, Helen has managed to write the book on infant sleep that will serve as both a guide and comfort blanket to weary new parents who are inundated by mixed messages about their baby’s sleep. Her empathy, wisdom, and ability to take something as complex as infant sleep and make it digestible is not only no small feat, but is exactly what today’s parents need and deserve to help them make the best sleep choices for their families. – Tracy Cassels * PhD, Founder of Evolutionary Parenting *

Helen L. Ball is Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre, Durham University. She pioneers the translation of academic research on infant sleep into evidence for use by parents and healthcare staff. She serves as Associate Editor of the journal Sleep Health, Chair of the Lullaby Trust Grants Committee, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board. In 2013 Helen received an award for Outstanding Impact in Society from the Economic and Social Research Council, and in 2018 Durham University was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for her research and outreach on parent-infant sleep.