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The Good Sleeper: The Essential Guide to Sleep for Your Baby--and You
A refreshingly straightforward method for training infants to become great sleepers for life, inspired by clinical psychologist Janet Kennedy's popular psychotherapy practice, NYC Sleep Doctor
Cry it out or co-sleep? Bassinet or swing? White noise machine or Bach? How many hours anyway? For something so important, there's too much conflicting information about how best to get your baby to sleep through the night and nap successfully during the day. This book is a straightforward, no-nonsense answer to one of the biggest challenges new parents face when they welcome a brand new baby home. This book is written for exhausted parents, giving them immediate access to the information they need. Reassuring and easy to understand, Dr. Kennedy addresses head-on the fears and misinformation about the long-term effects of crying and takes a bold stand on controversial issues such as co-sleeping and attachment parenting. With polarizing figures and techniques dominating the marketplace―and spawning misinformation across the internet―Dr. Kennedy's methods and practices create an extensively researched and parent-tested approach to sleep training that takes both babies' and parents' needs into account to deliver good nights and days of sleep, and no small dose of peace of mind.
The Good Sleeper is a practical, empowering―and even entertaining―guide to help parents understand infant sleep. This research-based book will teach parents the basics of sleep science, determine how and when to intervene, and provide tools to solve even the most seemingly impossible sleep problems.
Cry it out or co-sleep? Bassinet or swing? White noise machine or Bach? How many hours anyway? For something so important, there's too much conflicting information about how best to get your baby to sleep through the night and nap successfully during the day. This book is a straightforward, no-nonsense answer to one of the biggest challenges new parents face when they welcome a brand new baby home. This book is written for exhausted parents, giving them immediate access to the information they need. Reassuring and easy to understand, Dr. Kennedy addresses head-on the fears and misinformation about the long-term effects of crying and takes a bold stand on controversial issues such as co-sleeping and attachment parenting. With polarizing figures and techniques dominating the marketplace―and spawning misinformation across the internet―Dr. Kennedy's methods and practices create an extensively researched and parent-tested approach to sleep training that takes both babies' and parents' needs into account to deliver good nights and days of sleep, and no small dose of peace of mind.
The Good Sleeper is a practical, empowering―and even entertaining―guide to help parents understand infant sleep. This research-based book will teach parents the basics of sleep science, determine how and when to intervene, and provide tools to solve even the most seemingly impossible sleep problems.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2015
About the author
Janet Krone Kennedy
2 books1 followerJanet Kennedy, Ph.D is a clinical psychologist who spent eight years at the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Medical Center where she developed the Sleep Disorders Treatment Program. She is the founder of the successful consultation and psychotherapy practice NYC Sleep Doctor, has been featured on CBS This Morning and has been quoted in Parents Magazine, NY Press, Redbook, and the Encyclopedia Britannica website. Dr. Kennedy lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 19, 2017
This is our favorite book about sleeping babies. It advises all naps, all the time - the adage that "sleep begets sleep" is currently in vogue. (Its primary champion is Marc Weissbluth, whose Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child I haven't read.) When your mother tells you to keep them awake during the day so they'll sleep better at night, says Kennedy, she is full of shit. You'll make him overtired, at which point his body will release adrenaline, thinking something is wrong, at which point he'll be beyond sleep, in the crying zone, and now you're fucked. That sounds familiar, oh parent, doesn't it? Yes, it does.
Instead, Kennedy recommends looking for signs that he's tired - "doing anything other than smiling delightedly at you" is close enough - and then setting up a careful series of Pavlovian triggers to make him fall asleep, after about 75-90 minutes during the day and then all night starting around 7 pm. This seems great, because then we can just go out to bars. Parenting is easy!
But if you're still having trouble, Kennedy also has this advice:
Instead, Kennedy recommends looking for signs that he's tired - "doing anything other than smiling delightedly at you" is close enough - and then setting up a careful series of Pavlovian triggers to make him fall asleep, after about 75-90 minutes during the day and then all night starting around 7 pm. This seems great, because then we can just go out to bars. Parenting is easy!
But if you're still having trouble, Kennedy also has this advice:
There will come a time when your baby is so stimulated by you that she can't easily fall asleep in your arms (and possibly in your presence). The time has come to put the baby down.The Old Yeller treatment sounds extreme, but I can see how it would permanently solve the problem. And Nathan's cutest days may be behind him anyway.
December 30, 2014
Janet Krone Kennedy's "The Good Sleeper: The Essential Guide to Sleep for Your Baby - and You" is a must-have for new parents. This guide gives practical advice and information regarding infant sleep patterns and how to 'train' them with the best interest of both the child and the parents in mind.
The book is easy to follow along with and understand. It is layed-out well and information is easy to find. This is better than resorting to the internet in search of answers, as there is so much conflicting information out there. Since Dr. Kennedy is a clinical psychologist who also developed a program for sleep disorders (as well as a mother herself), she is definitely a person one would rely on for accurate information on such topics. She presents information and advice in a straight-forward fashion and addresses numerous issues, from co-sleeping to noise.
One section I know many parents can benefit from is where Dr. Kennedy discusses bedtime routines and battles. I know of a family whose child is transitioning from a crib to a bed, so I will be loaning a copy of the book to them.
I would definitely recommend this guide to parents, especially new parents, to arm them for the battles ahead. Doesn't everyone need a good nights sleep after all? I won a copy of this book from Goodreads.com in exchange for a review.
The book is easy to follow along with and understand. It is layed-out well and information is easy to find. This is better than resorting to the internet in search of answers, as there is so much conflicting information out there. Since Dr. Kennedy is a clinical psychologist who also developed a program for sleep disorders (as well as a mother herself), she is definitely a person one would rely on for accurate information on such topics. She presents information and advice in a straight-forward fashion and addresses numerous issues, from co-sleeping to noise.
One section I know many parents can benefit from is where Dr. Kennedy discusses bedtime routines and battles. I know of a family whose child is transitioning from a crib to a bed, so I will be loaning a copy of the book to them.
I would definitely recommend this guide to parents, especially new parents, to arm them for the battles ahead. Doesn't everyone need a good nights sleep after all? I won a copy of this book from Goodreads.com in exchange for a review.
November 4, 2019
I'm recommending this to everyone I know having babies.
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February 9, 2020I’m not sure how to rate this because it was written well- easy to understand, nonjudgmental, practical advice- but I also don’t think I can do this method (which is basically classic cry it out). She seems pretty harsh about it but I guess you have to be when doing cry it out. I don’t know, when she talked about the vomiting aspect and the example of the kid who cried from 11pm-6am I was done. There’s just no way I could endure those scenarios. I did like her section about childcare and the way that she’s so straightforward and matter of fact. Also I feel like she takes a lot of the judgement off parents for wanting their kids to sleep through the night so they can sleep. She acknowledges that parents have needs too- shocker!! But a lot of baby books don’t. Anyway, I liked the book but probably won’t use this method with my son.
March 24, 2023
Probably the most helpful baby sleep book I’ve read.
April 15, 2019
Helpful!
February 24, 2015
saved me in my time of need. super readable and extremely comforting. THANK YOU SERENA.
March 16, 2023
Having taught many infants to sleep, and some toddlers who needed to be re-taught or who were late learners, this book is the bible to me. If parents or caregivers are only able to read one book about infant sleep, I would recommend this be it all the way. HOWEVER!! The author is not perfect. In one part of the book she makes space for the idea of sending a poor sleeper to an infant chiropractor. Absolutely insane advice; if I didn’t already know her methods to work so well this alone would partially discredit her to me. She also dedicates a whole chapter to why hiring a nanny is stupid. As a proud nanny, I just want to tell her that nobody is judging her for sending her kids to daycare, and she didn’t need to write a whole chapter defending her choice; we are all plenty sure it was the right decision for her family. Finally, I love her scientific takedown of so-called “attachment parenting,” truly the worst trend to hit the parenting world since earthenware baby bottles. Anyway, this book overall rocks except that one line about chiropractics. I just sharpied it out in my loaner copy. Yes I will be complicit in book censorship this one time.
July 1, 2023
Five stars forever and always. I first discovered this book in 2015 when I was pregnant with my first. I have since re-read this book for each subsequent baby (just had my fourth) and I have been applying these principles with each child with success. Each of my babies slept 12-13 hours (straight) between 8-12 weeks thanks to my use of strategies from this book. I have recommended this book to friends and family members and those who read the book and applied these principles have had great success. I do not recommend this book to those who are easily offended by mention of the cry-it-out method. I did not have to use cry-it-out, but the option is included in the book for those who need to use it. Thank you Dr. Janet Kennedy for this excellent resource!
October 13, 2023
I don’t want to brag, but if my baby were in a competition for worst sleeper in the world, he’d win.
I’ve probably read 5-10 books about baby sleep. I wanted to be sure about which sleep training method I choose. I feel this is a no BS book that is organized, isn’t too long, and has facts and research to back it up. I was hesitant because it’s from 2015 and I want the “latest and greatest” information. But sleep training started in the late 1800’s, and nothing has changed. I didn’t find anything in this book that is outdated compared to blogs and books I’ve read.
I recommend this book to any parent who wants to start the sleep training process.
I’ve probably read 5-10 books about baby sleep. I wanted to be sure about which sleep training method I choose. I feel this is a no BS book that is organized, isn’t too long, and has facts and research to back it up. I was hesitant because it’s from 2015 and I want the “latest and greatest” information. But sleep training started in the late 1800’s, and nothing has changed. I didn’t find anything in this book that is outdated compared to blogs and books I’ve read.
I recommend this book to any parent who wants to start the sleep training process.
March 15, 2022
Clear and easy-to-read guide to improving infant sleep with a focus on cry-it-out methods. The book acknowledges that every family has a different set of beliefs and circumstances, and there is no magic solution to sleep, but there are a series of steps that all families can take that can help to gradually (or quickly) improve the quality of sleep of their little one. I felt empowered and optimistic after reading this book because I have some new strategies to try, whether or not they will work!
June 29, 2017
When I read the sentence "Others get through multiple wakings before giving up and bringing the baby to bed at 2 or 4 or maybe 5 a.m" that described us exactly. The author very frankly explains that doing this actually encourages your baby to wake up more frequently. She has very practical advice and is straightforward in her approach. I enjoyed all the anecdotal stories throughout and her step by step of how to tackle better sleep for my baby.
November 30, 2022
I'm not particularly a fan of the cry it out method but my 8mth old baby is a nightmare at night, although I didn't let her cry it out for more than probably 2-5mins (and definitely didn't leave her full on crying) this book had so many great ideas and helpful tips and within 3 days my bub is sleeping through, the information about how much sleep baby needs, sample routines and tips for navigating other children etc were invaluable
August 15, 2023
Wonderful read and so encouraging to a new parent! I started reading this book when my son was first born as it moves through chapters by age (in weeks). Once he started sleeping well I actually forgot to finish the rest, but so glad I picked it back up and did! Fully support teaching our children to sleep well and in turn, it helps us parents sleep better too. So many good things from this book! Even learned a bit more about improving my own sleep hygiene as well.
May 21, 2019
I read this intermittently before and after my daughter was born. The book offers lots of helpful and reassuring advice. She debunks the crackpot “Dr.” Sears and his extremely woo-based approach to sleep training and parenting. She also takes a hardline stance on the dangers of co-sleeping, which is so important for all parents to understand.
January 16, 2020
I've been reading this book on-and-off since my daughter was born. Although we have been blessed with an excellent sleeper, this book has lots of science-based tips for developing baby's sleep rhythms.
It also reinforces the dangers of co-sleeping and promotes the safest sleep methods for infants.
It also reinforces the dangers of co-sleeping and promotes the safest sleep methods for infants.
March 3, 2020
This book had tons of specific small step strategies for easing your baby into independent sleeping based on their age and needs. It was a bit of information overload to read about the various stages at once, so I imagine it'll be helpful to re-visit as we encounter major milestones. It felt like a great starting point for me as a soon-to-be first time mom.
August 8, 2021
A straightforward guide to sleep training—in particular, using the cry-it-out method. Kennedy does include some slightly more gentle approaches as well. I’d like to read a sleep behavior book with an opposite perspective before deciding what to do for my own child, but this was rather convincing. I’d recommend it to anyone considering sleep training.
August 13, 2017
Yes! Our baby started sleeping so much better!!! We did extinction method and used tips from the book and it started helping right away and now he sleeps 11 hours straight and takes 2 naps about an hour in bed each time...
September 28, 2017
Great, flexible advice. I just wish the book was easier to dip into (her advice builds on previous chapters, so you really need to read cover to cover) and that there was more discussion of naps, separate from night sleep.
January 3, 2019
It's too long for what she was trying to say. I felt like she added a bunch of strategies for the sake of saying they were in the book, when really she believes extinction method is the only sure-fire one. Also for being written by a PhD there are way more anecdotal claims than research based.
April 21, 2020
A practical, no bullshit guide to the minefield of baby sleep. Well structured, which is helpful for cognitively impaired new parents .) What I missed is linking most of the recommendations to actual studies, as the book claims to be "extensively researched".
January 7, 2023
Wish I would have read earlier in my parenting journey! When at at six months my third kid was still waking every couple hours I knew we needed to do something. So grateful for this recommendation from a friend!
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June 30, 2019Cry-it-out method is clearly not my preference and to know that you have to read about it. Now it's done.
March 11, 2020
Didn't fully finish this one since the littles eventually started sleeping though the night, but it was a good, accessible read without being judgy.
February 12, 2021
Completely unrealistic.
March 3, 2017
This book contains information not only about sleep schedules and different sleep training methods, but also covers a wide variety of other topics from travel to Daylight Savings time to child care. Well worth the read!
July 3, 2016
Another tired book pushing the same old Ferber-method of sleep training; there's nothing new in this book! Let your baby cry for longer and longer periods of time until they fall asleep. Make sure their physical needs are met, and ignore their emotional ones (because apparently the emotional needs aren't important at nighttime). It's okay if they vomit from crying so hard; just clean it up and let them cry some more. Supposedly, they'll eventually learn to self-soothe. In reality, all they learn is that they can't trust you to come help when they need you in the middle of the night.
Neurologically, babies aren't capable of "self-soothing" until at least 4 or 5 years old, when their brains reach the level of development where they can do a better job of regulating their own emotions. Sleep training doesn't work in the long run, and it damages a parent's relationship with their baby. If you really want to learn how to help your baby sleep better, look up "The Gentle Sleep Book" by Sarah Ockwell-Smith; it has much better information about what normal baby sleep and how to help everyone feel more rested in a healthier way.
Neurologically, babies aren't capable of "self-soothing" until at least 4 or 5 years old, when their brains reach the level of development where they can do a better job of regulating their own emotions. Sleep training doesn't work in the long run, and it damages a parent's relationship with their baby. If you really want to learn how to help your baby sleep better, look up "The Gentle Sleep Book" by Sarah Ockwell-Smith; it has much better information about what normal baby sleep and how to help everyone feel more rested in a healthier way.
February 19, 2016
I really needed this book. My husband's co-worker handed it to him when our baby was born, but I didn't pick it up till 2 am when my baby was a month old and I realised I couldn't continue on 4 hrs interrupted sleep a night. The truth was I had ZERO knowledge about the complex world of baby sleep. I was drowning and this book was a life raft. The writing is clear and concise. The advice is straightforward. But what I value most is that although the author is very pro cry it out, she offers lots of alternatives to try and gives you lots of wiggle room to figure out what works for you. It was her compassionate, guilt free tone that really helped me. You know your baby best. Do the best you can. Not every night/nap will be perfect. Relax. 2 months later, is my baby a perfect sleeper? No. Did I choose to implement everything this book advised? No. We took what worked for us, and accepted that we can't control everything our baby does. And life is so much better.
March 11, 2015
I've read quite a few books on sleeping, and this one has so far been the best. Clear, concise, and to the point, it offers actual useable advise on getting your baby to sleep without laying on the guilt trips that other books resort to in order to convince you to follow their advice (You know, the "How dare you let your baby CIO?" and on the other hand the "How dare you let your baby go without adequate sleep because you won't CIO?"). Even if it doesn't help, at least I don't feel like a bad parent after reading this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews