The Contented Little Baby series by Gina Ford

I am often asked by friends and patrons at our libraries in Randwick if I can recommend parenting books. I must confess that I was a parenting book-a-holic when I was pregnant with my son, Dan. Being used to my life being ordered and in control I believed that there was a book out there that would create harmony and contentment for my impending arrival of joy. 

I am not sure where I found the time to read after Dan was born – between feeds, nappies, sleeps, non sleeps, upchucks and so on. A super organised friend (who now has two nannies) recommended Gina Ford’s Contented Little Baby Book. She assured me it was the answer to my son’s (or my?) every problem. After all, her little darling turned into a super angel after she followed Gina’s advice. Needless to say, my son was not interested in Gina philosophies. As he obviously was not yet of a reading age (although he was showing signs of genius – of course), he did not understand when Gina said, “Babies who are settled into gentle routines are happy and contented because their needs for food and sleep are appropriately met.” I MUST BE A BAD MOTHER!!!!!!!

Seven years on, Dan is a healthy, happy and contended little genius. He sleeps well, eats well and is great fun to have around. I am a working mother- I thrive on organisation and control. Gina Ford’s book (and many others) try to help recreate that sense of control in a time of chaos and upheaval. I learnt a little too late that there really is no foolproof manual. Take each day as it comes – if something you read works for you, try it out. Listen to your gut and you will realise early on that, for many, being a good mother is one of the only lessons in life that you can’t learn from a book.

 

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