Gina Ford

Gina Ford is a name that most first time parents will hear at least once.  She is the leading and most controversial British author of parenting methods.  Known as the ‘Queen of routine’ Ford advocates an approach that you will either love or hate.  

It is her belief that children need rigid routines for meals, play and sleep time and she outlines precisely how you can do just that in the baby and parenting books listed below.   Her books offer no nonsense approaches to putting your baby on a strict routine as soon as they are born. 

Parents are rushing in their droves to purchase her books which outline a precise plan to parenting. Her first book written in 1999 ‘The Contented Little Baby Book’ continues to be the best selling parenting book in the UK and has sold nearly a million copies.  It seems that her methods are a lifestyle choice for a large number of families.

On page 27 of 'The New Contented Little Baby Book' Ford notes: 
'I personally believe that the majority of babies thrive and are happier in a routine. But I certainly realise and respect that following a routine is not a choice for all parents. There is already so much advice out there for 'baby-led parenting'; therefore the advice I give in my books is for those parents who believe that they and their baby will be happier in a routine.'

Not all parents however, agree with Ms. Ford’s approaches to babies and toddlers being on strict routines, and the use of controlled crying to deal with sleep issues. This is a topic of hot debate on many parenting boards.  One board in particular, which is used by 250,000 mothers, was threatened to be shut down in 2006 after Gina Ford took them to court for what she deemed to be personal attacks and for criticising her methods.

The New Contented Little Baby Book
The 2006 revised edition of The Contented Little Baby Book.

This book is a step by step guide on how to place your baby into a routine for eating, playing and sleeping.  It literally tells you what you should be doing at 7:00 and 12:00 etc. 

Gina Ford's no nonsense approach to babies sleep is based on establishing a strict structure and routine for feeding and sleeping from day one.  It suggests baby’s need to be left to cry for timed intervals so they can learn to sleep on their own.  A program that Ford suggests needs to be followed to the letter to ensure a good nights sleep. Written with Paul Sacher
 

Books for Babies By Gina Ford

Gina Ford Lullabies for Contented Little Babies Board Book, CD
A book of lullabies and rhymes for baby with a CD.

The following books feature Ella and Tom and are a first book for baby.

On The Farm:  A Touch and Feel Book
 
Sleepy Time:  A Lift the Flap Book
 
Going on a Picnic:  A Lift the Flap Book
 
Let’s Play:  A Touchy  Feely Board Book
 

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