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.

Did you Know?

Ford was born and bought up in the Scottish Borders and was raised by her mother.  She was an only child.  For 12 years she worked as a maternity nurse and worked with over 300 families where she developed her methods and approach to parenting.  She now has over 20 years of experience working with babies and toddlers.  She does not have any children. 

Here is a list of some books by Gina Ford

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. 

The Contented Little Baby Book of Weaning

The Contented Child’s Food Bible

The Contented Baby’s First Year:  A month-by-month guide to your baby’s development

Books for Babies 

On The Farm:  A Touch and Feel Book