Self-Help for Babies Sleep 101

Self-Help for Babies Sleep 101 written and illustrated by Beck and Matt Stanton (Harper Collins Publishers Australia & New Zealand) Hardback RRP $14.99 ISBN 978 0 733341151

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

The award-winning combination of husband and wife team, Beck and Matt Stanton from Sydney, have created two self-help books for parents of babies. Beck has a teaching background and is an acclaimed co-creator of picture books. Matt is a bestselling children’s author and illustrator who has sold over one million books. He also produces a daily YouTube show for kids. Beck and Matt are parents to three small humans under seven. They know that parenting babies is a whirlwind of both cuddles and chaos.

Self-Help for Babies Sleep 101 is the first book in this series. The book has all the appeal of a board book but the text is for adult parents. The humour is spot on and targeted at parents of babies. We all know that sleep becomes the number one priority for both new babies and parents. A tired baby is no fun and the book’s simple and clear message is that a baby’s own bed is the best place for the baby to sleep. Unless of course…

This clever board book with both pictures and words repeats that whenever possible get the baby to sleep in their own cot. The background easily changes from light blue, white or green to set the tone of the book. The simple black line drawings of the baby are both cute and filled with subtle messages. Matt perfectly depicts the emotions of a baby and parent with a few simple lines. I particularly like how each spread shows the positive and the negative on each side. For example: You sleep here. Not here.

As a desperate parent myself, I too have driven around in the car with a crying baby or tip toed around a baby that has fallen asleep on the floor. Often sleep is just a dream for sleep-deprived parents and babies. And this book picks up on what both parents and babies will do for sleep. It will make you laugh but also you may cry with relief to know that at times all babies will test their parents.

This hilarious book is a practical, yet fun gift for new parents anywhere. It is an ideal gift for a baby shower, gender reveal or for the arrival of a new precious baby. The second book in the series Self-Help for Babies Whine Guide is worth taking a peek at too. The simplicity of the advice makes this book a winner.