The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Childs Sleep (Pantley)

"Thank goodness that a real life mom, who has a tremendous educational background finally wrote a book that a mom of 2 children under the age of 2 can relate too. With both of my children they were sleeping through the night by 7 weeks and we only deal with a few night wakenings a week. One piece of advice, some toddlers do remember everyday what the sleep fairy brings them. But if this is the hardest issue that we have to deal with during our sleep then I think we are doing great. Thank you Mrs. Pantley for realizing that you had such valuable insight as a mother to clearly and consising put into words how to help our children sleep. BZ of AL a mom of 2 precious sleeping angels. Thanks for your help!"
~ Written on 2008-07-18

"I can remember not that long ago sitting in my daughter's room in the middle of the night thinking I must be the only mum in the world whose baby didn't sleep. I was lucky to get three hours sleep on any given night, and never three hours in a row. But thanks to Elizabeth Pantley and her book "the no-cry sleep solution for toddlers and preschoolers" my little girl Milla has gone from a baby who breastfed 10 times a night to a gorgeous 18-month-old who sleeps between seven and ten hours straight!
Apart from being exhausted when Milla wasn't sleeping, I was miserable because of all the pressure being put on me to "do controlled crying" from extended family. One even said I was a "bad mother" for getting up at night for my girl and not teaching her to sleep by letting her "cry it out " for hours on end. Everything in my heart said controlled crying wasn't right for my Milla. She was a sensitive, gentle and caring girl who was very attached to her mummy. I loved my little girl too much to hear her cry because her mama wasn't there when she needed her.
After applying Pantley's gentle and practical tips, Milla is now sleeping peacefully - and knows that I am there for her when she needs me. I treasure every second with my little girl and am so glad I never abandoned her to cry. We have such a close and beautiful relationship. I feel like the luckiest mum in the world.
The first key point I learned from Pantley was that as long as Milla and I were getting enough sleep and we were happy - then we didn't have a problem - regardless of what anyone else thought. Milla now wakes once a night, between 5 and 6, and I give her early morning cuddles till get-up time. Controlled crying experts told me NEVER to cuddle my daughter back to sleep. I'm glad I ignored them because I treasure those mornings when I hold Milla in my arms and feel her soft breathing beside me. This is not a problem for us and a lovely start to our day.
Pantley's eight bedtime tips seemed rather simple and obvious at first - but once I put them into practice they actually worked. Milla no longer has a night light, has a long and quiet bedtime routine at the same time every night, no tv is allowed when Milla is in the room, she is now going to bed when her biological clock says is the right time for Milla (not what experts say) and while my husband calls me a "sleep Nazi", it works! And for those with sleep-log phobias, I still keep a meticulous sleep diary. It helps me notice subtle changes in Milla's sleep patterns as she grows older and her sleep needs change.
The final chapter in Pantley's book - Adult Sleep: Now It's Your Turn - was also a life saver. When Milla finally started sleeping well, I would lie awake for hours at night waiting for her to wake. I always tended to be a bit of an insomniac, and her tips for babies have actually also helped me!
I would strongly recommend this book to any mum who needs sleep and can't find it in her heart to do controlled crying. Pantley's approach might take a bit longer than controlled crying (though even controlled crying isn't guaranteed to fix sleep problems quickly and for life) but considering babies and toddlers grow up so quickly, it is worth the investment. My little girl goes to sleep with a sweet smile on her face, not tears!
Tanya from Australia.
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~ Written on 2008-06-26

"Great book for getting tips to help you toddler sleep plus other helpful tips about potty training and so forth. I would suggest getting the first book "The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Infants" before reading this book. "
~ Written on 2008-05-24

"I cannot give this book a high enough review. If you want a gentle (albeit slow and steady) approach to encouraging your child to sleep through the night this is the book for you. Many of the ideas Elizabeth Pantley describes in the book I have implemented for my 18 month old daughter and they have all worked beautifully. She was a nighttime nurser and cosleeper. She still sleeps in my bed but we no longer nurse at night. I am getting the sleep I need and it was done without any tears! I love the author's gentle philosophy, this book has been a true blessing to my family and I highly recommend it!"
~ Written on 2008-05-07

"Quoting reviewer Oleanna, 'Forty-four volunteer test families around the world, of varied configurations, read her (Pantley's) initial manuscript and followed Pantley's directions, reporting back to let her "peek into their naptime and bedtime routines, problems and successes," and 245 families completed extensive sleep surveys.'

I was one of the *lucky* families that completed that extensive sleep survey--and it was indeed *very* involved--but what a wonderful opportunity to 'help' other parents! The survey recorded more than *just* sleep issues, and it's my understanding that parents from myriad parenting styles were surveyed. So, the book is a collection of differences delivered in a cohesive, concise manner.

Ms. Pantley is thorough, professional and incredibly friendly. I feel honored that my son, daughter, husband and I were a part of her 'data.' I cherish this book, not just because we were a minuscule part of her database, but because the information within the book is solid.

Thanks Ms. Pantley!
Cheers!"
~ Written on 2008-03-05