Book Review - Three In A Bed by Deborah Jackson

It was six months before Beth came in to bed with us. For all our diverse views regarding our children and health issues, on the matter of co-sleeping we were both pretty much influenced by the orthodox thinking, convinced of the dangers. Ours would be the sharp intake of breath, the incredulous shake of the head, when we heard of anyone sleeping with their baby.I don't know what caused me to pick up Three In A Bed by Deborah Jackson - curiosity possibly - but I found a book that was warm, tender and compassionate, and extremely compelling. All the concerns were addressed and answered with understanding and empathy.It is full of reports from other countries and cultures - thought-provoking evidence from countries whose children give signs of being more calm and peaceable, and less prone to violence and angry outbursts, generally appearing to be more secure and content; there are refutations of particular studies and arguments; alternative views are offered along with calming personal experiences.I brought the book home with me from the library, and Beth was in bed with us that night, and from then on. Things are progressing pretty much as Jackson suggested: Beth is now in her own small bed beside ours - she has occasionally gone to sleep after us - and she talks about going in to her own bedroom when it is ready.When we have more children they will be in with us from the start. We'll handle any expected jealousy issues as they arise, and I'm sure there will be times when we are four in a bed!It is curiously comforting being head-butted into a three inch strip down the edge of the bed, or being woken up at four in the morning by baby feet tap-dancing on your head - although it is ironic that after choosing this path, the girl would merrily force us both out of the bed by stretching herself out sideways, and then she'd contentedly sleep til noonday! seuss book collection sets cat hat