Gina Ford is a name that often splits parents' opinions. For many, the Gina Ford method is considered controversial and too rigid for modern families, while others swear by it as a way of achieving what most parents dream of – a baby who sleeps through the night.
Fans say it is an efficient sleep training method and creates a more structured routine that brings a sense of control back into parenting. But to achieve this you’ll need a fair bit of willpower and self-discipline. Others argue that it goes against a lot of the advice of respected bodies such as the NHS and The Lullaby Trust. So, is it right for you?
What is the Gina Ford method?
The Gina Ford routine, outlined in her book The Contented Little Baby Book, is built around creating a structured routine for babies from birth. The method emphasises consistency and predictability through a strict schedule that regulates feeding, napping, and sleeping times.
At the heart of the Gina Ford method is the belief that babies thrive on routine and that teaching them to follow a predictable schedule early on leads to happier, more contented babies – and less stressed parents.
However, critics say that all babies are different and some aspects of the routine, for instance not making eye contact with your baby after 10pm and letting them cry for up to 10 minutes, are controversial.
Key principles of the Gina Ford method
Strict feeding and sleeping schedules:
The Gina Ford method suggests feeding babies at set intervals throughout the day, rather than on demand. This is aims to establish a consistent pattern so that babies learn when to expect their next feed and sleep, which helps regulate their body clocks.
Emphasis on daytime naps:
The method encourages structured nap times during the day to prevent overtiredness. Ford recommends waking a baby if they sleep longer than the prescribed time to preserve the evening routine.
Self-soothing techniques:
One of the more controversial aspects of the Gina Ford sleep training encourages parents to teach babies to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. This approach often involves letting babies cry for short periods, although Ford maintains that her method is not synonymous with harsh “cry-it-out” techniques.
No feeding at night (after a certain age):
Ford suggests gradually reducing night feeds and eliminating them altogether by a certain age, promoting the goal of a full night’s sleep as early as possible.
Is the Gina Ford method right for your family?
Like any parenting approach, the Gina Ford Method isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It can work for families who value structure and predictability but may feel overly restrictive for parents who prefer a more flexible, baby-led approach.
Pros:
For many parents, Gina Ford’s method offers a much-needed sense of control and predictability during a chaotic and exhausting phase. Some of the biggest benefits include:
Better sleep for baby and parents: A structured sleep schedule can result in babies sleeping through the night earlier
Reduced anxiety: Knowing when their baby will eat, sleep, and wake helps many parents feel more in control.
Happier, more content babies: Advocates of the method claim that well-rested babies are generally happier and more settled during the day.
Cons:
While some parents swear by the Gina Ford method, it's not without controversy. Critics argue that the method’s rigidity can be unrealistic and stressful, particularly for new mothers who may already feel overwhelmed.
Too rigid for some families: Many parents find it difficult to stick to such a strict schedule, especially if they have older children or unpredictable daily routines.
Pressure on breastfeeding mothers: Scheduled feeding times can sometimes interfere with establishing a good milk supply, which is often best supported by responsive, on-demand feeding.
Emotional stress: Some parents find it emotionally challenging to let their babies cry, even for short periods, which the method occasionally recommends.
Why is Gina Ford controversial?
Since the release of her book in 1999, Gina Ford's methods have caused a division between parents. While many parents credit the strict schedule with helping them navigate the chaos of the early months of parenting, others argue that parts of Ford's advice goes against current thinking.
For example, Ford believes in a structured daytime feeding pattern while many midwives recommend responsive feeding and the NHS guidance on breastfeeding states that it's fine to feed your baby whenever they are hungry. Ford's original book also says that babies should be put down to sleep in a separate room as soon as they're born while both the NHS and The Lullaby Trust recommend that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months due to the risk of SIDS.
Whether you want to explore the Gina Ford method or follow the latest advice from other parenting books, remember there’s no “perfect” way to parent. Whether you choose to follow a strict routine or take a more relaxed approach, the goal is the same: a happy, healthy baby and a well-rested family.
About the author
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.