Co-sleeping, or family bed-sleeping, as it is sometimes known, is a maligned and misunderstood practice often secretly practiced by many new families desperate for a good night’s sleep. A recent UK survey found that 90% of new mothers admit to falling asleep with their baby in bed… at least once. Three in a Bed: The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Baby by Deborah Jackson offers a careful and comprehensive exploration of the facts and myths surrounding this practice that remains the norm in much of the world.

In addition to exploring the practice from historical and sociological points of view, it also looks at the more practical issues, such as how safe the practice is, how to maintain a sexual life, and when the child is ready to leave bed. Her chapter, Practically Speaking, offers great advice in a question-and-answer format. She answers basic questions like how important a bedtime routine is, what you and baby should wear, and how to go out without baby. She also tackles tougher topics like what happens when you have a second baby, what happens with twins, and what if your partner doesn’t like the idea.

This book is a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of this compelling topic. Ms. Jackson draws on, cites, and cites numerous scientific and sociological studies on the subject. Includes a complete appendix of footnotes and bibliography.

The drawbacks of this book are that it is not an easy read. The few illustrations are basic black and white drawings; whereas this theme could well have benefited from color illustrations or images as different positioning options. Although it uses quotes frequently, it doesn’t make effective use of tools like text boxes to extract and emphasize points.

As a result of its evidence-based approach and lack of readability, this book is not one that I recommend to all of my clients. But it is a reference tool that I recommend reading for all birth and infant professionals, as well as parents looking for more than a cursory look at this important topic.