How Babies Really Sleep — with Professor Helen Ball

The conversation doesn't have to end here.

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Sleep. It’s the thing every new parent craves — and the one thing that can feel completely out of reach. So how do babies really sleep, and what should we actually be doing about it?

In this episode of By Your Side, Katie is joined by world-renowned infant sleep researcher Professor Helen Ball for a myth-busting, reassuring conversation that blends science with real-life common sense.

Helen is Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Infancy and Sleep Centre at Durham University. With decades of research into how babies sleep (and how we sleep with them), she’s helped shape everything from NHS guidance to public attitudes on co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and safe sleep practices. She’s also the author of the brilliant new book How Babies Sleep — an essential, evidence-based guide for any parent navigating those sleepless nights.

Together, we explore:

• Why newborns sleep the way they do — and why it’s not a problem to solve

• How Western culture has shaped unrealistic expectations around infant sleep

• What safe sleep really looks like (it’s not one-size-fits-all)

• How to find an approach that works for your baby, and your family

Whether you’re up for the fifth feed of the night or simply wondering when sleep gets easier, this episode is full of grounded advice, practical takeaways, and the reassurance you didn’t know you needed.

🔗 Grab Helen’s book How Babies Sleep 

Find out more about Helen at:

www.durham.ac.uk/disc

www.basisonline.org.uk

https://www.howbabiessleep.com

and find free parenting resources, our course, and community at https://byyoursideapp.com/invitation?code=566EEB or via the episode notes.