By Your Side

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.

More Than a Massage: Building Bond Through Baby Touch

What if one of the simplest things you can do with your baby — gentle touch — is also one of the most powerful for their brain, body, and your bond?
In this first episode of By Your Side, Katie is joined by child development expert Dan Berman to explore the science and soul behind infant massage. With nearly two decades of experience in Early Years and new parent support, Dan brings a rare blend of warmth, insight, and evidence-based wisdom to the conversation.
Dan is the President Emeritus of the U.S. chapter of the International Association of Infant Massage, a Certified Educator in Infant Massage, and the founder of BABY STEP — a free resource hub for new parents and educators. He’s also Director of Development at Our Kids Read, a non-profit helping young children discover the joy of reading.
Together, we unpack:
How infant massage can support better sleep, bonding, and brain development
Why touch is a language your baby already understands
How dads and non-birthing partners can use massage to connect from day one
Why positive touch is a pillar of early intervention and secure attachment
This isn’t about perfect routines or ticking boxes — it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting touch do what it’s always done: connect us.
🔗 For free resources, our parenting course, and membership community, visit byyoursideapp.com or check the links in the episode description.
 
To stay in touch with Dan and see what he's doing:
Dan email:  dan.berman@infantmassageusa.org
Dan's LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/danberman1
BABY STEP:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/104231435
International Association of Infant Massage  www.iaim.net
Infant Massage USA:  www.infantmassageusa.org
Our Kids Read:  www.ourkidsread.org