Has all the advice you have received been a little daunting?

Would you like to hear from a South Australian doctor and father, who has written a book on the topic and offers sensible and practical advice?

Then the Nuriootpa Library information session with Dr Brian Symon, the author of baby sleep book Silent Nights, could be just what you need.

Silent Nights: Overcoming Sleep Problems in Babies and Children, provides a sensible, no-nonsense guide to how babies sleep and why they cry.

Dr Symon is an Adelaide general practitioner who has four children of his own.

As a GP he concentrates on treating the problems of families with a sleepless child.

Writing his book began by chance.

When his first son was born, being the doctor in the house, he began to give advice.

“It quickly became obvious that my medical expertise, which worked satisfactorily in the hospital, the operating theatre or casualty area, was sadly lacking at home,” Dr Symon said. “My wife had no hesitation in smiling at me lovingly, and completely ignoring everything I said.

“I had entered the learning curve.”

When originally written, the book was a guide for new parents and focused on the first few months of life.

But while much of what is written applies to newborn children, the oldest case mentioned is of a 10-year-old.

Dr Symon encourages parents to take pieces of advice from this book which fit with your life and your beliefs.

“I have written it for the average couple whom I see,” Dr Symon said. “This is not a scientific book, but hopefully a collection of useful hints.”

Bookings are essential for the Silent Nights information evening on Wednesday, August 12, from 7pm.

Phone the Library on 8563 8440 to secure your place.

Entry will be via gold coin donation and Dr Symon’s book and a CD-Rom will be available for purchase on the night.