Most of you know that, in real life, I’m making things up as I go along. Yes, we have a general parenting philosophy, but no, I don’t ever feel like I really know what I’m doing. Which is why I love parenting books that both fit my philosophy and also give me parenting tools—and that’s why I was thrilled to be offered a review copy of Elizabeth Pantley’s No-Cry Nap Solution.

Elizabeth Pantley is the author of several parenting books, including some of my favorites: The No-Cry Sleep Solution, The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers, and The No-Cry Discipline Solution. Her “No-Cry” method involves making gradual changes, so that your baby adjusts to a new routine over time. (Aha! So “live with it” or “let the baby cry” aren’t my only choices? Yay!)

The No-Cry Nap Solution is about helping kids fall asleep for naps, and has lots (and lots!) of ideas for dealing with common nap difficulties. Suggestions range from pretty easy (eg, get some sunshine in the morning) to complicated-but-helpful (eg, chart your baby’s sleep with a nap journal). Pantley also offers suggestions for implementing a “hush hour” for non-napping older children, and includes sections on handling less-common sleep issues, such as naps for twins, naps when vacationing, and naps for colicky babies.

I don’t imagine this book will magically turn your non-napper into a three-hour-nap wonder, but I do think it’s a great resource if you suspect your little one isn’t getting as much rest as she needs. My older kids—who just take a quiet rest—are already resting longer and more cooperatively, and are coming out of their quiet times more refreshed. And refreshed kiddos make for a happy mama.

Learn more about Elizabeth Pantley and The No-Cry Nap Solution. Or just head down to your local bookstore—I know mine has a tall stack of NCNS on a table right up front. Nice.