A perfectly behaved and contented baby Prince George was being closely watched by sleep-deprived mothers across the country during his tour Down Under, but his faultless conduct didn’t happen overnight.
His Royal Cuteness spent most of his time napping as his parents toured New Zealand and Australia, and we hear it’s because of the regimented routine – similar to that encouraged by controversial parenting expert Gina Ford – adopted by his mother.
Evidence suggests Catherine might have been helped by Gina’s oft-debated parenting techniques, which includes recognising the difference between hunger and tiredness – and so far it’s working like a charm!
The future king, once described by his father Prince William as “a little bit of a rascal” who “doesn’t want to sleep that much” can now sleep through the night, after Kate took Gina’s advice and weaned her hungry baby onto solids at five months, a month earlier than the normal recommendation.
When it comes to Prince George’s napping times, there are other hints the Duchess has turned to the former maternity nurse, who suggests that babies should have their longest daytime sleep after lunch from 12.30 to 2pm and should be bathed and in bed by 7pm in a completely blacked-out nursery to ensure they sleep through until 7am.
During the young royals’ visit to Australia, a volunteer at Taronga Zoo in Sydney revealed a visit scheduled for 1.30pm was put back until 2.35pm “because George was having his lunchtime sleep”.
Kate is also said to have told a zoo keeper that George “likes the dark”, suggesting he is used to going to sleep in pitch blackness.
While some parents praise Gina’s disciplined practices, which are highlighted in her The Contented Little Baby book, others say they are too unloving.
Parenting website Mumsnet has thousands of comments arguing her methods. The author has in the past even threatened the site with legal action after deeming some posts slanderous.
Kensington Palace declined to comment.
