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Well, Hallelujah, and here’s to a moment of clarity in the parenting world. Two of the leading voices on opposite ends of the parenting spectrum are moving toward the middle. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a new era that is less judgmental and critical of mothers choosing any one path.

Thursday’s NYT (“And Baby Makes Three in One Bed” by Amy Harmon) reports that Dr. Richard Ferber has revised his bestselling “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems” (known for its advocacy of the cry it out sleep technique) to allow that his method may not work for all babies and that healthy sleeping patterns can include co-sleeping.

Meanwhile, Dr. William Sears, whose attachment parenting methods influenced a generation of parents (including both of us) to try to be with their babies practically 24/7 by co-sleeping and babywearing, has also come out saying that his earlier books placed too much emphasis on a baby-centric approach. He says of his new book, “What your baby needs is a happy, rested mother.” Amen. Do it however you can.

--Melanie and Kelly