I had Dr Spock's book too - and I remember one of the things he said early on in it was something like to follow your own instincts as they were most likely to be right for you. He had some very sensible suggestions for the times when you were not sure what was the best thing to do.
As for the children in your bed thing, the norm in our house was that everyone had their own bed, where they were comfortable and happy. Sometimes little feet would patter in to us after a bad dream, or a frightening thought. We were always welcoming and reassuring and kept them with us until the memory had faded and they were getting sleepy, then we would ask if they were ready to go back yet. If they were, they would be carried back and tucked in, and slept soundly there. It was not often that anyone needed longer.
They mostly entertained themselves in the mornings. They could all read pretty young and had books beside the bed. Closed curtains kept out the dawn light, that helped.