Healthy Living Books Books

Rating: - We regret applying the concepts of this book

We were given "The Baby Book" when our child was less than 3 months old. I read the whole thing and was convinced that attachment parenting was a great way to raise our son. I breastfed him around the clock, wore him in a sling, and never let him cry more than about 5 seconds before quickly doing whatever I could to get him to stop. I thought that by responding to him constantly, I would be cementing the bond between us and laying the foundation for a happy, healthy, well-disciplined child (because Dr. Sears writes that you will not have discipline problems if you are properly attached or bonded to your child).

Well, if I could turn back the clock I would do it all differently. Our son is now 15 months old and is still up several times a night, wanting to be fed or cuddled. He is in a very low percentile for weight, and my doctor explained that by demand feeding, he was always "snacking," not eating full meals, so he dropped right off the charts.

Behaviourally, he is demanding, disobedient (even in dangerous situations), and often outright defiant. I had no idea that these behaviours would turn up so soon. But the reason they have is because I did not set adequate boundaries for him right from birth. So now, he assumes the world revolves around his whims.

I don't think it is too late for him, but I have finally realized that it is going to take A LOT OF WORK to undo the terrible patterns I have allowed. While I appreciate some attachment parenting concepts, I think overall that it is a highly damaging approach to raising children, unless you are lucky to have naturally extremely compliant children. I didn't realize it, but we have taught our young son to be TOTALLY SELFISH and IMPATIENT--that mommy and daddy jump to attention at the slightest whimper, and that he can do pretty much anything he wants.

With my next child I will be using "The Baby Whisperer" in conjunction with "Baby Wise." I had to learn the hard way, but children actually thrive with routine and they love knowing their boundaries. This is how to help them feel secure in your loving home.

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Rating: - Good Reference Book from Attachment Parenting Perspective
I checked this book out of library when my first child was a baby. I now use AskDrSears.com website. This book is very comprehensive and a good reference book from attachment parenting perspective. I would also recommend to read about other perspectives.

If you need to go back to work then you may find that some ideas are not practical, but overall it is a good book. It talks a lot about breastfeeding, carrying your baby in a sling and co-sleeping. Sears don't tell you that you are a bad parent if you are not following all the ideas, they tell you to find what is best for your baby AND you. If it offends you or makes you feel guilty to hear a lot about attachment parenting, then this book may not be for you.

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Rating: - This is my baby bible
I spent so much time reading this book when I brought home my baby girl. It has so much useful information for new parents and it's written in a very simple, non-condescending way. I always have it near by to check on things like introducing new foods, signs of allergies, what to give baby when she's constipated. It's a really great resource.

I did find it lacking on information around sleep (maybe that's why they wrote a book on Sleep?). This book is pro attachment parenting. I love the philosophy and have tried my best to practice it but I realize now, that hardcore attachment parenting is probably most difficult for mothers who have to work - whether it be from home or outside of the home. Really think your plan through!!! It is suggested that moms should always nap with baby. If I had a maid or a cook, maybe I would indulge in this practice every day! What do mothers who have to leave their child at a daycare or with other family members do when it's time for putting baby to sleep? I can't see anyone but me curling up in bed to make sure my baby naps properly! I believe the book gives you the pros and cons of returning to work vs. staying at home with baby. I would love love love to stay home for the next 3 years but I have to get back to work to help keep the roof over our heads!

Otherwise, this book is amazing. I would highly recommend it as a very important resource for any new parent.

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Rating: - The only book you'll need
I had MANY baby books and eventually got rid of them all but this one. This book has everything you need to know, from a terrific developmental reference chart, to what to do if your baby wakes up with a huge swollen pink eye (very helpful index). My second baby was collicky, and again, this was the most helpful and reassuring book for me. This book cover's literally EVERYTHING. I think this book should be sent home with every new mother from the hospital.

BUY THIS BOOK!!

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Rating: - The Baby Bible
I recently took this book out of the library and I have to say, it is the most comprehensive book I have seen yet. There are so many relevant topics in this book and I can see myself using it for years to come. I will definetly go to the bookstore and buy this book so I can have it whenever I need it. Dr. Sears' writings on attachment parenting made complete sense to me. He often refers to his own family's challenges and successes, which makes for a relatable component in the book. There is so much information in this book, I reccomend it for any new parent. In addition, Dr. Sears' other books in his 'parenting library' are worth checking out as well.