The baby Wise series is amazing, I followed the guidelines laid out in this ...
937235
The baby Wise series is amazing, I followed the guidelines laid out in this book for both of my girls.  My first child slept through the night (6 hours) at 6 weeks of age, and my second child slept for 8 hours straight at five weeks of age.  Momma got some good rest as well! I breast fed both of my babies as well and had no problems, either for me or the baby!
1719140
I love this book. I do not understand anyone who doesn't want their child to have healthy long sleep and who doesn't want to sleep themselves.  I am a huge supporter of this method. I am 23, single mom, and a professional in real estate. I needed sleep.  I did co sleeping and nursing on demand for the first month, then I decided time to get on a schedule.  By 11 weeks, sleeps through the night. He's now 5 months old. he's the happiest baby. He's well fed, and if he does wake up now I know it's a legitimate need or he's really hungry. He wakes up in the morning and talks to himself and plays with his feet for a while and then I go get him.  He cries for maybe 5 or 6 minutes before bed and then passes out.  This book was recommended to me by 4 of my girlfriends, 4! And each one of them swore by it, just as I do.  If you want to be an exhausted parent and have a baby who wakes up all night, then don't read it, if you want predictability, order in your life and still want to be a very nurturing attentive parent, in my case, even a breastfeeding into toddlerhood- parent, then you can read this and be SO thankful you did.  I would be lost without the scheduling/ eat, play, sleep method. Thank god for babywise.  ONE MORE THING- I should say, I agree with a lot about attachment parenting, while I do not practice, I see the good points, and I agree with some of the opposite types of parenting, not everything in this book was something I wanted to do, so I didn't.  I adjusted the principles to my own life, my own son.  It's just really irritating when people bitch about books, and I wonder "dont you have a mind of your own, don't you know that anything is negotiable and ultimately it's up to you to modify plans for your own child?!"  Anyway, don't get hung up, try it, give it a shot and then modify away...
1148682
I wish someone bough this for me as a gift, but i bought it for myself while in the hospital. The lactation consultant recommended it.  My baby doesn't get fussy too often, but when she does i just employ these tricks and she calms down in seconds.  You only need to watch it once or twice, but then give it to the grandparents to watch, the babysitters, or anyone else with a new baby.  The techniques work and I'm so glad i had the knowledge before my baby got to be too much to handle.  She usually sleeps at least one 5 hour stretch at night, and another 4-5 hour stretch after the feeding.  She's breastfed and only 3 weeks old!
3445362
This book, although huge, is very organized.  It's logically in order for a pregnant mother to read, with soothing comfort about how your body is actually working to prepare to breastfeed during your pregnancy.  It contains informed consent about options for during your birth.  There are chapters split up dealing with specific ages of babies and what you can expect and tips for dealing with these times.  The entire book has an empathetic tone of encouragement and empowerment.  All of the issues are indexed in the back of the book so it would make for a great reference for any nursing mother to have on hand.
I consider myself to know more than most women do about breastfeeding.  I read many books while struggling very much to breastfeed my baby, saw several pediatricians and a few IBCLC's, and eventually it all worked out and now my nursling is 2.  I've provided breastfeeding mentorship for over a year, and I participate in several breastfeeding groups.  I wish this book had existed 2 years ago, as it would have answered a lot quickly for me.  It's as though the authors took the very best tips from many different knowledgeable experts in the field, and combined them all into this one masterpiece.  For those of us who love to read even more detail, the many scientific references are in the back of the book.  Also, as you read along in the book, other books are listed if you want to read more about specific topics.  I checked out probably 20 baby books from my library, but only found a couple that I liked and felt right for my own family.  It was great to see only the best books recommended in this masterpiece.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is filled with the most current science about breastfeeding - how if your baby is exposed to a virus even while away from you, at your next feeding the baby's saliva communicates with your body to make the antibodies the baby needs and send it through your milk.  How the actual act of nursing physically helps to develop the baby's jaw and palate and make more room for teeth.  How using pacifiers does NOT reduce the risk of SIDS.  How you do not need to give baby special "baby foods" when you start solids, but can take a relaxed healthy approach and offer the foods your family eats.  It has tips on how to get better sleep, how to lovingly set boundaries with your baby, and support for standing up to attacks from others.
Like the La Leche Meetings (mother-to-mother breastfeeding support group) that I've attended, this book had a very "take what works for you, and leave the rest" type of warm and accepting attitude.  Filled with encouragement to trust your own mothering instincts, with advice that you know your baby best, this book will be a great confidence boost to many mothers.
There are beautiful illustrations throughout the book.  Also helpful pictures of latching, positions, how to counter-pressure (I sure could have used that in the early days!), laid-back breastfeeding, etc.  I also enjoyed reading that the book was written with breastfeeding normative language.
This book is absolutely amazing.  Inspiring.  Sprinkled with great little anecdotes.  Make sure you get the 8th edition - the newest version, as it's a complete rewrite from previous editions.  In the back, they have "tear-off" reference sheets - summations of some important and useful sections.  Such as milk storage guidelines to post on your fridge, a handout for your daycare about handling your milk, even a handout for the grandparents that made me laugh but was exactly what I could/would have used!
Thank you to the authors.  I'm amazed and impressed.
419872
I love the way Karen wrote this book. The content and layout are excellent. The bible verses are awesome in how they relate to the FlyLady baby steps. The "Today's Prayer" prayers set a guide for each baby step.  I like that there is space to put down my thoughts. I also love reading Karen guide me through and it is helping me reaffirm my baby steps.  When I read the first chapter, I went and shined my sink. But this time, I took more care than I had before. It meant more.  Karen's love for God and helping people shines through in this book.

Note: This review is for the hardcopy book.
639238
As a mom I found this entire series very helpful. It gives you a road map to get through this year & realize that perhaps traits in your child you'd prefer to see change, will, in fact, change as early as next year. I had one child who is an adopted Mayan Indian, and her development unfolded just like the US kids studied to do the books. As a family attorney, sometimes a parent will report the child coming home all the time saying they don't get fed at the other parent's house. I get out my book to see whether the child is in one of those years where they're ravenously hungry all the time and constantly say they didn't get fed, or whether perhaps there is a real issue. I wish other attorneys and court-related experts were familiar with the developmental issues addressed in this series.
4543718
I love Dr. Sears and I love this book. It is my baby bible! He gives great advise for people who want to truly parent.

His advise is a lot of hard work and it is not for someone who doesn't have the time or desire to be a good parent. Let's face the truth, it is not for mainstream America. If you want your baby to fit your life this is not the book for you. This book is for people who cherish their children and don't want the same old "cry it out" advise.

Be a proud attached breastfeeding co-sleeping Sears parent!!!
2907981
I agree with Meggan. I've  been using baby wise with my 4 mth old since he was born. It's been a life saver! My child was sleeping through the night by 7 wks. old. He never fusses and he does not cry himself to sleep. I lay him down when it is time for bed and he falls to sleep w/ in 2 minutes without crying. He wakes up smiling and happy! Everyone who has had children are amazed at what a wonderful disposition he has and how much energy as a new mom i have! Like Meggan said, this book is a guideline. When my son isn't feeling well i know it b/c he does not act like himself. Therefore, i throw the rule book out the window and i take care of my baby. You must have common sense to raise a child and therefore, common sense must also be used when reading this or any other child parenting book. I myself will use this child raising method or all of my other children. Also, friends who i've reccommended this book to, call me weeks later thinking me for saving them. Parenting is not about right or wrong. I do not judge people for how they choose to raise their child. However, this certainly makes raising a baby lots of fun. And, best of all! My husband and i don't feel as though we're missing out on time with eachother! We sleep in the same bed and we have lots of quality time with eachother that most new parents don't have.
4358620
I would highly recommend reading this and another book called BabyWise. Our 8 month old was not sleeping through the night and only taking one 10-minute nap everyday. Now he sleeps though the night for 10 hours and takes two 4-hour naps!! The philosophies in these two books have absolutely changed our life!!  I thought my baby was too old for this and that we missed the window, but I'd say you can start at any time (but of course the sooner the better).  Seriously, buy this book and read it cover to cover or use it as a resource guide for specific problems you're having. It covers all sorts of topics that come up from birth through toddlerhood.
1373720
I was really pleased with the purchase of Bsbywise. This clearly outlined how to easily put your baby on a schedule with feedings and sleep periods. The book never says to let your baby cry like some believe. The author clearly stated numerous times, "if your baby is hungry, feed him!" I already started implementing pdf strategies with my newborn and I'm seeing amazing results. My 4 week old is already on a great sleeping and feeding schedule!! I'm impressed! My baby is able to get adequate sleep times on 3 hour schedule- sleeping through 2 1/2 hours consistently during the day and night.
4408213
I just happened to pick this book up off the shelf at the store one day and decided to buy it after flipping through a couple of the pages and I am so glad I did. What I realized after reading it was that having a baby had totally disrupted my life's routine and the upheaval was making me feel that not only did I have no idea what I was doing, but what I was doing was all wrong and going to irreversibly damage my child and there was nothing I could do about it.

This book (and the original Baby Whisperer book) put me back in control of my life and my household. By setting up a routine that everyone could live by, I managed to get some time back for myself. I began to understand what my son needed from me and how to meet those needs in a way that wasn't going to require me to be a total self-sacrificing saint. My son was falling asleep on his own, sleeping through the night, having regular 1.5 to 2 hour naps, eating solids like a pro...a dream come true. An added side benefit was that I became a pretty confident parent and was able to stand up to well-meaning grandparents who wanted me to raise my child the way they had raised theirs.

I still reference this book now that I'm on my second child and I've given it away as a gift so - heck yes I would recommend this book.
1430640
Why would you deliberately opt for an over-tired, sleep deprived & cranky baby and not follow this book from the beginning?  My own girlfriends who constantly compliment my little angel on her self reliance and positive demeanor -WHO GOT A COPY OF THE BOOK FROM ME- won't take the small effort to read or EVEN JUST REFERANCE THIS BOOK!  Dr. W does not claim to have cracked some code within babies.  He says all along he is merely tracking an existing route and charting it's course.  Given his credentials, and the immediate results from just a small sample of all this book has to offer, I wholly entrust my sacredly precious baby's sleep habits un to him!  Thank goodness we got this book from the beginning.  Being a new parent, information is constantly coming at you...  at first this book melded in with all the other information.  Then the part about a newborn being awake for no more than 2 hours at a time sounded soothingly surreal.  Especially since that continues for 4 months.  Our baby took right to it until right around 4 months (the next stage of sleep habits).  Our baby was totally text book and I think it's because we did it from jump.  To rest your newborn baby so completely is extremely gratifying.  Please every Mom- read this and give your baby the quality sleep they desire.
2036692
My children are 14 months apart and are now 3 1/2 and 27 months.  This book was just out right before my 2 year old was born.  My friends and I (19 children under age 4) all wish we had this when our first ones were born.  She does not judge you, she helps you.  The sleeping through the night recommendations are child and parent friendly (read 5 sleep researcher books in addition to this one).  The breast vs. bottle feeding combination actually works and the only place I have ever seen it.  No matter what get the page where it tells you what physical actions could indicate what conditions.  For example, pulling legs up to stomach and high pitched scream, check for gas!!!  Considering I have the un-grandma as my mother, I really needed this.  It was as if I had a wise old grandmother at my side.  Highly recommmend it.
2225966
I highly recommend all of the Sears books for parents.  Yes, Dr. Sears believes in a certain way of parenting, but this way of parenting ("attachment parenting") works and will help you raise healthy, happy, well-adjusted children.  I have yet to meet or read of anyone who used the Sears books who was not completely satisfied, even delighted, with the results.  Personally, I found The Baby Book to have nearly all of the information I needed on caring for my newborn.
True, What to Expect the First Year has some valuable information, but the parenting advice is abysmal at best.  It also has an agenda and does not include any supporting information (as Dr. Sears does).  BabyWise, on the other hand, is a terrible book.  My friends who have followed this advice have babies who range from very underweight to complete failure to thrive.  Their babies are also unhappy and I can't help but notice that they don't seem to know their babies very well.
Please, check out The Baby Book and the other Sears books.  They are wonderful and will give you and your baby a great start on a wonderful life together.
3318828
I have been using this booklet for the past few months.....it contains GREAT recommendations.  Its common sense and attempts to help the future parents from making purchases or registering for items that are a complete waste of money.  I recommend buying all three books together.....Expecting, Bargains, and the Baby 411 book.
3202423
To say that my parenting skills are rudimentary would probably be overestimating my own inventory, however with the help of Dr. Brown's baby 411, my 9- month old is a happy and healthy addition to my family. It's accuracy is uncanny with very defined info. as oppossed to the very vague info published in other baby books. Thanks, for all the parenting help.

Superdad
3499917
I used this book as a first-time mother 6 years ago and I recommend it to every friend who has a new baby.  I see some harsh reviews, especially from doctors.  But when I had a baby who was up constantly during the night and I asked my doctor what to do, she just told me this is "life" and it will get better.  My mother believed in on-demand feeding, and here I was thinking I was a bad mother because I was so unhappy and couldn't believe how hard the first few months were.  I really thought I wasn't cut out for this.  Then I found this book, and at first glance it seemed overwhelming with the schedules, etc.  But then I realized the fundamental premise - the first premise was, even in the first few months of life, it's important to give your child consistency and routine as much as you can.  The author was clear that the method might not work for everyone, and I did make adjustments to the suggested schedule.  But at least she taught me the fundamentals.  These doctors who gave negative reviews underestimate a mother's instinct.  It's remarkable how much a new mother inately knows about her child.  I can't imagine a well-meaning mother who would let her child cry out of hunger for very long just because a book told her to feed only a certain amount at a certain time.  The book is clear that your baby might require more than others.  It's the premises that she teaches that were so important to me.  Anyway, when you are consistent, your baby rewards you by being more predictable.  Then, if their behavior changes, like crying more often than usual, then you know something might be wrong.  if you feed your baby every time she cries, then you are assuming she's crying because she's hungry.  But what if something else is bothering her?  Following the author's teachings, my baby cried less and I was able to understand her cues better - beyond hunger.  The second premise is a mistake that I think a lot of new mothers make.  The author teaches us to think about the three meals a day plus 2 snacks in-between.  Even in infancy, we can begin to work our babies towards that routine.  A common mistake is when it's time to increase your baby's bottle ounces, to increase the nighttime ounces too.  Well this just makes your baby rely on those middle of the night feedings.  The book teaches you to increase the day time feeding while decreasing the nighttime feeding.  And try to work those daytime feedings into three big feedings and 2 small in-between.  The fascinating part is you might start with 6 or more bottles during the day, and by bringing 2 of those feedings closer together in time, you are actually working to combine 2 feedings into one, hence a regular meal at a regular meal time.  make sense, doesn't it? This is all her schedules are trying to communicate.  And the result?  By 3 months, your baby is getting the food she needs during the day and she's sleeping through the night.  My daughter slept through the night at 3 months and she's been a fantastic sleeper since.  I really believe in this book and have to say it made me a lot more "contented" as well.  Good luck to all you new moms out there.  And remember, if you get this book, learn the philosophy but do what your mother's instinct tells you.