Rating:  Summary: Valuable to me!!! Review: The author speaks to me as an elder to a youth. In other words, she takes the voice of an older, more experienced woman and describes her method of taking care of a baby, any little human being. I learned how to read my baby. She describes pratical views on feeding, sleeping, activity, scheduling, pacifiers, and taking care of yourself. Just as with other advice, take what you need and leave the rest. As a first time mom, I have little idea of how to take care of a baby with no guidence from my mother who has dementia and a mother in law far away. Therefore, I intend to take what I need from this book. Basically, it teaches you how to read YOUR baby, how to pay attention and in general, what the signs mean. To label this book as dangerous is exaggeration it. For instance, the author never says to NEVER let your baby sleep on your chest, just not ALWAYS! Hogg is not an extremist, who can be when it comes to babies? For a working mom, and those of us with no idea how to take care of a baby, this is a great book! However, don't make it the only book you read and take the advice of YOUR lactation consultant and doctor first. However, for all praticality's sake, this book and my lactation consultant were my best friends that first month!!!
Rating:  Summary: I Thought This Book Was Great! Review: I'm a first time mom who heard lots of stories and got a lot of advice from anyone and everyone but the best information I found about taking care of my baby on a daily basis was in this book. After my daughter arrived I had a hard time figuring out some of her 'moods.' I skipped naps so I could read this book and was able to determine why my baby behaved the way she did and what I could do to help make things better from meal time to nap and bed time, it was a great help to me!
Rating:  Summary: Avoid this book Review: I, unfortunately, received this book as a gift when my baby was born. I initially tried taking her advice and was frantic wondering what was wrong with my newborn who was not on a schedule. I consulted other books (written by American Academy of Pediatricians, Penelope Leach, and breastfeeding books authored by certified lactation specialists) and talked to family. I was comforted in discovering there is absolutely nothing wrong in a 1-2 week old newborn NOT being on a schedule (it is actually unrealistic). My son is now 10 weeks old and has settled into his own routine - without my prompting. Additonally I do have some time for myself - but that is not my main objective. Avoid this book entirely. Her information on breastfeeding is dangerous. If you feel that you want a reference book carefully review the author's credentials and trust your instincts.
Rating:  Summary: Was given this book as a gift-would never have bought it! Review: My well meaning mother sent me this book as a baby present (I am currently in the sixth month of my pregnancy)saying, "this is all the rage now...." It only took me a few pages to realize that the reason she identified with the philosophy of the book is that it certainly WAS "all the rage" maybe 40 years ago! I only read a few pages and put the book down-completely turned off by the author's attitude and approach. The only good idea that I noted (in my opinion) was her suggestion to talk to the infant as a person and explain things as you go along, but that seems to me a natural thing and more common sense than something I would need a book to tell me. After my intial experiance with this book, I skipped around the chapters and found nothing to change my first impression. I am glad I read books by more highly credentialed authors first before seeing this one as they gave me the perspective to pick up on the author's potentially harmful information. It is clear that she carved out a market for herself by playing on new parents fears.
Rating:  Summary: Stop Bashing Tracey Review: I think all of this Tracey bashing is not right. It's a fact of life that most mothers have to work when they get divorced, and nannying jobs are as basic as they come. She left her childern with their grandmother, who was the Original "Baby Whisperer."
Rating:  Summary: Buy this book only if.... Review: ...your child is a mere accessory to your fashion wardrobe and beautiful lifestyle. This book makes an extreme (almost hilariously so)excuse for first-time moms who "can't be bothered" being a mom. I was shocked to read some of the flippant recommendations on how to get your baby to sleep and eating "more regularly" (aka on a convenient schedule). The book is easy to read, but the info is pretty scary. Try another baby book, please, your kid will thank you.
Rating:  Summary: Grateful for E.A.S.Y. Review: It's simple, easy reading. I read it in one night, when my daughter was 3 months old and nowhere near sleeping thru the nite. The advice was clear and direct, but seemed too simple to make a difference. It never occurred to me that we didn't have an eating/sleeping schedule. Within 2 days, we were on a schedule, and I had a couple of hours for myself. Within 2 weeks, she was sleeping thru the nite, without being forced to 'cry it out'. It gives advice about treating your baby with respect during eatings and feeding (ie. giving her your undivided attention during meals, and not playing loud music or turning on bright lights while she's sleeping). Makes sense. The only problem I had with the book was a comment she wrote regarding expressing breastmilk exclusively. She states it can only be done for approximately 5 weeks before the supply dries up. I'm in my 5th month. She should stick to what she knows to be true.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent Reference for new parents Review: As a first time mother, I was very interested in hearing opinions on how to get my baby into a flexible routine. Not only does Tracy guide you through each step, she is also very thorough in explaining how to adapt the routine as your child's needs change. She proves that you can have time for yourself! This book should be on every new parents' list of reading materials, right next to "What to Expect When You're Expecting." It is very easy to read, and the layout of topics makes it a great reference material. I highly recommend this book to both new mothers and fathers.
Rating:  Summary: What a wonderful book!! Review: I am a mother of three sons, and I can honestly say that I wish this book would've been around when my youngest was born. Fortunately for me, my boys have all been "textbook" babies, but Tracey's advice is SO helpful. I was using Tracey's EASY plan without really realizing it, and it does work. I found her section on infant massaging very informative and helpful. I also really liked the format of the book. The narratives made for a more interesting read, and the small "tip" sections were an easy way to catch the really important stuff. I really enjoyed the book and read it cover to cover!!
Rating:  Summary: Great alternative to Ferber and Sears Review: Are you looking for a compassionate but practical way to put your baby to sleep in the crib? Well, this book discusses just how to do that. I struggled with how to put my son to sleep in his crib. I started with co-sleeping (Sears method),but after 3 months felt like there was not enough distinction between my son and needing personal privacy and space. Next, I tried the "traditional" Ferber method, but it didn't work and made me feel disconnected with my son. Ms. Hogg's approach is very middle of the road taking the best from both methods and making it work for those of us that don't fall into the two extremes. I also enjoyed her discussions of respect for a child, their personal space and practical tips. Ms. Hogg provided many wonderful composite examples to explain her ideas and to encourage you that you are not "the only one." I have to say the editing on the book was not as good as it should have been, but that is easily looked over with the wealth of useful information Ms. Hogg provides and the easy manner she conveys it. You can read it in pieces or all the way through. (I suggest reading the target problem area for you and then go back to the beginning and read it through.) As a new mom, I recommend this one to friends and family. I can't wait for her next book!
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