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Summary: Needs more info on babies!
Review: I'm sorry, I expected more from the Sears couple. It says 'The Baby Book', but it focuses more on toddlers I think. Very little information for babies in there. I wanted them to tell me how much of solid food to give to my baby, I think they gave like a teeny little paragraph on what was safe. VERY little weaning info, as they are all for nursing your child through college. Don't get me wrong, I am having a grand nursing experience with my daughter, but some people cannot wait until a child naturally weans unfortunately, and they don't really want to tell you that. Had I known how big they were with sleeping and nursing with your child, I probably would've opted for another book...
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Summary: Best guide for your first year of parenting!!
Review: I purchased this book when my baby was 3 weeks old. I wish that I bought it sooner. It answered every one of my questions and helped me to follow my intuition in nuturing my baby in a loving and responsive way. The health and baby care information was also very helpful. I still get this book out about once a month to look at info. on the new stages of dev. that my toddler is entering. Every first time parent should get this book, a definite must have!!!!!
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Summary: Great book
Review: This book is a must have for any new (or not so new) parent.
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Summary: The natural way to raise a baby
Review: In today's world we need ideas to raise children who are compassionate, caring and connected. The ideas in this book will help you raise a child like this. The best part is that it is all common sense and feels natural and right. Often times we are swayed by the advice of others against doing those things that feel right to us. Dr. Sears gives you "permission" to follow your own mind and do things your way. The book has good advice on nearly every topic that comes up. I'd also recommend The No-Cry Sleep Solution and The Continuum Concept.
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Summary: Is Sears from this century?
Review: I found this book to be the wosrt child-rearing book I have ever read. While preparing for the arrival of my twins I have read extensively to provide myself with as much knowledge about how to raise a child. I found this book to be irresponsible and insulting. I personally questioned quite a few of Dr. Sears recommendations in this book and in fact became appalled by some of his tone. In one instance he tries to back up his reasoning behind breastfeeding by claiming " breastfeeding is good discipline"..." "The mutual sensitivity that both members of the brestfeeding pair have for each other helps both behave better." Does he believe a mother needs to be trained to behave better? He promotes sharing the bed with your newborn. Medical studies have repeatedly warned against this, as the incidence of SIDs increases. I felt that Dr. Sears had a very specific agenda with out much scientifc research. If you have heard about this book from someone borrow it and read a few chapters first. Dr. Sears dogmatic and unrealistic philosophies may be very different from your beliefs and most likely against your own commom sense.
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Summary: It seems everyone either loves it or hates it!
Review: I urge everyone to get this book. I love it. It has been my "Bible" for both of my girls age 3.5yrs and 8 months. The medical advice in the book is very detailed and helpful (this goes along with Sear's philosophy to inform parents and let them make their own decisions). The parenting advice is all geared towards "attachment parenting". Dr. Sears qualifies all of his parenting advice with "do what ultimately works for your family". These people who keep posting these threatening horror stories about why you shouldn't buy this book just don't make any sense. A baby book or a parenting style will not ruin your marriage. Some children will be "clingy" no matter what parenting style you use. What I like about Sears is that he urges you not to view dependancy as a stage and work with your child until they outgrow it. His approach is very sensitive to seeing each child as an individual. If you are looking for a baby book with a gentle touch and respect for children as human beings (and not as parental property) then this is the book for you.
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Summary: One of my favorite gifts to give to expectant parents!
Review: The first two weeks after my son's birth, this book was my constant companion. It answered questions when I didn't know what to do, and reassured me that I was right when I did know! The Sears' are supportive and positive and clearly love children. This is the first book I go to now, 19 months later, when my son isn't feeling well, or for developmental advice. A great addition to any parent's library.
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Summary: Wise advice
Review: The Sears' book is excellent. It provides a new parent with tools that every parent needs. It is especially helpful to first time parents.
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Summary: He stresses following your own instincts!
Review: Dr. and Martha Sears are wonderful and I am so thankful for their books! Definitely not popular culture's take on raising children, but a very valuable alternative to the convenience parenting tomes of today. While he urges mothers to follow their own instincts, and notes that there is not a one size fits all approach to childrearing, his suggestions and tips that are based on raising his own eight children are life saving! Buy this book if nothing else!
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Summary: Sears are truthful
Review: Dr. Sears and his wife are always so truthful and helpful. We get many examples out of each book written as great wisdom is shared. Many parents may not agree with the time consuming suggestions. We often are way too busy to go through the parenting plan that's best for our children and want the fastest and easiest way out. Just try to do it first as the Sears suggest and then make the comments. The book is very much like Your Baby and Child by Penelope Leach. Many of the same thought patterns are explained and charted. Children are what we make them. If we don't take the time to encourage self love and kindness, they will feel bad about themselves as well as the world. I have seen this over and over in families that are so busy, they don't take the time for their infants and toddlers. I'm extrememly happy Dr. Sears says quite a bit about the fathers in the household and the important role they play. This is also very clear in a book I used and am still using for my children and myself, Mommy-CEO, Revised Edition, by Jodie Lynn. Lynn and Sears say children must come first, take out time for yourself, but be very strong in building a family life together with your husband. There are very few other books who promote this type of family ties and suggest that to keep your family together as a team will ensure a highly successful endeavor for everyone. Both authors also comment on how putting yourself in the place of other members in the household can benefit each individual, including babies through teens. Jodie Lynn doesn't offer a lot for infants, but for toddlers through teens, it's a handy simple to read book with tons of things I wished I'd read when my first baby was still small. Both books prepare you for the toddler years by keeping the focus on the young child. All together, the three authors highlight major road blocks that can and will happen. They help parents to see that when it's all said and done, a truly happy and healthy family is one where time and patience is of true virtue for a successful life with kids.
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