Rating: 
Summary: Good book to peruse, but not useful over time
Review: This book certainly polarizes people! I found that though I enjoyed getting certain information, after one read-through I never looked at the book again. The problem was that so much of the book was used not to impart information but to serve as a soapbox for the Sears' philosophy. Their philosophy ("Attachment Parenting") carries in its very name a censorious tone toward those who don't abide by its principles. Though the Sears' are discreet enough not to name and discuss the alternative, "Detachment Parenting", clearly many people reviewing below feel that anyone who doesn't raise children by their views is an "escape parent". This includes working mothers, mothers who don't breast feed, mothers who don't sleep with their children, etc.It will be fun to look back in 25 or 30 years and see what has become of the "Attachment Parenting" fad. Will co-sleeping wane in popularity as parents tire of sleeping with twin 5 years olds and an 8 year old and word gets around on the difficulty of ever getting the children out of your bed? Will wearing babies in slings become as common as strollers are today? Clearly this topic arouses strong passions. But so many people think other parents don't care about their children if they don't parent them the same way. I have yet to talk to another parent who doesn't show great love and concern for her child, though we certainly all choose different paths in raising them. Parents (and especially mothers) do not need to be bashed for every decision they make. It is hard to admit that wonderful kids grow up in very screwy homes and weird and unpleasant kids grow up in nice stable loving homes. (But note below how many people take all the credit if their child is well-behaved! What paragon parents they are! The child was an empty vessel, I suppose.) And it is ahistorical nonsense to say that all the rest of the world sleeps in the same bed except the U.S., as does someone on 4/5/99. Actually the majority of the world (a slim majority) sleep in the same room, but a much smaller number of these sleep in the same bed. And let's see -- can we think of any reason many cultures tend to share the same room? How many rooms are in the average Chinese home? But even then most parents don't take their children into bed with them. Co-sleeping is often a sign of parental need, not children's need. "Attachment Parenting" is one option for raising secure, loved children, not the only option. And we should all beware of anyone using the word "natural" when it comes to motherhood, as the Sears book does throughout. In 17th century Paris, 90% of the babies were sent out of the city to live and be nursed, and were only returned to their parents when they'd grown out of toddlerhood. This was the norm, considered natural. In many cultures (could it be the same ones so roundly praised for sleeping together?) infanticide is common and always has been. How natural! I expected more medical information from this book and less proselytizing for a particular type of child rearing. For medical advice the AAP Guide to the First Five Years is great. And if you want to read an excellent book of child raising philosophy from a Dr. who has actually studied children over decades, and even notes if he ever makes a recommendation that he has not seen proven scientifically, read Dr. Burton White's New First Three Years of Life. At least you'll know it isn't all opinion and prejudice when you read his advice. (The Sears book is quite skimpy on back up for their opinions.) Of course, we all rely on instinct a lot, so for the people who already want to do what Dr. Sears recommends then this book is the reinforcement they are seeking. But when someone below refers to "Copout Parenting", it makes me think of parents who won't do anything that causes THEM discomfort. No wonder there are so many spoiled little lovies who think the world revolves around them. Discipline is painful for all involved and copout parents don't make the grade in that dept. no matter what their parenting philosophy.
Rating: 
Summary: Well written & comprehensive!!
Review: I love this book. The authors (husband & wife team) know their subject very well. The husband is a pediatrician and the wife is a nurse; they had 7 kids & adopted the 8th. They combined their medical expertise & child rearing experience. Excellent book. No need to read other baby books. Especially great for first time parents
Rating:
Summary: pro-baby yes, but anti-mom
Review: Clearly the authors love babies. They'll reassure you that co-sleeping is great, and that you shouldn't feel guilty about picking up your baby every time she cries. But their advice is unrealistic and guilt producing. First, how many people can take baby to work? Then, they give an example of how Mom Sears delays a feeding for a few minutes and guiltily endures baby's anger which lasts throughout the feeding, and learns her lesson--never make baby wait again! Bad, bad Mommy! The reality is, not all of us can immediately cater to every need of an infant at all times. If you conceive of an identity outside of being a mom, or if you ever have to balance baby's long-term needs (like having a roof over his head) against the short term ones (he doesn't want you to leave him and go to work) you will probably find Sears extremely guilt-inducing.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Reference in times of crisis!
Review: I am so glad that I own this book! I had a sick baby and had been to the Drs several times only for them to find nothing wrong... I used the book and looked up some of the symtoms that my six-month old was having and found the answers!!! I was so encouraged by the loving and intelligent approace of Dr. Sears (et all) - I would recommend this book to anyone with a child... even if it's just to have on hand for a "second" or "first" opinion!
Rating:
Summary: My main parenting resource
Review: This book has seen me through three babies. Dr. Sears is so validating to people who parent from the heart. He is thoughful and intelligent and the book is a fantastic reference. Although I have not followed every recommendation for all three of my babies, I have used different things at different times with sucess. That's the great thing about Dr. Sears, he teaches you to trust your instincts and parent from your soul. I am currently buying this book for my cousin, a new parent.
Rating:
Summary: info that has been around for thousands of years!
Review: sears provides a book that will help a new family remember what instincs are and how to use them! it is amazing how many people dismiss that feeling they have when their baby is crying, this book validates and reminds us that although socialized, humans do have instincts for a reason, use them! very relistic suggestions if you *want* to have a secure baby/child and if you want to treat your child with the respect he/she deserves. yeah parenting can be tough, but sheesh, if you want to continue living as you were without kids, get a pet rock.
Rating:
Summary: I love Dr. Sears!
Review: The best baby book available. A big book packed with important and caring information. Comforting advice and answers to common questions. Especially good for parents who believe in Attachment Parenting - but if you're not, it may make a believer out of you. Another book I'd highly recommend (with a foreword by Dr. Sears) is Perfect Parenting, The Dictionary of 1000 Parenting Tips - for specific solutions on potty training, sharing, whining, clinging, etc....
Rating:
Summary: The best baby doctor and nurse team around!
Review: I wish Dr. Sears was in my neighborhood, because I would love to have him as my doctor! This book is definetly a must have for parents. I was invited to a baby shower and thought this would be the perfect gift to use.
Rating:
Summary: Good Medical Reference...not #1 overall.
Review: As a first time mom, I borrowed this book from a friend. I quickly returned it. I was unable to breastfeed for physical reasons and this book did not make me feel comfortable about that issue. I slept with my baby for his first 5 months, but I think there are limits to everything. Dr Sears dosnt seem to believe that. Its important to set limitations. The world is full of them. The friend I borrowed the book from, has a 2 yr old who sleeps with her and her husband (as suggested by the Sears) and they are not too comfortable with their situation anymore. However, the child will NOT sleep in her own bed, and her mother has to lay down with her for naps. My son is 19 mo old and sleeps in his crib with no complaints. I think the Sears have forgotten that Mom is important too and if she isnt at peace and able to have some time to herself as well as with her husband, there will be times when she is not 100% "there" for her child. I suggest Dr Brazelton's "Touchpoints" a guide that encourages parents to trust in themselves and the choices they make.
Rating: 
Summary: Working mom takes Sears' advice with poise and maturity
Review: This is my main reference for childcare and certainly heads and shoulders above useless crap like the What To Expect series. I rejected more from those books than I learned. I think Dr. Sears' main point is that when parents listen to their instincts and treat their children lovingly you probably won't go wrong. Not all AP parents co-sleep or even breastfeed -- but all APers do their best to honor their children and work with them, not against them. As for medical differences -- including vaccinations -- you need many sources to make intelligent choices and he's simply following APA recommendations. I think dredging up the tired vaccination debate in this book would have made it too radical to make a difference in mainstream America. I found his breastfeeding advice helpful and encouraging. As a formula-supplementer and working mom I don't feel offended by his pro-bf and SAHM statements. We all make our choices and there is no way one doctor can automatically see everyone's individual situations and soothe their consciences. It's our job as adults and parents to take the good advice and toss the rest with poise -- humans adapt.*duh* For the record, I'm a working mom who breastfeeds, co-sleeps, doesn't let her babies cry it out and wears them in slings. Yes, I can be tired sometimes, but that is probably more of a function of new parenthood, not my parenting method. Besides, I'm in it for the long-haul -- I didn't become a parent just to cop out! PS -- the co-sleeping give you *more* sleep than cribbing, take it from someone who has done it both ways.. Also for the record -- there is less bottlefeeding information because there is less to say! Breastfeeding can be tricky business, which is probably why many moms end up bottlefeeding in the first place. Working moms, bottlefeeders and cribbers can still get alot out of this book *if* they are comfortable with their choices and don't already feel guilty. I work, my daycare uses formula and I have put my kids in a crib and I still find this book very useful. The message of compassionate parenting and servicable medical advice makes this a good choice for parents. Nothing is perfect -- if you want a parenting book to suit your exact opinion, write one yourself!
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