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Summary: The best one-stop resource for new parents.
Review: Whether your baby is well or sick, Dr. Sears' book offers wonderful advice during those times of unknown. My husband and I agreed with his "sleeping" and "wearing" suggestions, although trial and error has helped us adapt his suggestions to our baby and individual needs. One of the best things about this book is that nothing is set in stone. Dr. Sears' suggests trying things, some work and some don't. And as new parents, you don't feel as if you have to do anything -- nothing is right or wrong -- just do what is best for you and baby. Enjoy!
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Summary: This is the best baby book I ever read AND the worst!
Review: Having four grown children, I was looking for a book for my daughter who will soon give birth to her first child. How delightful to find a book that not only understands fussy babies but has so many practical solutions to colic and many other common problems.On the other hand, how too bad that Dr. Sears notions about working moms are so far removed from reality. Wear your baby to work indeed! (think flight attendant, chemistry teacher, policewoman, waitress, judge) Not one job in a thousand is geared to make this even feasible. In third world countries perhaps, but not on Main street, or Wall street. As for the family bed - well THAT sure would help insure that this was an only child, probably through divorce. Parents have little enough private time if they both work without having one or several children sleeping with them for years. From their exalted income level the Sears really have no comprehension of the financial situation of most American families! . Nor do they apparently grasp that a working mother would drop dead from exhaustion trying to be the kind of mother they hold up as the ideal model. Dr Sears claims that he isn't trying to lay a guilt trip on anyone and then proceeds to do just that. In addition, he cites only those studies that support his own prejudices, of which he has quite a few. I wouldn't dream of actually giving this book to my daughter who MUST return to work when her baby is three months old. I know from experience that it is possible for her to be an absolutely terrific mom without becoming her child's slave. I will happily pass on to her the book's wonderful wisdom, but she really can do without the preaching. Oh yes, Dr Sears contends you can't spoil a baby by giving it too much attention. As a 35 year verteran primary teacher I have seen all too many Smother Mothered babies who fully expect the world to contunue to cater to every whim just as Mommie did. Just because Dr. Sears didn! 't see it in a family with seven children, doesn't mean it i! sn't out there.
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Summary: Gut Feelings are Hard to Ignore
Review: After reading the on-line reviews of Dr. Sears' book, I can sympathize with those who felt dictated to or guily after reading the sections on working mothers. As a working mother, I bristled when I first read his unappologetic opinion that babies need their mothers. Then, I took a breath and thought about it. Although I know that many families have two-incomes not to buy a fancy boat, but because they need to in order to survive, I also know, in my gut that babies do need their parents at home, especially the mom for the first year. When I re-read the section without allowing myself to feel defensive, my guilt subsided. He addresses the reality of working mothers, both those who need to financially and those who need to emotionally/cognitively, and helps the reader make as many positive steps toward attachment parenting as THEY can. He even boxes the important comment that, if you don't follow every step, you aren't a bad parent. My husband and I play "what if we w! ! on the lottery" to see how we would change our lives if money were not an issue. We always say that we would both be home with our children, work from home, or create a work situation where they are included. I think many working parents really would like to be home but can't and the guilt is near the surface. Instead of shooting the messenger, we should figure out a way to relieve the guilt without denying what most parents agree on with regard to being home with their kids. On another note, my daughter was in bed with us for her first six months and didn't much like being in her new crib in her new room. I didn't like hauling my tired self out of bed several times a night to breastfeed her, so I moved a twin bed next to our queen and returned the crib.Dr. Sears' book gave me support to make this decision which, again in my gut, I knew was right. I didn't want to have her in another room and she slept better right next to me. My husband was happier with her in our room,! ! which made the reunion easier. Without his supportive word! s, I might have succumbed to the "you'll never get them out of your bed" comments of wellwishers. In conclusion, I found this book to be an excellent source of straight-forward information. It was refreshing to be presented with a strong opinion, even when I disagreed, and I was thankful to have this 90's twist on Dr. Spock's mantra that "parents know more than they think." Don't forget to give Martha Sears' credit for her contributions to the book and to raising 8 kids!
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Summary: Good guide for stay -at-home mothers. Working women beware!
Review: This book is a wonderful "perfect world" book. I enjoyed it and implemented many of the suggestions, nursing my daughter, co-sleeping, and carrying her and holding her as much as possible. However, working women like me, who have to get up and go to an office, will find it hard to function after spending the night with a restless toddler, or with an infant who still nurses several times a night because the breast milk doesn't "hold" her more than four hours. I believe Dr. Sears' philosophy is valid, but more practical in Third World countries with different economies. If American families truly want to embrace this idealistic method of child rearing, we need to re-examine our values and the whole two-income family scenario. You can't "wear" your baby in most professional office environments, and you may not be able send your baby to college without a second income. Moms who feel they must return to work while their children are infants, for whatever reason, will be made to feel inadequate and guilty by this book.
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Summary: Finally!!!!
Review: Finally a parenting book that realizes that the bond between mother and child is paramount. Finally a DR who believes that the best thing for a baby is to at its mother's breast or in her arms. Validation for parents who believe in natural parenting, extended nursing, family bed, baby wearing, and non violent discipline. Thank you Dr. Sears!
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Summary: If you're a working Mom, don't read this book.
Review: As a first time parent I have been anxious to get my hands on any and all well known child care books. As I read Dr.Sears' book, I started to feel as if I was going to be a very bad parent. A tremendous sense of guilt came over me. I didn't appreciate many of the themes of the book, to be honest. As much as I admire mothers who choose to stay at home with their children, not everyone can. This can be a sore points for many new mothers. In fact, I found some of the points that Dr.Sears makes about deciding whether Mom should work to be downright offensive. Some of the other themes of the book, the family bed, "wearing" your baby, etc. can be great in theory, but for many families are probably impractical. Plus, the role of fathers seem almost unimportant in this book as well. It would seem to me that a fully functioning family is one where both of the parents share in the care of the children. Of course, there are some things that only a mom can do, namely nurse. The sole emphasis on care is completely with the mother. In today's society with two income households and relatively short maternity leaves, many of the ideas of this book seem antiquated and impratical. Not every babycare philosophy is for everyone and this book was definitely not for me.
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Summary: Must Have!
Review: My copy of The Baby Book is tattered and torn ... a much-loved fixture in our home. I have given a copy of this book to all of the expectant parents I know; it is the only book they need! Enjoy!
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Summary: This book is an absolute must have for any first time parent
Review: When my wife and I were expecting our first child we read quite a few books attempting to get some good information on what to expect. This book was by far the most informative book on a wide range of subjects. It covers everything from birth through each stage of development and common afflictions. It is well written, insightful, and organized into useful sections. We found it much better than the "What to Expect" book. Don't leave the delivery room without it.
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Summary: Your philosophy validates my parenting style! Thank you so!
Review: This book was a much needed boost for my child rearing style. From extended breast feeding to sleeping with my child, to carrying my child in a sling! I am so happy to know that professionals such as Dr. Sears encourage this type of nurturing. Their book validates everything I've instinctively have felt from the get go! Thank you for affirming my instincts! I now feel like I have a very credible ally in my corner! Thanks again.
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Summary: Excellant!
Review: Every new mother and father need this book! It is much better than the "Manual" type books. The "other" books tend to get you caught up in doing exactly what they say, and you tend to get away from your common sense. The Baby Book is the best! And trust me, I have alot of Baby books! I give it as baby shower gifts now.
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