The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition)

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Summary: A common-sense guide for natural parenting
Review: Dr. and Mrs. Sears are pros- their advice doesn't ring hollow because it comes from people who KNOW. Their philosophy of attachment parenting is a natural, respecful way to raise children. The anecdotes from years of their own parenting experience are enjoyable and insightful to read. All in all, a great reference and a great work of advocacy on the part of infants

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Summary: Was sad when my daughter hit two
Review: I was sad to consult this book one day and find out that mydaughter had 'outgrown' it. I loved this book and would give it toabsolutely everyone who is expecting a baby, or has one. I would give it to total strangers if I could afford it! The Sears learned through experience and allowed their children to teach them how to lovingly parent, guide development and teach self discipline. This book reinforced every thing I learned about babies and caring for them in endocrinology classes, and had the realistic information needed when I actually became a parent.

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Summary: Best Book I Read
Review: This is the best book I read when I had my first child, Cullen, in October of 1996. And believe me, I read all I could get my hands on. Dr. and Martha Sears provide a friendly, been there, done that approach for issues concerning new parents. If you only have one book to rely on, this is the one.

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Summary: Too opinionated
Review: I am a new expectant mom and I bought this book, as well as the Sears' Breastfeeding book, after several friends recommended them. The more I read both of them the more frustrated I have become at what seems like the authors' lack of tolerance for various approaches to parenting. They seem to promote one "right way" of doing things, and that's "their" way. I'm surprised and disappointed that such an experienced and well respected pediatrician would not provide more than one approach or opinion on the various aspects of parenting and childrearing. I would not recommend this book, especially for a new parent, if you want to keep an open mind about newborn topics.

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Summary: The only book you need!
Review: No need to buy the pregnancy book or the others in the Sears collection. This book has enough information on most of the topics you need to be knowledgable of. Easy reading and a great consultation book after your baby is born.

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Summary: This is the one!
Review: If you read only one book, this is it! As a parent and a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have read most books on this subject. Dr. Sear's books are the only ones that I have found that are consistent with a baby's developmental needs. I have been stunned to read some of the incredibly bad advice out there in other books. I give this book to every new parent I know!

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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: Baby-Book-Bashers don't know what they're talking about
Review: I can't believe the stuff I'm reading. How do these people know that AP produces selfish, spoiled, wimpy, brats & tired parents with no sex lives? I have 5 children ages 14, 11, 7, 2, and 7 months. I breastfed all of them. My first two had a crib and I was up a lot to feed & care for them. They did end up in our bed a lot anyway. With the third I chucked the crib and never lost a night's sleep since. I discovered the sling with #3, too and it is my #1 piece of baby equipment.I always carry and hold my babies a lot and never let them cry if I can help it.Baby #1 was nursed for 3 mos (lack of support & info made nursing hard, wish I'd had this book then) #2 for 10 mos, #3 for 3&1/2 years and I am currently nursing the 2 year old & 7 month old with no intentions of weaning either until they're ready. My children are all very sweet, loving, outgoing, intellegent, generous, well-adjusted people. They are not brats. People often come up to us in resturaunts to compliment us on how well- mannered they are. My oldest daughter is very much in demand as a babysitter because she is so great with kids and so polite and comfortable with their parents. Both daughters have worked for two years as costumed interpreters at a living history museum where they interact with the public daily. My 7yo boy never met a stranger and adores his baby brother & sister. He is also extremely intellegent & creative. I believe the longer they nurse the smarter they are. The babies are absolute joys to be around; always happy because their needs are met. My children all sleep in their own beds now, except for the baby, who sleeps with us, and the 2yo, who sleeps with his 14yo sister(& she loves that special bond they have)They move out of our bed when they're ready. Obviously, with 5 kids, we manage to have sex. Where there's a will, there's a way! I am never tired, from day one. I just "plug the baby in" and go back to sleep! I do not have a housekeeper, only three older kids who help A LOT around the house. I also homeschool those kids and have 2 horses & 2 dogs & 4 acres so I am busier than the "average" mom. Attachment parenting isn't a hinderance to me, it's a lifesaver. Dr. Sear's book is a lifesaver, too. It tells you everything you need to know about raising, loving, & enjoying your children. It's the best baby book ever written. I am giving it to every pregnant woman I know. Apply the principals in it and you can't go wrong.

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Summary: the only baby care book you need
Review: This book is wonderful. I now recommend it to every new parent I know. When my son was first born, I worried endlessly about "spoiling" him by holding him to much, nursing him to much, etc. This book made me feel comfortable trusting my instincts and caring for my son in a way that FELT right.

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Summary: full of helpful tips--
Review: great book with plenty of suggestions for all kinds of situations you run into with a newborn baby. in just the first 6 weeks of new parenthood we've more than found our money's worth of tips, especially during bouts of inconsolable crying-- the section on fussy/high need babies is tremendous.