Rating: 
Summary: A mixed bag
Review: This book offers some good sound advice (e.g. about toilet training) but it also is way off the mark sometimes, especially some of the "touchy-feely" type language Dr. Brazelton suggests using with small children. For example, with regard to discipline, telling a child, "I love you, but I can't let you do this. Someday you'll learn to stop yourself, and then I won't need to stop you," sounds phony and too difficult for a child to grasp. It also seems to set some high expectations for various types of behavior and can make the reader question his/her parenting skills as much as improve them. In all, this is a good reference for ideas and perspectives, but not the child-rearing Bible I'd been expecting.
Rating: 
Summary: advice from a pro
Review: This book was a gift to me when our first child was born (he's 5 1/2 months now), and I have found it invaluable. This man has a relaxed "you can do it" attitude about child-rearing, backed by years of experience and an illustrious career. As a somewhat detail-oriented person, I was relieved to realize that there is no one right way to do things and that babies can take many forms. Many of his observations have come to life right before my eyes (and allowed me to recongize what was going on). Overall, he encourages you to enjoy your baby and this amazing time you have together...great advice! The only thing missing is the author's phone number--how many times have we all wanted to call him with questions?!
Rating:
Summary: advice from a pro
Review: This book was a gift to me when our first child was born (he's 5 1/2 months now), and I have found it invaluable. This man has a relaxed "you can do it" attitude about child-rearing, backed by years of experience and an illustrious career. As a somewhat detail-oriented person, I was relieved to realize that there is no one right way to do things and that babies can take many forms. Many of his observations have come to life right before my eyes (and allowed me to recongize what was going on). Overall, he encourages you to enjoy your baby and this amazing time you have together...great advice! The only thing missing is the author's phone number--how many times have we all wanted to call him with questions?!
Rating: 
Summary: You can trust Dr. Brazelton
Review: This is a comforting book to have handy, one you'll refer to often. It helps you understand that your baby/child is normal - and so are you! Written in an easy-to-read format and full of practical knowledge. I'd also recommend: Perfect Parenting Dictionary of 1000 Parent Tips by Elizabeth Pantley
Rating:
Summary: Dr. Brazelton always hits the mark
Review: This kind and gentle man has been a parents best friend for years. His knowledge of child developement makes him a wonderful advocate for children and parents alike.Dr. Brazelton gives sound advice in a easy to understand format. He is down to earth and aware of the atmosphere that children are being raised in today. Thank goodness there are people like this to guild parents and give them the support they need.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful parent resource
Review: This kind and nurturing advice is a must have for any parent. I recently lost my copy in a move and rushed out to repurchase it! I refer to it so often. I appreciate Dr. Brazeltons gentle tones in this book, he clearly has a great deal of respect for children and parents, and offers a wholistic view of parenting. I am a third grade teacher and mom, and I have found so much of his writing to be very wise.
Rating:
Summary: A good book to read about Child Development
Review: What I liked about this book is that it's easy to read and understand. In part 1 of the book, Brazelton discusses a variety of topics in different stages of age development, from newborn to 3yrs. Some topics he writes about are bonding, teething, discipline, learning, toilet training and more... In part 2 of the book, he discusses the challenges in development a child may face. Some of the topics are allergies, developmental disabilities, divorce, hospitalization and sibling rivalry. In part 3 of the book, the author discusses people who may be involved in your child's life which includes the parents. Others are grandparents, friends, caregivers and your child's dovtor. At the end of the book, there are 14 useful addresses and phone numbers you may contact for more infomation about child development. I rated it 4 stars because I disagreed with a few specifc issues. One being, he mentioned that toddlers don't need snacks between meals until age 4-5yrs. I also disagreed with what he has to say about trying to schedule your baby's feeding at every 4 hours.
Rating:
Summary: Some good points, but little in the way of reference.
Review: When my wife and I purchased our library of child care and development books upon the arrival of our first child, I got this one, too, based upon Amazon's recommendations and the author's expertise. I agree with the reviewer from Eugene, OR, who can't decide if this is supposed to be a child-development reference, or Brazelton's musings, and reflections and experiences in dealing with parents. While the author is apparently an expert, the text provides little practical or useful information, and, in my opinion, is an example of an expert "dipping into the well (at least) once too often". If you already have several references and are simply building up your library on emotional development of children, this may be a selection for you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: A must-buy for every parent
Review: Whether you are a first-time parent, or an expert, this book is a valuable guide to understanding your baby and toddler as he or she develops. Dr. T. Berry Brazelton virtually climbs inside the heads of his patients in order to provide the reader with the child's point of view on such issues as feeding, sleeping, walking, and general independence as he/she matures. I have a gorgeous 10-month-old son, and am obviously approaching the all-important toddler phase, and Dr. Brazelton has already made me aware of what I can expect over the next 6 months or so. Some of it is already happening. Thank you, Dr. Brazelton. I love my son's pediatrician, but I respect your advice and can take your observations to my doctor for further discussion at his next check-ups. I will definitely look for more of your books, and have already recommended "Touchpoints" to my friends.
Rating:
Summary: First time parents
Review: While still pregnant, we received a lot of advice and several books. We found Dr. Brazelton's approach the most caring and respectful to both parents and children. This book covers many topics and particularly saved us one night our baby wouldn't stop crying. We found his methods to be more in tune with our personalities and not the strict "scheduling" and "training" style of some of his counterparts. Our 18-month old is developing well, confident and happy (and slept through the night at 3 weeks). There is no "one way" to raise a child and each child is a unique individual; Dr. Brazelton takes this into account. We are constanly referring back to this book, not as a "baby handbook", but as a guide.
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