"Happiest Baby on the Block" and Other Dvds

The book, "What To Expect The First Year."

MAIN thing, is to understand the developmental age-related stages of a baby and child. Otherwise, a parent will not know, what is usual or not.... nor try to 'make' their baby like all the others and be disappointed if their baby is not all the SAME as others. Because, each baby is different. That is a KEY thing, for a new parent, to realize.
No child is a 'template.' BUT.... if you understand baby/child development... then, you can best know what to do or not.

THAT is key.
All the best,
Susan

rg

I didn't get the book till my son was 9 months old and still waking every night to nurse.... but then after three days of reading this book, he was sleeping thru the night and I was a happy M.! The book: Babywise: Giving your child the gift of nighttime sleep by Ezzo

I second the Babywise book by Gary Ezzo. If you want to get a decent night's sleep for you and your child and you have a little bit of common sense, get that one! I say common sense because some find this book controversial but the author states repeatedly that You are the mama, you know baby best so use your best judgement...if you have decent judgement you will be fine. Both of my daughters were sleeping thru the night by 6 and 8 weeks....and they still sleep like champs! I can't recommend it enough. Best of luck...I was 35 when I delivered my first too and I've found that to be a good age...mature and settled and wiser! =)

Dr Sears baby book is a great resource. I also read The Baby Whisperer and got a lot out of it, however I've had friends that hated it. Me, I hated Babywise because once I got through with it, I realized it was about how to control your babe and having one myself, am convinced that they are not that clever and are working on instincts and feelings at this point - not strategy.

Once my little one got older, I owe a world of gratitude to a Positive Discipline yahoo group. From them I learned how to be strict and yet stay kind at the same time. We are a close knit family and I'm sure this discipline model contributes greatly to this dynamic. (it's http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PositiveParenting-Discipline/)

congratulations!!!

Stay away from Dr. Spock. Later in his life he rescinded everything he wrote. He said he was so wrong in his views, which demonstrated themselves in the fruit of children who had been brought up with his ideologies.
My favorite book that I read before I had children was an older version of Christian Parenting and Childcare by Dr. Sears. This was in the very early 90s. You can probably find it used on Amazon or something. It really equipped us to parent our children in love. It isn't OTT attachment parenting, but very balanced. I'm still so thankful that I read that early on in my parenting role.

I LOVED the Baby Whisperer's books. I didnt see the happiest baby on the block dvd, but I read the book. His 5 S's were extremely helpful when my little one was inexplicably cranky at 5pm every night. :-)

I liked Babywhisperer
Elizabeth Pantley
and also Happiest Baby on the Block

My advice is going to be - Don't read too many books.

Or, if you read books, take what works for you, and forget the rest.

(Already on here, you have people recommending books that are pretty much opposites of one another).

If you think you're going to be into Attachment parenting any of the Sears books will be good for you.

If you're looking for a question/answer kind of book, I found What to expect the first year to have the obvious answers (but a good resource for reminding myself to trust my instincts).

If you're going to be breastfeeding, The Womanly Art of breastfeeding should be in your library.

For sleeping - there's lots. You have to decide if you're going to have baby in the crib from day 1 or if you think you'll be a cosleeper or anywhere in between. And there are books that will match any of those, lol.

Good luck!

Loved The Happiest Baby on the Block! Also, Sleepeasy Solution by Jennifer Waldburger.

I just want to 2nd the happiest baby on the block, I got the book not the DVD and it really helped. Another book that was very helpful was Healthy sleep habits, happy child by Marc Wisebluth...these are two books I would now get someone for a baby shower gift or recommend to anyone.

Yes for sure get the Happiest Baby on the block DVD - it worked wonders for us and I had my first at 37 - due to have my second at 41! If you have trouble with getting your newborn to sleep I've heard Dr Mark Wisebluth's book - cant remember the title - is one to get. Also get Baby 411!! Other than that believe it or not alot of it just comes naturally and you go by instincts more than anything. Good luck and congrats!!