book suggestions

I recently have absolutely loved that I read the book "healthy sleep habits happy child" before the babies were born -- great for baby to child . I also like the book "the happiest baby on the block" which is good for the first couple of months for SOOTHING TECHNIQUES

I know just from reading on the birth to one year that other mom's feel the same way. My girls are 6 months and sleeping through the night (for the most part) and they have 2-3 naps per day.

I've keep saying that I'm a great mom because of the books I've read.

Heather

 

Both my husband and I read "Happiest Baby" and really liked it. I am currently reading "Healthy Sleep Habits." I am going to make sure he reads the portion about how babies fussiness peaks at 6 weeks...that is the period that I am starting to worry about!

Any other books that people would recommend?? We are going to be first-time parents and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with what's to come!

 

QUOTE(SMax @ Jun 9 2008, 05:11 PM) [snapback]817676[/snapback]
Any other books that people would recommend?? We are going to be first-time parents and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with what's to come!


I loved Ready or Not, Here We Come by Elizabeth Lyons. A very easy read.

 

I'm a HUGE reader. Below are my favorite parenting books. Next on my list to read is "Discipline Without Distress" by Judy Arnall. I've heard FABULOUS things. Anyway, sorry for the long list - but here it goes! If I were going to recommend just one to start with for reading before the babies' arrival, I'd say "The Baby Book" by Sears (which is also an awesome reference book to have on hand to look up different symptoms and concerns during the first 2 years) - or if you're more science minded then "The Science of Parenting" by Margot Sunderland.

For infants:
"The Baby Book" by Dr Bill Sears
"Sleeping with Your Baby" by Dr James McKenna
"Happiest Baby on the Bock" by Dr Harvey Karp
"Mothering Multiples" by Karen Gromada
"The Vaccine Book" by Dr Bob Sears (not so much on parenting, but valuable info for the stage!)

For toddlers and preschoolers:
"Playful Parenting" by Dr Lawrence Cohen (covers school aged too)
"Connection Parenting" by Pam Leo (covers school aged too)
"The Science of Parenting" by Margot Sunderland (also has great infant stuff)
"My Child Won't Eat" by Carlos Gonzalez (great for infants too - I just didn't stress about food until introducing solids)

For school aged children:
"Hold on to Your Kids" by Gordon Neufeld
"Siblings without Rivalry" by Faber and Mazlish (has some preschool stuff too)
"Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids" by Hart and Kindle

For pre-teens:
"Staying Connected to Your Teenager" by Michael Riera

Just good philosophical reads:
"Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way we Parent" by Meredith Small
"Unconditional Parenting" by Alfie Kohn

 

I want to second,

QUOTE(WildBlueBerry @ Jun 9 2008, 07:49 PM) [snapback]818047[/snapback]
"Mothering Multiples" by Karen Gromada


When I was pregnant I was FREAKING out about having twins, this book made me realize that I could do this.

QUOTE(WildBlueBerry @ Jun 9 2008, 07:49 PM) [snapback]818047[/snapback]
"Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way we Parent" by Meredith Small


This book is a particular must for anyone pregnant in a multicultural situation! (or even just considering starting a multicultural family).

 

i liked the baby book and mothering multiples

 

When I was pregnant i read "when you are expecting twins, triplets and quads" it really made me think of the increased caloric needs of having twins. My twins born at 36 weeks were 4 lbs 10 oz and 6 lbs 3 oz. and that is with blood pressure issues which can affect fetal growth.

Heather

 

I just recently bought On becoming Baby Wise. I've heard from several moms it's a good read to get them on a sleep schedule...I hope so!!!

 

I have to say my "what to expect when you are expecting" was dog-eared and well worn by the time the girls came. Now at ten months our "what to expect the first year is very dog-eared!

 

QUOTE(debfitz @ Jun 9 2008, 08:57 PM) [snapback]818488[/snapback]
I just recently bought On becoming Baby Wise. I've heard from several moms it's a good read to get them on a sleep schedule...I hope so!!!



Please consider using caution with this book. The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned against it, and the publisher severed tied with the author several years ago. Some of the methods can lead to low wait gain, failure to thrive, and other very scary outcomes for babies. You might want to research this book before you decide whether it is right for you. Here are a few places to start.

http://www.ezzo.info/
http://nospank.net/ezzo3.htm
http://www.gfi.org/java/pdf/AAP_BWise.pdf

If you are insistent that your baby needs to be on a schedule, please consider also reading "No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantly and "My Child Won't Eat" by Carlos Gonzalez, so that you have more complete information before deciding how exactly to proceed and how many of Ezzo's recommendations to implement.

Best wishes with your decision!

 

I really liked:

Multiple Blessings, Betty Rothbart (buy used for cheap on Amazon - it's older but has helpful info on later parenting of multiples)

Someone else mentioned, Gordon Neufeld's book Hold on to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers. It is excellent.

And I'm big into family/child literacy and reading. So I recommend Honey for a Child's Heart, Gladys Hunt.

I'm not an official homeschooling parent, but I do try to stay up and encourage my children's learning and curiousity in the world. I think Susan Wise Bauer's The Well-Trained Mind is a good book for understanding where your child is developmentally and helping them to learn effectively.

For playtime:
Unplugged Play, Bobbi Conner
Baby Play, Wendy Masi
Toddler Play, Wendy Masi

And while on bedrest, possibly expecting preemies, the following book has been very helpful:
What to do When Your Baby is Premature, by Garcia-Pratts & Hornfischer

To me the best parenting book of all is the Bible.

 

If the NICU becomes necessary, there's a great journal / guide for navigating the hospital experience with your child:

One Step at a Time by Smith and Kvinsland
http://www.amazon.com/Step-Jennifer-Smith-...d/dp/1586191071

 

QUOTE(WildBlueBerry @ Jun 10 2008, 06:28 AM) [snapback]818856[/snapback]
Please consider using caution with this book. The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned against it, and the publisher severed tied with the author several years ago. Some of the methods can lead to low wait gain, failure to thrive, and other very scary outcomes for babies. You might want to research this book before you decide whether it is right for you. Here are a few places to start.

http://www.ezzo.info/
http://nospank.net/ezzo3.htm
http://www.gfi.org/java/pdf/AAP_BWise.pdf

If you are insistent that your baby needs to be on a schedule, please consider also reading "No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantly and "My Child Won't Eat" by Carlos Gonzalez, so that you have more complete information before deciding how exactly to proceed and how many of Ezzo's recommendations to implement.

Best wishes with your decision!


Thanks! I haven't read the book yet. Now I'll definitly be cautious.

 

i'm a bit confused because this reference you gave """"http://www.gfi.org/java/pdf/AAP_BWise.pdf """ actually supports the book "On becoming baby wise"..... it shows that the pediatric recommendations are supported and fully explained in the book as well as reference to page numbers. The previous two references show a more religious and not scientific basis.

Heather

 

I read the Baby Wise book with my first baby, and it was controversial then. My peds do not recommend following the book to a "T". . . I think flexibility with a newborn is important esp. if you have a preemie or baby who isn't necessarily nursing well, etc.

It's worth reading just to know what all the noise is about, and maybe you'll find something useful in it.

The following of Ezzo's method is almost cult-like in some parts of the country. I don't know if this is still the case, but at one time, certain churches offered expectant parents a class based on the method. Parents who did not choose to follow the method were ostracized in those churches.
http://www.rickross.com/groups/gfi.html

(I have friends who have taken the class at their church in TN and have used the method rigidly with their children. It works for them. . . but I personally can't bring myself to work my babies into any rigid schedule until they are 3 plus months and show they are ready for it.)

 

QUOTE(heathertwins @ Jun 10 2008, 08:09 PM) [snapback]820275[/snapback]
i'm a bit confused because this reference you gave """"http://www.gfi.org/java/pdf/AAP_BWise.pdf """ actually supports the book "On becoming baby wise"..... it shows that the pediatric recommendations are supported and fully explained in the book as well as reference to page numbers. The previous two references show a more religious and not scientific basis.

Heather


Hmmm- perhaps I gave the wrong link? I've had those for a long time. It used to link to a document that showed where the book matched and didn't match the AAP recommendations. I find the book disturbing enough to me personally that I have a very hard time reading the information about it, but I apologize for not at least checking it was the same document before providing the link. The http://www.ezzo.info/ has links to most other information available. Again, I apologize!

 

Just jumping on the tangent...

I didn't find anything controversial about Babywise. I really didn't think it was much different from HSHHC except that the latter offered more details and research. Both are proponents of cry it out and both suggest getting your baby on a schedule so that they don't run you ragged as a parent. Neither led me to believe that babies should be ignored or left un-fed just to stay on a schedule. I really don't understand what all the fuss is about with Babywise.

 

I plan on reading it and just taking suggestions from it. I don't think I will be a strict by the book kind of mom anyway. I plan on incorporating the books ideas to our lifestyle and what works best for the babies. I want to do what's best for them, but I would like some sort of a schedule too. I think that overall, my mom instinct will kick in and help out too.

 

Wow never heard about the controversy but I loved reading a variety and picking and chosing what worked best for me. I agree with no CIO until about 3.5 months of age and they didn't get into a normal routine until about that time as well. Before that it was "whatever worked method"

Heather