Parenting Books Review Week: BabyTalk
UPDATE: The winner of the BabyTalk book giveaway is #37 – Melissa! Congratulations, Melissa! Email me at katie@marriageconfessions.com to claim your prize! Thanks to everyone who entered!
*****
I’m generally not a fan of parenting books. It’s not that I don’t find them helpful. Some of them are. I just think they are hard to read. Most of them are promoting one parenting style or method and I tend to think it’s a little confining as a parent to be stuck with only one right way to do anything.
Books are expensive, too. So it can get expensive to buy a bunch of different parenting books just to see what works with your child. That’s why I’m a big advocate of checking parenting or baby books out at the library. That way, you can read a book, see if it works with your family, and then return it. If that particular method doesn’t float your boat, you haven’t wasted all that money. And if it did work, then you can run out and buy the copy knowing that you’ll definitely use it. That’s how I found my favorite parenting book. I found it online after reading reviews, but was worried that I’d go buy it only to find Bean didn’t respond well to the ideas and then I’d be out the $15 or $20 I’d spent.
My all-time favorite parenting book met my two criteria. First, it offered several different options for how to do something instead of just telling me one way. That gave Chris and me the ability to choose what worked best for our family. And secondly, it worked for Bean! Bean responded well to methods and ideas in this book and that’s really what you’re looking for in a good parenting book, isn’t it? The author could be the most educated, qualified, intelligent child psychologist in the world, but if your baby doesn’t respond to the methods for whatever reason, then it doesn’t do you a whole lot of good.
I found BabyTalk Insider’s Guide to Your Baby’s First Year online when I was pregnant with Bean. What attracted me to it initially was that it was one of the only parenting/baby books that had information on formula feeding your baby. That’s how I initially came across it. But when I was going through it, I found it useful on so many other levels.
The idea of BabyTalk is that it teaches you bigger methods – like sleep patterns, feeding schedules, and health care – while equally covering the simple and trivial things like how to clip your baby’s nails and how to survive your baby’s first bath. I had a fairly good idea of how to care for an infant, but there were small little details that I had no clue about. Like what to pack in my diaper bag and how to select a daycare. BabyTalk addressed all of those things without making me feel like an idiot. I also really liked that they had a month-by-month forecast on your baby’s development. It wasn’t necessarily a “what they should be doing” forecast, but more about what problems usually arise during those time periods and how to handle them. I went into parenting not sure what to expect from Bean, but at least having an idea of how to handle most situations should they arise and that gave me confidence, even as a new mom.
All of that information is so helpful to a new mom. I can admit to several nights when Bean would wake up crying and I couldn’t get him back to sleep, and so I’d have him rocking in one arm and I’d be flipping through this book with the other, trying to figure out what else I needed to be doing. But what is more important to me than any of the how-to hints is the attitude and tone of this book. It is told by moms and for moms and there is no judgment in the book at all. The tone is conversational and somehow even offers you some camaraderie. The whole idea is that if you and your baby are happy, then you’re doing the right thing. Period. I love that attitude. It’s so encouraging as a new mom.
BabyTalk Insider’s Guide to Your Baby’s First Year is a perfect book for new moms because it walks you step-by-step through all the important (and even the not-so-important) parts of those first few months. But I’m also really enjoying reading it again now with my second. Bean hasn’t been a newborn in quite a while and I’m really glad I have this book to re-read and remind myself of how to care for a newborn again. Motherhood is kind of like riding a bike and this book makes excellent training wheels.
Today, I’m giving away a copy of BabyTalk Insider’s Guide to Your Baby’s First Year here on MC! Whether you’re expecting yourself, know someone who’s expecting, thinking about starting a family, know someone who’s thinking about starting a family, or are a seasoned mom getting ready to have another baby, this book is sure to offer some really helpful hints and advice.
To be entered to win, leave a comment telling me one piece of parenting advice you’ve received that really helped you out. The giveaway will close at 8:00PM EST on Tuesday and a winner will be announced on Wednesday.
Good luck!
102 Comments
Alison
I’m pregnant with twins and while I have lots of pregnancy books, I don’t have any for the first year. This book would be a great start!
jess
Granted I’m only on day 5 as a parent – the best advice so far is trust yourself and your babe and trust you will figure out the things that work for you together. No one style is boiler plate and neither are we! Baby Miles has taught me that and more in our time together so far and I’m so excited for what’s to come – including hopefully more sleep!
Katie
I’m not a parent yet, although I hope to be in the not too distant future. The best parents I know, though, seem to give their children lots of love and grace day in and day out and to treat their children as full-fledged human beings.
Mary Michal
I’m pregnant with my first baby, and I’ve read a couple of parenting books. But so far I haven’t found anything that really makes me feel equipped to bring home my baby girl. So I think this book sounds wonderful! The best parenting advice I’ve gotten so far is “if I feel like I’m doing what’s right for my baby, then I probably am, and it doesn’t matter what other people think of it.”
Amy
At one of my hospital appointments, a midwife gave me this advice: Babies don’t naturally know how to breastfeed either.
A lot of mothers feel like failures when they can’t breastfeed because they are told that babies naturally know what they are doing, so it must be their fault when it doesn’t work. She reassured me that some babies just don’t ‘get it’- and I could be doing everything right, and its the baby who has to get his act together.
This helped me so much when we’d struggle through feeds, not to feel like it was me doing it wrong, but us figuring it out together 🙂
Jaime
Our adoption was so quick I had no chance to read any books. My son had horrible gas and my friend taught me to hold him cradled in my arms and then raise him up to my “girls” and squeeze and sway… Seemed to work Everytime!
lacy
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is ‘trust your mommy instinct’. It is true on so many ways! Especially being a new mom don’t fret about being overlly paranoid, go with your gut! I am expecting my second child, I would love this book to recap on how to care for a newborn! 🙂
Lauren
I’m pregnant with my first and would love all the help I can get 🙂 I have gotten a lot of advice, most conflicting with what someone else has said. That made me realize that there’s no right way of doing things.
Jen @ Caved In
I read a bunch of books and when I tried to follow them my husband would say “he’s not a robot, he’s a child. Since he’s your child, he’s stubborn so put the book down.”. After that I started following his cues instead of being so concerned with a clock. My second advice is Swaddle, Swaddle, Swaddle. That has been a lifesaver
Mary Frances
I’m 30 weeks with our first, so while I can’t testify to this advice, I did find it comforting nonetheless – that for the first few months, really all the baby needs is a place to sleep, food, and a clean diaper. So it doesn’t matter if we don’t have a nursery and our (currently nonexistent) crib is in our study – she’ll be ok, and so will we.
Katy @ MonsterProof
I’m only pregnant with my first, so I have no idea what will be the most helpful! Probably don’t be too hard on yourself?
Leigh
We don’t have kids so we haven’t received any parenting advice yet. We do have lots of pregnant friends right now and this seems like a perfect gift.
Rachel G.
I am pregnant with my first and just started my second trimester. So far I havent gotten much parenting advice, but all my friends and family have been really supportive and told me that my husband and I will figure out what works for us as we go along.
Victoria
I’m in my first trimester and am already burnt out on reading material that friends have given me. The best advice has been from my grandma (a mother of 5, grandma to 16, great-grandma to 5). She said that it’s easy to get caught up in what to buy and what to read but all that baby really needs is unconditional love from its parents…and of course, clean diapers 🙂
Ashley
no kiddos yet but hoping so soon…
Amy
the best toys are boxes and ribbon, nothing fancy you buy them will never occupy them as long!
Betty
There are a 100 ways to skin a cat. A little graphic, but is SO TRUE with raising babies. There are tons of ways to do it, and they all result in healthy, happy babies.
Amy
Sleep when the baby sleeps was great advice from many moms I know. It’s not always practical, but a sanity saver some days.
Katie R
I too am pregnant with my first – with Moms, Sisters, Friends, etc – there is A LOT of advice. Not sure what will be the most useful yet…
Cassandra
The best piece of advice I was told would definitely be to take a break. You cant be 100% for your child if you are running on empty so take two minutes and do something small for yourself.
Jessica D
i am pregnant with my third. depite it being my third it seems that everything is new again. books are always welcome and wether i agree or no i usually find them to be a good read
Lauren
I’m currently pregnant with my first bebe! I’m only 7 weeks and 1 day right now so i haven’t really gotten much advice thus far, but not too many people know yet 😉
GirlyGreenGirl
I haven’t received any parenting advice, YET. I’m due in June with my first and expect an avalanche! I think the best advice I’ve received thus far in the process is to relax. This book sounds great, thanks Katie!
~ GGG
Nikki
We are hoping to start our family very soon, but my Mom gave me the best advice when she said that we will never completely feel prepared for a child. While it seems kind of off, it makes perfect sense to us who pride ourselves on being master planners!
Laura
Make time for quality couple time to keep your relationship strong.
Emily S.
I’m only 5 months into this parenting thing, but the best piece of advice I received was to trust my motherly instinct!
Sara WW
I’m not a parent, but one of my closest friends is expecting and I think this would be a great gift for her!
Nicole
I am expecting my first child this summer and would love to get a jump start on preparing for when my baby comes home – we haven’t had a chance to give much thought to anything past the baby getting here. I have received a lot of subtle advice, but I could use some hard fast tips and tricks for sure!
El
The best piece of advice I recieved was to, “Go with your gut”. So far my gut instincts about my first child have been pretty good. We are expecting our second in about 3 weeks, and this book sounds useful.
Carrie
I’m currently pregnant so I don’t know what would work best. But my mom said the best advice she got was from a nurse in the hospital who told her to just breathe and that she would figure it out. She admits to wanting to punch the nurse at the time, but its true… she did eventually just figure it all out.
Jen
The best advice I got was “Go with your gut” as a couple folks have said. As a new mom I didn’t know I had that motherly instinct but it’s there and I go with it. The book sounds great and I’d love to have a copy!
Elissa
As I am about three weeks away from meeting my first bambino — depending on his arrival schedule, I have NO IDEA what advice works best. I’ve sampled some books and you are right, while helpful, there are agendas apparent. I’m hoping the best advice I’ve gotten will be: You’ll figure it all out. 🙂
laurenbtrain
take it one day at a time! everything happens and changes so fast. while it is great and fun, it can be challenging too! just pray, relax and roll with the punches! thanks for the giveaway!
Anna D.
My baby is only 7 weeks old and while I haven’t got much advice, I have learned that you have to take it one day at a time. Each day brings some new adventure that you and your baby have to work through and figure out! When I was younger I thought I knew everything about taking care of a baby, but in the past 7 weeks I have learned that I knew nothing!! I have learned so much and I am enjoying every minute of it!!
alessandra
“Do what is right for you and your family”
Which is why I love/stalk your blog, because you think through your parenting choices, and work hard to do what’s best for everyone involved.
Abby
I’m 15 weeks along, and the best piece of advice was from a coworker who looooves to give advice – -and it’s usually annoying, but this time I really appreciated it. She said “Unless you ask for it, don’t listen to anyone else’s advice. Decide what’s right for you, your family and your baby — and that’s the right decision.”
Melissa
I haven’t had a chance to try out any advice since I’m 5 months pregnant for the first time. But, being told that babies aren’t quite as delicate as you feel like they are has certainly helped me be more comfortable learning how to handle newborns. Now I just need to teach my husband this!
abby
I’m not a mom yet but I’m hoping it’s not too far off… I feel like I need help with all of the basics! How often to bathe them, when to start tummy time, a helpful schedule to follow.. there’s so much to learn!
Aimee
I’m not a parent, and so have never received any parenting advice…but a cousin of mine is expecting, and I would love to be able to get this book for her!
Meghan
I’m 12 weeks pregnant with my first, but I have had experience “parenting” my niece and nephews and have found that consistency seems to be key. If you say you’re going to do something, do it and they learn that you mean business and are reliable.
Jackie
I am pregnant with our second and would love a new book to read and reference in those first few months.
Margie
My little one is one month old and so far the best advice is the reminder that it gets better as far as sleeping and eating schedules go… 🙂
Steelee
Expecting in June and couldn’t possibly feel more unprepared. I think the best parenting advice is something I have read on your blog more than once: If you and your baby are happy, then you’re doing the right thing.
Farrah
I am 18 weeks pregnant with our second child, and one piece of advice that really stuck with me with my first child was regarding nursing vs. formula. Due to a previous lumpectomy in one of my breasts 10 years ago, I had serious supply issues on that side….and plus, my son didn’t take to nursing right away, resulting in a scary weight loss. I felt that I “had to” make breastfeeding work 100% of the time, until a friend convinced me that it was ok to supplement with formula…..and that it wouldn’t mean that I was a bad mother. Once I relaxed and figured out a system that worked for both me and my son, things were so much better!
Maren
Something my mom has always said ‘Sleep when the baby is sleeping. Do your housework, or whatever you feel you need to do, when baby is awake (especially when you have help the first few weeks or when you feel up to it), but slways nap when the baby naps.’ Amen.
Advice I add to that is: Trust your instincts. You have them for a reason. Your baby will tell you what he/she needs/wants…whether it’s a feeding, diaper change or when he/she’s ready for a sippy cup or to give up a pacifier.
And, When it’s day time, make the room light and noisy (go about your daily life), even at nap time. When it’s night time, make it as dark and quiet as possible (I said ‘as possible’, it’s hard to change diapers in complete darkness), even at feeding/diaper change time. That helps baby get unconfused when they confuse days and nights. At least it helped my baby. :0)
OK, so that’s really 3 pieces of advice…but only one is advice I was given. The others I figured out myself and pass on whenever someone will listen, lol
Sarah R
I am preggo with my first child. I think the most important piece of information I learned long ago, just while baby sitting was to let them cry it out. Just because they are crying, doesn’t mean they are hungry or wet.
Ashley L.
My mother, when I was crying over the phone about not being able to get my daughter to stop crying, told me, “This too shall pass”. Remember it will get better, but don’t miss it while it is still around.
Jill
I haven’t received any direct parenting advice yet, and I’m not totally sure I’m looking forward to getting any. The friends I have with kids can be kind of judgy about child-raising. Sounds like I need a more open book like this one before our little one arrives in August.
Adrienne
I’m pregnant with my first, due in less than a month, and so I haven’t gotten a chance to figure out if any advice works. My mom did tell me, however, to use red washcloths when your little one is at the toddler stage so if they get cut/scraped/etc, when you wash it off they can’t see the blood and freak out. Seems like good advice to me!
Amber Barnum
As someone who is not yet a mom, the one piece of advice that I consistently receive is “it will happen in God’s time.”
Jenn
The best advice I’ve received, and it seems to be popular advice, is “Trust your instincts.”
Suzanne
My mother and grandmother would always say “disciplining your child is loving your child”…I don’t have any children yet but I know that to be true. And I love Amber’s comment @#50-“it will happen in God’s time”…Oh SO true.
Katie
My husband, Chris, and I have one little boy who’s 3.5. We’re currently working on #2. The best advice that anyone gave me was that being the mommy, I’d know my baby best. It was true then and it’s true now. When he was just itty-bitty, I knew what his cries meant better than anyone else. Now I know the difference between when he needs to just get better on his own and when he needs to see a doctor. A mom’s instincts are amazing. 🙂
Erin
Mine isn’t a parenting tip as I’m now pregnant with my first, but advice on being pregnant. My best friend told me to “trust my gut” when it comes to all the advice being dolled out by doctors and well-meaning friends. Take most of it with a grain of salt and do what feels right. It’s made things a lot less stressful, especially with just getting gestational diabetes.
Love you blog!
Ualla
I’m only halfway through my pregnancy, but I think the best advice I’ve received is to make sure to give my husband time to bond with the baby early on and learn to do things his way. Im a bit of a control freak, and have had much more experience than he has with newborns and babies. I can totally see myself rushing in to “help” and “teach” him things that really don’t need to be done my way.
Jeneane
I’m going to become a parent for the first time in July. The best piece of advice I’ve gotten so far is to remember the relationship that brought the child into the world in the first place and to not let that go by the wayside once the baby is born.
Brooke
I have been getting a lot of parenting advice lately but have not had a chance to see what works and what doesn’t because our son is still cooking. On thing I have taken into consideration from other moms is that now that we are at the end of the pregnancy to be patient and let things happen as they will. Which is easier said then done! I go into the Doctor for my 38 week appointment today and I hope she tells me I am crowning!! lol
Megan
I’m due at the end of April with my first and haven’t really gotten a lot of advice. However, when I begin to freak out about not having certain things yet, like the stroller/bottles/crib, my mom assures me that baby doesn’t need any of that stuff! “How do you think people on the Oregon Trail did it?”
Becca
The best advice I never got (and wished I’d had) is that when colic strikes, there’s nothing you can do about it, so quit Googling remedies and cures and quick fixes. Instead, sit with your baby in a dark room and nurse and sing and nurse and sing until both of you finally fall asleep. It will eventually pass, and you’ll have spent your time re-learning all of the nursery songs from your childhood.
Haley Merlot
The piece of advice that was the most helpful was “sleep when your baby sleeps”. Pretty basic, but when you’re really worked up about being a first time mom, you forget even the simplest logic in your quest to be perfect! Thanks for the tip, Mom.
Abby @ They Lend Me Their Hearts
It seems obvious, but “trust your gut”. There’s something about a mom’s gut that just seems to know best.
Erin B.
I am pregnant with my first and the best advice I have gotten so far is that being a parent is on the job training. You can try to prepare and prepare as much as possible but until you have that little one with you, you really have no clue what to expect.
Kelly P
The best advice I ever got was to trust myself and if all else fails call my mom 🙂
The Crazy One
I’m not a parent yet but the best advice my mom ever taught me about dealing with kids in general is to follow through. If you state a consequence make sure you follow through on it or kids aren’t going to respect you or listen to you. This advice has worked for me as a babysitter, a preschool teacher and an auntie.
Whitney
My sister and I are both due in August with our first babies! We had a co-baby shower this weekend, and were showered with lots of parenting advice. My favorite: Babies build character. You learn to sacrifice YOU and your desires/what’s convenient, for your baby and his desires/needs, even in pregnancy. This is good advice to remember, especially during nighttime feedings!
Diurla Dube
No baby yet but due on the 26th of this month with a little boy and would love this book 🙂
Leah
I’m currently on the joyous roller coaster ride of a first time mom with a 10 day old. She’s beautiful and wonderful and snuggly and all those sweet things you want your baby to be but she’s also got her days and nights mixed up. She thinks 3am is the best time to be wide awake and play. I have a couple of parenting books (most given to me by friends or family) but the lack of brain cells during my 3rd trimester kept me from concentrating on more than a few sentences at a time. I’m gradually sifting through them but this book sounds like it would have some great tips! Thanks for the helpful giveaway.
Rachel
The best advice I have gotten so far in regards to parenting is to remember as much as I can (camera helps) and be there in the moment. My little one is only 3 1/2 months old and it seems like yesterday we were leaving the hospital.
Ana
The best advice I was given was to never forget to love your baby. It is simple but true… specially when the baby is crying like hell and you haven’t sleep for ages!
Lindsay (Young Married Mom)
The best advice I received is to look at the clock. Eventually, baby is going to fall asleep; he will not cry forever, and what seems like an hour may only have been five minutes. (In some cases, it may actually have been an hour, but that just means you’re one step closer to sleepy time!)
Tan @ tan/green
When I started back to work after my first I was telling a co-worker – a curmudgeonly older guy – that we were in a rush that morning and I had forgotten something for Pumpkin (socks maybe?) and he very solemnly told me “oh you are never in a rush with the little ones” and that has stuck with me on even the most hectic of mornings. As Pumpkin grows it is easy to lose patience but I recall this and pull out my barely patient side and we work through everything that needs to get done – in the mornings and any time.
Verity
“This too shall pass” – best advice and the mantra for the hardest crying nights, hours spent nursing, days when it was hard to even get dressed etc 🙂 Of couse then it does pass and you find yourself getting all nostalgic and thinking fondly of another baby!
Kaitlyn S
I’m not expecting but my cousin is planning to add to her family soon. I babysit though and the best advice I’ve heard is that the foot-in-the-door phenomenom works with children (especially at bedtime). Instead of saying “we’re going to bed” I can usually ease the child into it by saying “let’s go upstairs and pick out some books” and gradually adding on for example “why don’t we go ahead and put on our pajamas since we’re up here?” etc. It works every time because before the child realizes it they’re ready for bed so there’s no fuss. 🙂
KimberlyHMN
I’m not a mama yet, but I would say to savor every minute, as they all go by way too fast. It’s good LIFE advice too! =)
Sarah H.
Excellent. Since we’re expecting our first in June I ordered this last week! Good timing on the review!
Ashley @ According to Ashley
I’m a newlywed and we’re not planning to have kids for a few years, so LUCKILY people aren’t throwing parenting advice at us just yet! I have heard some helpful things like “sleep when the baby sleeps” and “don’t be afraid to ask for help”. I’d love to win the book….to use in the future, of course!
Jenna
I don’t have children yet, but I have heard several times that “sometimes, you just have to walk away” (specifically when the baby is crying at night and you are at your wit’s end). Sounds smart to me!
Meredith
To take time out to make sure me and hubby have time to ourselves as adults. It really helps us to miss the kids for a couple of hours once a month or so. Reminds us why we had kids in the first place
Kathy
We’re expecting my first, his second. He tells me all the time that it’s an adjustment, but if you’re okay with adjusting it’s not that hard. 🙂 We’ll see.
Melissa N.
We just had our first baby, a boy, in December and I’m clueless. Seriously. It’s pathetic. *lol* Our family/friends are back in East Texas, and we’re here in Florida – not far from where ya’ll are from! – so we’re really winging it. So far he’s doing great! One thing my parents always said was to keep socks on the baby all the time (minus the dead heat of summer), and it’ll keep them from getting sick. Best advice ever? Make onion water when the baby is fussy/colicy, it’s a life saver!!!
RheaBell
I think the best advice I got was-
“if your baby isn’t bleeding and your house isn’t on fire- it’s okay to take a break.”
Helped me ALOT because if a baby is crying, no matter what, I feel like I deserve to be jailed if I let the baby cry for a few minutes while I take a breath. And calming down for a second before going back to try to calm the baby down again is really helpful.
Amber
I have 2 boys, 2 1/2 years and 2 months old. I’ve never really read through a parenting book (there has been lots of Google-ing) but would love to hear their ideas about sleep in this book. Our first son was an easy baby/child until we transitioned him into a toddler bed. It’s still a struggle at times to get him to sleep even 6 months after the change. The best advice I’ve probably heard is to not expect your children to be the same. Each one is a different person with different personalities and ways of doing things.
Layne
I just had my daughter 10 weeks ago and even though I’ve worked with preemies and infants for years I really didn’t “get” parenthood until I had my first baby. Hands down the best, most freeing and truest advice I’ve gotten is to just do what keeps you (and your baby and your hubby) sane and healthy and let everything else go.
Katie N.
I’m a newly wed and we’re planning on waiting another year or two before we start our brood, but I’m truly looking forward to being a mom! The best advice I have ever been given is to set boundaries for your children, and to get them (and keep them) on a schedule from day one – two things that will help both you and your children be happy and successful…in theory, at least 🙂
Mindy
While I’m not a mom yet, my husband and I keep our nephew quite often. The best advise we have gotten is to “trust your instincts”!!!
Lori M.
I don’t have any children, but I’ve always heard the advice to sleep when the baby sleeps…I guess it will be a while before I test that one out. My older sister is expecting her first this summer so the book would be for her :o)
Laura
Not a mom yet, but hopefully soon. I am an aunt though, and I’ve learned SO much in the past 16 months. Lately my niece has learned to put things under her arm and say “MINE.” I had to learn to re-direct her attention elsewhere rather than argue with her…not a great idea. 🙂
Lauren
I like the book “Baby 411”. I am breastfeeding but this book also has a section on formula feeding which I read before making my decision. It sounds a lot like the book your recommending, but check out “Baby 411” too. Its great.
Brittany
I am newly married and while we aren’t ready to start a family right now, I have been reading different articles online about pregnancy and babies. The best piece of information (not exactly advice) is that through all the struggles and stress a mother can go through-that it is completely worth it. I’ve heard women say it before but the article really focused on that fact. I am terrified of having children because I expect sleepless nights and loss of free time and I don’t feel ready for all of that but reading that article kind of put me at ease.
Kara J
Chill out! I was panicked the first few days of my son’s life because he wasn’t willing to eat every three hours like the nurses said I should be feeding him. I went home still trying to force-feed him every three hours, but the lactation consultant called me a couple days later to follow up. She told me the revolutionary secret of feeding him when he wanted to eat. After stopping watching the clock constantly, we were all much happier, and I had a very chunky baby to prove he was eating enough.
Julie
We’re starting to discuss a family, we’ve only been married 6 months. But I’m so excited for when we’re “there!” I’ve always wondered about the baby care things no one talks about…clipping nails, what about cleaning their ears and cute little baby neck folds? What about when their skin acts up? Is that in there? So I haven’t gotten any advice yet, but I hope/know I will!
Leticia
My son just turned 6 weeks old today! I love reading your site and hearing from someone else who has gone through the whole “new mommy” thing! I best advice I’ve received is to just relax and let your baby guide you through what he/she needs (especially when they’re so little).
Rachel
I’m 22 weeks pregnant, so I haven’t gotten a chance to try out any parenting advice yet. It would be really helpful to have a book with a good overview of the first year.
Lauren
My best advice would be to “do what feels right for you”. Don’t do things that other people suggest if it doesn’t seem right to you. What another person does isn’t necessarily right for you and your family.
Stefania
I’m not a parent yet (due 9/1) but I think some of the best advice is not to take it too seriously especially the advice that you get from others. I’m hoping that works!
I would love the book. Always love reading. Best of luck and take care of that back!
Dessi
So far, I’m only mommy to two adorable pups, but hopefully we will start our family soon <3 I've been given lots of advice on the whole starting process though…like you will never be as prepared as you'd like to be before you have your first! But that's okay! We will learn as we go!
Brielle
I’m not pregnant yet, hopefully sometime soon! But I think the best advice I got from my mom when I told her we were starting a family is that being happy is better than having everything perfect and to not be too hard on myself.
Maggie
My hubby and I are trying for our first, so I haven’t received much parenting advice yet. It seems like everyone and their grandmother wants to give us conception advice though :). Usually, well-meaning people say “It’ll happen when you aren’t even trying” or “Just relax…that’s when I got pregnant,” or something along those lines.
Heather
Follow your instincts. In the begining I listened to pushy people and didn’t follow my instincts and regreted it.
Mairs
The best piece of advice I’ve been given is “enjoy and appreciate every step because they groe up so fasf.” I’m due April 4th (like you!) with my first so I haven’t experienced it with my baby yet but I’ve kept this advice in mind throughout my pregnancy and just can’t believe I’m in the home stretch already! I’ve really tried to enjoy myself these last 9 months but can’t wait to get my hands my baby!
Victoria S
Our baby is two weeks old today, and the most useful advice we’ve received so far is for caregivers of baby boys: point the penis down. Otherwise that diaper WILL leak!
Maria
I hope to become a parent in the next year so this book would be great!