Parenting books?

[little*red]

Does anyone have any recommendations for any good parenting books that help set out routines for feeding and sleeping,and just general parenting advice?Preferably ones which have worked for them.


We already have the Gina Ford Contented little baby book and it has been quite useful but some of the advise really confuses me as the routines are for mums who are breastfeeding but Evie takes forumla . Also the routines are quite strict and dont really allow for slight flexiblity ( like me sleeping in due to the late nights and not getting up until 8am instead of 7am ).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated .

 

[Tina & Gabs]

Hi Hun

Baby whisperer is quite good (Tracey Hogg). Here is a link to the website www.babywhisperer.com

I found I was getting myself a bit stressed out at the beginning, reading so many different books that all seem to contradict each other. I think you have to remember that although some of the people that write these books are professionals; it is still their opinion and may not work for everyone or every baby. The best thing I found was to take a few hints and ideas from different books or websites but to go with my own instinct. There really is nothing better than a mothers instinct and this forum is also a godsend. Once I put my book down; I found I chilled out a bit and just went with my feelings.

Good luck hun

 

[Nic'n'Keeley]

I have" The new contented little baby book" By gina ford...
It has routines in it... i have just adjusted my routine as i found hers too hard i think cos i have only just put keeley into a proper routine i think her book would have been easier to follow if keeley was younger

Hope i made sense lol

 

[nathanmum]

rachael waddilove how to enjoy the first year. (i think thats what its called) she has worked with gwyneth paltrow. it gives really flexible routines set out in an easy way, it works for bottlefed babies. i would highly recommend it, she seemed more real unlike some of the authors who seem to live in a dream world
i hated the gina ford one i felt it was cruel but i think i have different parenting ideas to her??

 

[SarahB]

Throw the books away and just go with your instinct. I found all the books contradicted what my baby wanted and just stressed me out. Once I stopped trying to do what they said I should be doing I relaxed and we were all much happier. No-one knows your baby the way you do and no-one can tell you what you should be doing or when you should be doing it. You and your baby are unique and should follow your own unique routine, which you will establish between the two of you. Good luck hun

 

[Rubys mummy]

Throw the books away and just go with your instinct. I found all the books contradicted what my baby wanted and just stressed me out. Once I stopped trying to do what they said I should be doing I relaxed and we were all much happier. No-one knows your baby the way you do and no-one can tell you what you should be doing or when you should be doing it. You and your baby are unique and should follow your own unique routine, which you will establish between the two of you. Good luck hun

Me too, I followed one of the menioned books, and found the routines strict but they worked for us....then Ruby changed at 7 weeks and feeds every 2 hours during the day, but in return now sleeps from 11pm to 7am so we sort of still have a routine from 6.15pm bath, bottle and bed, then wake her at 11pm for last feed. She is so much happier, and contented and I am lessed stressed during the day thinking "Oh, its 2.30pm, she should be feeding etc" The only time she cries now is when she is hungry, or tired and I automitically know now which it is.

It is good to follow a routine, but just try and take bits from books and work it in with you and your baby.

My OH still stresses now if she doesnt sleep through he wants to consult the book and have an answer Babies are little people and they have different days like you and I do, some good some bad.....

Good luck xxxxx

 

[Lyndsey]

I think Gina Ford is awful!

Go with your instinct.....or ask for advice on here! lol