M. Andersen 2008-04-17

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

I was just reading the first few reviews of Babywise on the american website and am astounded at how negative some of the parents are. Franky I don't think they've been reading the same books. The first two Babywise books, which we have used so far have been brilliant and incredibly spot-on about babies, my husband and I learned so much, which was so helpful prior to the birth of our first child. Most importantly, our firstborn has thrived & done brilliantly on this routine. We actually find Babywise to be so flexible and our daughter has slept perfectly through the night (since she was 10 days old, but we woke her for all her night feeds as is recommended; and then sleeping through the night since she was 9 weeks old, also recommended in the first book; she is now 1 year old) and is such a happy, alert, and intelligent baby. It is rubbish that you are either lucky or unlucky whether your baby sleeps through the night - you train them! Yes it's hard work, but at least I've always been able to plan my days properly and shower and be a rested parent. Why in the world would you leave it all to chance when you've got Babywise books to guide you??? I rarely am ignorant of important stages that my baby is in or about to enter, and this gives me tons of confidence. Confidence is so important as a new parent, too.

Everyone, from the midwives to our parents to our friends remark how happy our baby is, that they find it extraordinary that she doesn't kick up a fuss when she is put to bed and most importantly, they constantly say how 'lucky' we are that she sleeps through the night... I don't think so! It is absolutely down to the Babywise books that our baby sleeps so well. I knew absolutely nothing whatsoever about babies before giving birth, and from what I overhear from demand-feeding mothers, I would be in such a mess today if I hadn't been recommended Babywise. It is nonsense that this method is too strict. Our daughter is 1 year old and I am still breastfeeding and plan to continue for another 6-12 months. This book is 100% pro breastfeeding and totally backs you up as a parent. I also believe that the moral guidance the books give are healthy. Goodness, we have friends who have let their children do anything and everything and never reprimand them, and I'm afraid their children are spoilt little things who don't say please, thank you or hello. It is actually quite shocking. Pick what you want from the advice, it is still good stuff.

The Babywise books are brilliant. We don't know anyone who has used them who hasn't had 100% success and still breastfed their babies beyond 1 year.

B. moore 2008-01-09

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

I have read the initial babywise, enjoyed it, and found it contained some useful advice. This book, however, is quite frankly a waste of time and money. The book waffles on about morals and prayers and highchair manners without continuing the initial advice I found so useful in the first book e.g. what routines / sleep etc are appropriate for what age etc. It also doesn't really help with other challenges at this age e.g. teething, weaning etc.

Don't buy this book. I would better recommend Gina Ford's contented baby book which offers practical advice up to 12 months.

2005-01-27

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

So we're told: the choice is between untamed unruly children or strict enforced child discipline... both polar views with actually the same motive - parents first, child second. The former by divesting any responsibility, the latter by domination.

If you think that these attitudes to parenting aren't for you, then try Babywise.

This book (and the whole Babywise series) works on the principle that you will set boundaries and rules for your children... but will also be guided by listening to them and understanding their needs.

Seems obvious, doesn't it? Yet without the practical advice within this book, it might be too grey, too wooly to apply. If you didn't have a resource like this, it would be easy to fall into the trap of being governed as much by the way YOU feel as the baby.

This is where babywise is in its element: it helps you achieve this middle ground. Now, we're proud to have a wonderful 16 month boy who sleeps well, eats well, cries when there's something to cry about... but has such joy too. And this is thanks, in part, to Babywise.

2003-05-13

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Quite simply, this book works. It suffers from trying to sell itself to you while you're reading it (didn't they realise I'd already bought it?)but it works exceptionally well, containing great values and application that tend to go out the window as new parents if you don't have any plan.

We used it's predecessor and our daughter slept through the night from 11 weeks old. She is now 15 months and has slept through ever since. This book has allowed us to continue creating plans and guiding us as parents.

You will also notice the happiness that you and your baby recieve from applying what is in this book as you all get more sleep/time. If you don't set a plan your baby will so I'd advise both parents to read this and stick with it no matter what you feel, in order to see the results.
Enjoy getting your silent nights back...

2003-05-13

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

Quite simply, this book works. It suffers from trying to sell itself to you while you're reading it (didn't they realise I'd already bought it?)but it works exceptionally well, containing great values and application that tend to go out the window as new parents if you don't have any plan.

We used it and our daughter slept through the night from 11 weeks old. She is now 15 months and has slept through ever since.

You will also notice the happiness that you and your baby recieve from applying what is in this book as you all get more sleep. If you don't set a plan your baby will so I'd advise both parents to read this and stick with it no matter what you feel, in order to see the results.
Enjoy getting your silent nights back...