Helpful Score: 6
I was very disappointed with the advice in this book and found myself disagreeing with some of it. I was completely incredulous to hear the author DIScourage breastfeeding beyond 12 months of age! I guess she must not be aware of all the evidence that points to breastmilk being beneficial up to 2 years+. A lot of other advice in the book seems arbitrary and not backed up by research or proof. There were only a few sections that I disagreed with and the rest of the book is filled with good information. But they touched enough of a nerve that I would never give this book away to a friend.
Helpful Score: 4
None of the book's three authors are doctors. None of them have advanced degrees in childhood development. Only one is a nurse. Perhaps they are all mothers, but none of them have the credentials to write an "authoritative" book on childcare.
The opinions given are not backed up by research. Much of the book contradicts the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. Much of the advice is age-inappropriate (such as weaning from the breast), and some of it is downright cruel (such as sleep training). Part of the book is in question-answer format; the questions are often insipid and the answers are more often condescending. I don't know how the What To Expect series is so popular, because it's consistently garbage. For the sake of your baby, look somewhere else.
The opinions given are not backed up by research. Much of the book contradicts the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. Much of the advice is age-inappropriate (such as weaning from the breast), and some of it is downright cruel (such as sleep training). Part of the book is in question-answer format; the questions are often insipid and the answers are more often condescending. I don't know how the What To Expect series is so popular, because it's consistently garbage. For the sake of your baby, look somewhere else.
Helpful Score: 3
When my oldest daughter, now 10, was born, I lived by these books! It was great to have such a wonderful resource (other than my mom) because I was the first of all my friends to become a mother! Now, as a mom of 3, I still consult my "mommy bible" and give these as gifts to all of my "new mommy" friends!
Helpful Score: 1
Fabulous resource for the turbulent toddler years! I lived with this at my bedside to check for normalcy and for suggestions on issues like potty training.
Helpful Score: 1
I love this one the most of all. I really found it helpfull with my second child. It covers everything you want to know if you have a toddler in the house.
