I've now read the pertinent sections of this book for my newborn and will continue to use this as a go-to refernece. Great information on every question you could possibly have about early child care. This is the manual that should come with all babies automatically.

I think the best advise this book has for a new parent is to trust their parental instincts. The book highly promotes attachment parenting which emphasizes on co-sleeping with your infant, breast feeding and attending to your child as soon as he/she cries. I've read conflicting information about this style of parenting in other books and to be honest there was not enough evidence to support what is best for both child and parents. However, I personally believe going back to being emotionally available for your child and a lot of concepts of attachment parenting make complete sense.

My main criticism for this book is extreme traditional view of parenting to the extent that it feels like mothers should become slaves to their children. There is also a lot of pressure on mothers compared to fathers in his book. Dr. Sears, solely based on his own experience with his own family, suggests that it is the best for mothers to stay at home or if financial situations does not allow to start a business from their garage. He also suggest carrying the baby in sling everywhere with you. I personally think many women are better mothers when they maintain their jobs and social lives outside of the home as well.

Overall, I suggest if you are reading this book, read it critically as not all the advice is tractable (except for Sears household).

Useful reference, but do not read this book when you are immediately post partum, still hormonal, exceptionally sleep deprived, and struggling with milk-supply issues. Dr. Sears will make it seem like 'it' is all your fault and that you will poison your baby if you use formula... Or maybe that was just my experience ;) ?

This is a MUST HAVE for anyone with a baby whether it's your first, second, or third. Many of the things in there I knew but many of the things I dind't know and it comes in very handy.

Good advice that makes sense and feels right - what else could you want?

An invaluable reference book! I used it all the time with my first child as it was so easy to use and I trust Dr. Sears. He speaks from experience.

A wonderful attachment-parenting resource for all things baby related.

This book is a fantastic primer in just about everything. It's useful to read what you need and skim the rest.

This book is long but I found it very helpful.

What I like about this book:
- I really, really like the month-by-month section on baby development. It is so specific and detailed and has really helped me to "see" what my baby is doing, what skills she is learning, etc.
- Information on feeding and medical advice is really useful.
- Much of their advice has a "common sense" tone which I appreciate.

What I don't like:
- This book is really sexist.
- Their statements about how attachment parenting will affect your child's emotional development are not based on science, as far as I know.
- They give lip service to "Attachment parenting means being responsive to your baby, not that you have to engage in certain specific practices," but then go on to push certain practices as the right ones.
- It's not enough for you to do all the right things for your baby... you are supposed to enjoy every moment of it! Are you not "joyfully anticipating" your next nursing session with your baby? There must be something wrong.
- Their prescription for everything seems to be "Turn down the lights, put on music, and cuddle your baby in bed while breastfeeding him/her." Earth to the authors: Every baby is different.