If you are still struggling to get your newborn to sleep through the night, still getting up throughout the night to feed the little one, or perhaps you are feeling as if no end is in sight, you need to read Gina Ford's The Contented Little Baby Book. It may be the only thing you need to bring peace back into your frazzled existence with your tiny baby, or babies.

After all, this book promises to teach parents tried and tested methods to get their baby to sleep through the night by the time they are 10 weeks old.

For parents who are craving their first night of unbroken sleep, Ford's book may be the answer.

Ford's methods conjure up the image of a strict and loving old nanny from yesteryear. Her techniques go against the grain of many currently popular parenting philosophies. For example, Ford, an experienced maternity nurse, is against demand feeding, believes in the necessity of waking a sleeping baby in order to establish a daily routine. Her philosophy may not be the norm today, but Ford is confident of her methods based on years of experience handling hundreds of babies.

Providing an hour-by-hour, week-by-week guide on how to get a new baby into a routine, the book includes feeding and sleeping schedules based on a baby's age. The Contented Little Baby Book provides so much information that it may be necessary to keep this paperback book handy for reference should you employ Ford's techniques.

Experienced parents may not benefit from Ford's methods, but first-time parents may learn a lot from her ideas, and for the discerning reader of parenting books, this one is a must have. For the reader who would like to weigh other parenting methods before adopting Ford's techniques, the following books may be of interest: The Baby Book, by William Sears, M.D. and Martha Sears, R.N.; What to Expect in the first year, by Eisenberg, Murkoff and Hathaway; and Your Baby and Child, by Penelope Leach. --Abbe Jacobson

Nothing but praise, 25 Nov 2008
My wife and I had our first beautiful baby 5 months ago. By week 5 we were basically doing a "cry on demand" routine for raising our child. Feeding him when he needed to be fed and putting him to bed when we thought he needed to go to bed. At week 5 my wife had to start expressing milk and was in a tremendous amount of pain in the breast area. That together with our baby waking up through the night was making child raising a testing experience if I can use that term. I essentially at that moment took on the role of Mr Mum. We purchased this book a few months earlier on the advice of a friend and hadn't really opened it up. That night I spent about 4 hours reading the book. The next day we started putting our baby into routine following Gina's recommendations. Since week 5 and now which is about 4 months, we would have visited his room before 6.30am maybe half a dozen times. Our baby is happy, where happy (because where getting a good nights sleep) and we can plan our days as we have a good idea when he will be awake, feeding or asleep. In every respect I have nothing but praise for this book. Maybe it works with some babies but not all, I can only use our baby as an example and in that respect it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Most parents try and get their babies in a routine but with Gina one simply applies it a little more strictly. I.E many people say "never wake a sleeping baby" We have no problems waking our baby at 10.30pm for that rollover feed as we know he will only wake up distressed at 3am if we don't. We don't follow it to the letter but more as a "strong guide" if I can use that term. We still give our baby an afternoon nap from 4 - 4.30/4.45 as it's simply too long for him to go from 2 - 7 without a sleep and we find he likes to have his morning nap at about 8.30am not 9am as recommended. We also followed the half feeds initially in the morning and evening before and after his bath. This morning like clockwork at 6.50am he started yapping to himself in a happy fashion waiting for mum or dad to pick him up, change him and feed him. I have nothing but praise for this book and thank Gina from good old "down under" for putting it out. We will definitely be buying her follow up books as our boy gets older. One tip, be careful who you praise it to. Some people can be a little aggressive in their condemnation of it. The two terms I have heard to describe it are "Boot Camp for Babies" and the "Nazi Book." Both offensive and completely wrong. Finally to a previous poster who talks about the fact it doesn't talk about giving your baby love. That is frankly a stupid comment. If your dumb enough to not give your baby love after reading this book and think that Gina is in anyway saying that, then frankly your not competent enough to raise a child. We could not give our baby more love, cuddles and kisses if we tried.

This book is definitely worth reading for every new mum!, 17 Nov 2008
I am a mother to a seven year old daughter, who loves to sleep and is well adjusted and happy. I read the original Contented Little Baby book when I had her. Yes, it seems strict, but I really liked it because it worked for me. I am no Earth Mother, my daughter was born by emergancy caesarean and I bottle fed - but at no time did this book make me feel guilty or 'not a good mother' it gives a rounded view and covers all areas not just 'perfect scenarios'. My daughter slept through the night at six weeks, and to this day sleeps twelve hours a night and only wakes up if she is ill.

I am now expecting twins and look forward to reading Gina Ford's twin version as it may prove more helpful than the other twin books I've read which have been thrown in the bin ie. Double Trouble.



Saved my sanity, 15 Nov 2008
I can't recommend this book enough. I suffered with my first son everything that she suggested can happen with baby-led feeding. He was a sleepy baby, following a traumatic birth for both of us, and therefore was only waking for a feed once every 6 hours approx, at the time when I should have been building my milk supply up. Exactly as she says, he perked up at 10 days old and was wanting feeding in the evenings. It was so bad, I was feeding 10 min on, 10 min off for hours. It was so exhausting. Obviously this was because I had not built up a good milk supply over the last 10 days, and after a day of doing things my milk supply was lower anyway. I know this 'cluster feeding' (I know it is called) was because my son was not having his hunger satisfied. This had the knock on effect of him not settling all night and us being completely sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation and stress caused me to not build up any milk, completing the vicious circle. When asking the health visitor for help, she told me this was completely normal and to carry on!

I must point out, I am a trained nurse and am involved mostly in health promotion. I do not understand how new mothers can be taught to continue this practice, as I was so close to giving up breastfeeding and moving to the bottle. The CLB completely addressed all these problems and more, and I was able to get breast feeding back on track and make sense of life again. This meant I was able to really enjoy my son properly and fall completely in love with him, rather then be constantly worrying about the things that were going wrong.

The way things were going with my son I was heading to depression. I know as a health professional, how we have to teach what is evidence based and decided to be followed by the DoH, but as a person with common sense, I know that there is always evidence to contradict that evidence, not to mention new evidence that comes out. The number of times I have discovered by experience that evidence doesn't work and have wished I had used common sense to help a patient. I am aware there are a few occasions throughout the book that Gina suggests something where there is no evidence to back it. However, it is obvious she is suggesting these things because that is what her years and years of experience has taught her, something I can relate to.

Having a routine in our lives (obviously always worth taylor making it to your individual lives) was not restricting in the slightest. Because as a family we knew what to expect, we felt so free. Initialy, however, we found not being able to go out as couple in the evenings whenever we wanted restrictive, we soon realised that that is parenthood, and 4 years later, our son is happily going down to sleep at the correct time that a child of his age should and is not suffering from sleep deprivation that so many kids are these days.

Bottom line, if evidence based practice is causing the whole family distress and depression to the mother, surely an alternative must be sought. After all, the most important thing, I believe to a mother and baby, is a bond. I am convinced that the effects of a mother's PND on a baby is much worse than aiding that baby into a routine, that falls into so naturally.

Great book

Not for every baby - and much too regimented!, 15 Nov 2008
As someone who likes to know what to expect and predictability (sometimes to a fault), I read this book in preparation for our first child, and was quickly disillusioned - the book's schedule is too regimented for a new born even though the author recommends using the schedule with a day old baby. Our son was born a hearty 8 lbs 11 oz, was a vigorous eater (breastfed), and a pretty sound sleeper. He never made it through a three-hourly schedule, and wanted to be fed every 2 hrs to 2 hr 30 minutes. I tried everything - making sure the baby had a long enough feed (he was such a vigorous sucker he would empty one breast in about 10 mins), getting him to stay awake after feeds (sometimes he would stay awake for the entire time between feeds, sometimes he would sleep the entire time between feeds), but it just wasn't possible all the time. The author makes it sound like if you followed her schedule that it would definitely work and that every baby wanted and _would_ follow such a schedule if given the opportunity. This was not the case with our baby, whose cues are pretty easy to read (only fussed/cried when hungry, wet, or too tired; otherwise not a very fussy baby!). I would take this book with quite a few grains of salt because I don't think it takes into account individual differences between infants and assumes that all infants will "settle" into the schedule described in the book if parents just made the effort. It made me feel like it was _my fault_ that my son was not following the schedule, which is a very disheartening and dangerous message to give to new parents. I know someone for whom this worked very well, so I would not dismiss the book entirely - but I found it a discouragement rather than a help for our family.

Approach with caution, 01 Nov 2008
I read this book when my son was born, but maybe I was lucky that I had a contented baby who found his own routine. She does make sense with some things however if you read it carefully you will notice that there is no time for any actual playing, bonding or enjoying your child which I find awful. Fair enough - I cant argue with the people it helped but maybe fit some time in for bonding aswell.

Nothing but praise, 25 Nov 2008
My wife and I had our first beautiful baby 5 months ago. By week 5 we were basically doing a "cry on demand" routine for raising our child. Feeding him when he needed to be fed and putting him to bed when we thought he needed to go to bed. At week 5 my wife had to start expressing milk and was in a tremendous amount of pain in the breast area. That together with our baby waking up through the night was making child raising a testing experience if I can use that term. I essentially at that moment took on the role of Mr Mum. We purchased this book a few months earlier on the advice of a friend and hadn't really opened it up. That night I spent about 4 hours reading the book. The next day we started putting our baby into routine following Gina's recommendations. Since week 5 and now which is about 4 months, we would have visited his room before 6.30am maybe half a dozen times. Our baby is happy, where happy (because where getting a good nights sleep) and we can plan our days as we have a good idea when he will be awake, feeding or asleep. In every respect I have nothing but praise for this book. Maybe it works with some babies but not all, I can only use our baby as an example and in that respect it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Most parents try and get their babies in a routine but with Gina one simply applies it a little more strictly. I.E many people say "never wake a sleeping baby" We have no problems waking our baby at 10.30pm for that rollover feed as we know he will only wake up distressed at 3am if we don't. We don't follow it to the letter but more as a "strong guide" if I can use that term. We still give our baby an afternoon nap from 4 - 4.30/4.45 as it's simply too long for him to go from 2 - 7 without a sleep and we find he likes to have his morning nap at about 8.30am not 9am as recommended. We also followed the half feeds initially in the morning and evening before and after his bath. This morning like clockwork at 6.50am he started yapping to himself in a happy fashion waiting for mum or dad to pick him up, change him and feed him. I have nothing but praise for this book and thank Gina from good old "down under" for putting it out. We will definitely be buying her follow up books as our boy gets older. One tip, be careful who you praise it to. Some people can be a little aggressive in their condemnation of it. The two terms I have heard to describe it are "Boot Camp for Babies" and the "Nazi Book." Both offensive and completely wrong. Finally to a previous poster who talks about the fact it doesn't talk about giving your baby love. That is frankly a stupid comment. If your dumb enough to not give your baby love after reading this book and think that Gina is in anyway saying that, then frankly your not competent enough to raise a child. We could not give our baby more love, cuddles and kisses if we tried.

This book is definitely worth reading for every new mum!, 17 Nov 2008
I am a mother to a seven year old daughter, who loves to sleep and is well adjusted and happy. I read the original Contented Little Baby book when I had her. Yes, it seems strict, but I really liked it because it worked for me. I am no Earth Mother, my daughter was born by emergancy caesarean and I bottle fed - but at no time did this book make me feel guilty or 'not a good mother' it gives a rounded view and covers all areas not just 'perfect scenarios'. My daughter slept through the night at six weeks, and to this day sleeps twelve hours a night and only wakes up if she is ill.

I am now expecting twins and look forward to reading Gina Ford's twin version as it may prove more helpful than the other twin books I've read which have been thrown in the bin ie. Double Trouble.



Saved my sanity, 15 Nov 2008
I can't recommend this book enough. I suffered with my first son everything that she suggested can happen with baby-led feeding. He was a sleepy baby, following a traumatic birth for both of us, and therefore was only waking for a feed once every 6 hours approx, at the time when I should have been building my milk supply up. Exactly as she says, he perked up at 10 days old and was wanting feeding in the evenings. It was so bad, I was feeding 10 min on, 10 min off for hours. It was so exhausting. Obviously this was because I had not built up a good milk supply over the last 10 days, and after a day of doing things my milk supply was lower anyway. I know this 'cluster feeding' (I know it is called) was because my son was not having his hunger satisfied. This had the knock on effect of him not settling all night and us being completely sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation and stress caused me to not build up any milk, completing the vicious circle. When asking the health visitor for help, she told me this was completely normal and to carry on!

I must point out, I am a trained nurse and am involved mostly in health promotion. I do not understand how new mothers can be taught to continue this practice, as I was so close to giving up breastfeeding and moving to the bottle. The CLB completely addressed all these problems and more, and I was able to get breast feeding back on track and make sense of life again. This meant I was able to really enjoy my son properly and fall completely in love with him, rather then be constantly worrying about the things that were going wrong.

The way things were going with my son I was heading to depression. I know as a health professional, how we have to teach what is evidence based and decided to be followed by the DoH, but as a person with common sense, I know that there is always evidence to contradict that evidence, not to mention new evidence that comes out. The number of times I have discovered by experience that evidence doesn't work and have wished I had used common sense to help a patient. I am aware there are a few occasions throughout the book that Gina suggests something where there is no evidence to back it. However, it is obvious she is suggesting these things because that is what her years and years of experience has taught her, something I can relate to.

Having a routine in our lives (obviously always worth taylor making it to your individual lives) was not restricting in the slightest. Because as a family we knew what to expect, we felt so free. Initialy, however, we found not being able to go out as couple in the evenings whenever we wanted restrictive, we soon realised that that is parenthood, and 4 years later, our son is happily going down to sleep at the correct time that a child of his age should and is not suffering from sleep deprivation that so many kids are these days.

Bottom line, if evidence based practice is causing the whole family distress and depression to the mother, surely an alternative must be sought. After all, the most important thing, I believe to a mother and baby, is a bond. I am convinced that the effects of a mother's PND on a baby is much worse than aiding that baby into a routine, that falls into so naturally.

Great book

Not for every baby - and much too regimented!, 15 Nov 2008
As someone who likes to know what to expect and predictability (sometimes to a fault), I read this book in preparation for our first child, and was quickly disillusioned - the book's schedule is too regimented for a new born even though the author recommends using the schedule with a day old baby. Our son was born a hearty 8 lbs 11 oz, was a vigorous eater (breastfed), and a pretty sound sleeper. He never made it through a three-hourly schedule, and wanted to be fed every 2 hrs to 2 hr 30 minutes. I tried everything - making sure the baby had a long enough feed (he was such a vigorous sucker he would empty one breast in about 10 mins), getting him to stay awake after feeds (sometimes he would stay awake for the entire time between feeds, sometimes he would sleep the entire time between feeds), but it just wasn't possible all the time. The author makes it sound like if you followed her schedule that it would definitely work and that every baby wanted and _would_ follow such a schedule if given the opportunity. This was not the case with our baby, whose cues are pretty easy to read (only fussed/cried when hungry, wet, or too tired; otherwise not a very fussy baby!). I would take this book with quite a few grains of salt because I don't think it takes into account individual differences between infants and assumes that all infants will "settle" into the schedule described in the book if parents just made the effort. It made me feel like it was _my fault_ that my son was not following the schedule, which is a very disheartening and dangerous message to give to new parents. I know someone for whom this worked very well, so I would not dismiss the book entirely - but I found it a discouragement rather than a help for our family.

Approach with caution, 01 Nov 2008
I read this book when my son was born, but maybe I was lucky that I had a contented baby who found his own routine. She does make sense with some things however if you read it carefully you will notice that there is no time for any actual playing, bonding or enjoying your child which I find awful. Fair enough - I cant argue with the people it helped but maybe fit some time in for bonding aswell.

Take care: US version or UK version?, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this book on the back of 'What To Expect When You Are Expecting' and having borrowed this one from the library first. Both books are excellent, however I pre-ordered the 2008 edition, having read the 2004.

Why not 5 stars? Another review comments on the anglicising of the US law and support references, which is certainly the case in the 2004 edition What to Expect the First Year (What to Expect) but the 2008 edition is the American edition What to Expect the First Year and all the references are to the US system, some of which are completely different to UK, eg in the US the hospital files for your baby's birth certificate, here you register baby yourself. (A fairly obvious difference which is made very clear in hospital if you weren't already aware, but what else may be less obvious?)

This is not the book's fault, it's just not clear in the listing, so I mention it here. On the whole, the general advice is just as relevant wherever you are.

Too much, 05 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, it is very comprehensive and well written, so it is fun to read and contains useful information. It seems intended to be read through more than as a reference book.
However, in my opinion it is a bit too much. The information overloads the reader and then it is difficcult to remember the key things a new mom has to have in mind.It would suit you if you have a control freak side and want to know absolutelly everything about -1 yr old babies. It won't suit you if you are an aprehensive person.

Brilliant, honest, fair advice, 30 Sep 2008
This is the best book I bought for advice on raising my newborn son (and I bought a lot!). It contains honest, straightforward, non-judgemental ideas and advice. I found it really interesting, reassuring and sensible. It counters the 'ideal' (and seemingly theoretical) advice in many books with practical responses I could identify with. Strongly recommended.

Great source of advice, 19 Sep 2008
I received the first in the series from a very dear friend when I was pregnant (what to expect when expecting). Because I got so much out of it, I bought this one soon after my baby arrived. Great source of advice. Just one thing though: Don't wait until after your baby's arrival. Buy it when 6months pregnant as you will need some of the advice right from the 1st day. Not to miss.

BUY BUY BUY, 31 Aug 2008
This book is a must for all parents. It has so much information packed into it. It has answered nearly every question I've had on bringing up my child so far! Its very easy to dip in and out of, and you can see easily what to expect in future months!

Nothing but praise, 25 Nov 2008
My wife and I had our first beautiful baby 5 months ago. By week 5 we were basically doing a "cry on demand" routine for raising our child. Feeding him when he needed to be fed and putting him to bed when we thought he needed to go to bed. At week 5 my wife had to start expressing milk and was in a tremendous amount of pain in the breast area. That together with our baby waking up through the night was making child raising a testing experience if I can use that term. I essentially at that moment took on the role of Mr Mum. We purchased this book a few months earlier on the advice of a friend and hadn't really opened it up. That night I spent about 4 hours reading the book. The next day we started putting our baby into routine following Gina's recommendations. Since week 5 and now which is about 4 months, we would have visited his room before 6.30am maybe half a dozen times. Our baby is happy, where happy (because where getting a good nights sleep) and we can plan our days as we have a good idea when he will be awake, feeding or asleep. In every respect I have nothing but praise for this book. Maybe it works with some babies but not all, I can only use our baby as an example and in that respect it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Most parents try and get their babies in a routine but with Gina one simply applies it a little more strictly. I.E many people say "never wake a sleeping baby" We have no problems waking our baby at 10.30pm for that rollover feed as we know he will only wake up distressed at 3am if we don't. We don't follow it to the letter but more as a "strong guide" if I can use that term. We still give our baby an afternoon nap from 4 - 4.30/4.45 as it's simply too long for him to go from 2 - 7 without a sleep and we find he likes to have his morning nap at about 8.30am not 9am as recommended. We also followed the half feeds initially in the morning and evening before and after his bath. This morning like clockwork at 6.50am he started yapping to himself in a happy fashion waiting for mum or dad to pick him up, change him and feed him. I have nothing but praise for this book and thank Gina from good old "down under" for putting it out. We will definitely be buying her follow up books as our boy gets older. One tip, be careful who you praise it to. Some people can be a little aggressive in their condemnation of it. The two terms I have heard to describe it are "Boot Camp for Babies" and the "Nazi Book." Both offensive and completely wrong. Finally to a previous poster who talks about the fact it doesn't talk about giving your baby love. That is frankly a stupid comment. If your dumb enough to not give your baby love after reading this book and think that Gina is in anyway saying that, then frankly your not competent enough to raise a child. We could not give our baby more love, cuddles and kisses if we tried.

This book is definitely worth reading for every new mum!, 17 Nov 2008
I am a mother to a seven year old daughter, who loves to sleep and is well adjusted and happy. I read the original Contented Little Baby book when I had her. Yes, it seems strict, but I really liked it because it worked for me. I am no Earth Mother, my daughter was born by emergancy caesarean and I bottle fed - but at no time did this book make me feel guilty or 'not a good mother' it gives a rounded view and covers all areas not just 'perfect scenarios'. My daughter slept through the night at six weeks, and to this day sleeps twelve hours a night and only wakes up if she is ill.

I am now expecting twins and look forward to reading Gina Ford's twin version as it may prove more helpful than the other twin books I've read which have been thrown in the bin ie. Double Trouble.



Saved my sanity, 15 Nov 2008
I can't recommend this book enough. I suffered with my first son everything that she suggested can happen with baby-led feeding. He was a sleepy baby, following a traumatic birth for both of us, and therefore was only waking for a feed once every 6 hours approx, at the time when I should have been building my milk supply up. Exactly as she says, he perked up at 10 days old and was wanting feeding in the evenings. It was so bad, I was feeding 10 min on, 10 min off for hours. It was so exhausting. Obviously this was because I had not built up a good milk supply over the last 10 days, and after a day of doing things my milk supply was lower anyway. I know this 'cluster feeding' (I know it is called) was because my son was not having his hunger satisfied. This had the knock on effect of him not settling all night and us being completely sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation and stress caused me to not build up any milk, completing the vicious circle. When asking the health visitor for help, she told me this was completely normal and to carry on!

I must point out, I am a trained nurse and am involved mostly in health promotion. I do not understand how new mothers can be taught to continue this practice, as I was so close to giving up breastfeeding and moving to the bottle. The CLB completely addressed all these problems and more, and I was able to get breast feeding back on track and make sense of life again. This meant I was able to really enjoy my son properly and fall completely in love with him, rather then be constantly worrying about the things that were going wrong.

The way things were going with my son I was heading to depression. I know as a health professional, how we have to teach what is evidence based and decided to be followed by the DoH, but as a person with common sense, I know that there is always evidence to contradict that evidence, not to mention new evidence that comes out. The number of times I have discovered by experience that evidence doesn't work and have wished I had used common sense to help a patient. I am aware there are a few occasions throughout the book that Gina suggests something where there is no evidence to back it. However, it is obvious she is suggesting these things because that is what her years and years of experience has taught her, something I can relate to.

Having a routine in our lives (obviously always worth taylor making it to your individual lives) was not restricting in the slightest. Because as a family we knew what to expect, we felt so free. Initialy, however, we found not being able to go out as couple in the evenings whenever we wanted restrictive, we soon realised that that is parenthood, and 4 years later, our son is happily going down to sleep at the correct time that a child of his age should and is not suffering from sleep deprivation that so many kids are these days.

Bottom line, if evidence based practice is causing the whole family distress and depression to the mother, surely an alternative must be sought. After all, the most important thing, I believe to a mother and baby, is a bond. I am convinced that the effects of a mother's PND on a baby is much worse than aiding that baby into a routine, that falls into so naturally.

Great book

Not for every baby - and much too regimented!, 15 Nov 2008
As someone who likes to know what to expect and predictability (sometimes to a fault), I read this book in preparation for our first child, and was quickly disillusioned - the book's schedule is too regimented for a new born even though the author recommends using the schedule with a day old baby. Our son was born a hearty 8 lbs 11 oz, was a vigorous eater (breastfed), and a pretty sound sleeper. He never made it through a three-hourly schedule, and wanted to be fed every 2 hrs to 2 hr 30 minutes. I tried everything - making sure the baby had a long enough feed (he was such a vigorous sucker he would empty one breast in about 10 mins), getting him to stay awake after feeds (sometimes he would stay awake for the entire time between feeds, sometimes he would sleep the entire time between feeds), but it just wasn't possible all the time. The author makes it sound like if you followed her schedule that it would definitely work and that every baby wanted and _would_ follow such a schedule if given the opportunity. This was not the case with our baby, whose cues are pretty easy to read (only fussed/cried when hungry, wet, or too tired; otherwise not a very fussy baby!). I would take this book with quite a few grains of salt because I don't think it takes into account individual differences between infants and assumes that all infants will "settle" into the schedule described in the book if parents just made the effort. It made me feel like it was _my fault_ that my son was not following the schedule, which is a very disheartening and dangerous message to give to new parents. I know someone for whom this worked very well, so I would not dismiss the book entirely - but I found it a discouragement rather than a help for our family.

Approach with caution, 01 Nov 2008
I read this book when my son was born, but maybe I was lucky that I had a contented baby who found his own routine. She does make sense with some things however if you read it carefully you will notice that there is no time for any actual playing, bonding or enjoying your child which I find awful. Fair enough - I cant argue with the people it helped but maybe fit some time in for bonding aswell.

Take care: US version or UK version?, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this book on the back of 'What To Expect When You Are Expecting' and having borrowed this one from the library first. Both books are excellent, however I pre-ordered the 2008 edition, having read the 2004.

Why not 5 stars? Another review comments on the anglicising of the US law and support references, which is certainly the case in the 2004 edition What to Expect the First Year (What to Expect) but the 2008 edition is the American edition What to Expect the First Year and all the references are to the US system, some of which are completely different to UK, eg in the US the hospital files for your baby's birth certificate, here you register baby yourself. (A fairly obvious difference which is made very clear in hospital if you weren't already aware, but what else may be less obvious?)

This is not the book's fault, it's just not clear in the listing, so I mention it here. On the whole, the general advice is just as relevant wherever you are.

Too much, 05 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, it is very comprehensive and well written, so it is fun to read and contains useful information. It seems intended to be read through more than as a reference book.
However, in my opinion it is a bit too much. The information overloads the reader and then it is difficcult to remember the key things a new mom has to have in mind.It would suit you if you have a control freak side and want to know absolutelly everything about -1 yr old babies. It won't suit you if you are an aprehensive person.

Brilliant, honest, fair advice, 30 Sep 2008
This is the best book I bought for advice on raising my newborn son (and I bought a lot!). It contains honest, straightforward, non-judgemental ideas and advice. I found it really interesting, reassuring and sensible. It counters the 'ideal' (and seemingly theoretical) advice in many books with practical responses I could identify with. Strongly recommended.

Great source of advice, 19 Sep 2008
I received the first in the series from a very dear friend when I was pregnant (what to expect when expecting). Because I got so much out of it, I bought this one soon after my baby arrived. Great source of advice. Just one thing though: Don't wait until after your baby's arrival. Buy it when 6months pregnant as you will need some of the advice right from the 1st day. Not to miss.

BUY BUY BUY, 31 Aug 2008
This book is a must for all parents. It has so much information packed into it. It has answered nearly every question I've had on bringing up my child so far! Its very easy to dip in and out of, and you can see easily what to expect in future months!


Can serve the whole family, 22 Nov 2008
I bought this book for my son's first solid food and I wasn't dissapointed. Although you probably don't need a recipe to make an apple pure, once you're past the first stage, it's getting more interesting. I cooked my son many meals from that book and served them (not mashed) to his Daddy too - they both loved them! Gives you ideas how to combine flavours and you can get surprised.

Presentation is nice and although I owe some other cook books for children - this one is by far my favourite one.

Please consider the alternative way to wean..., 12 Nov 2008
There is a great new book for parents who like to consider the options and chose the best way for their baby and their family: Baby-led Weaning: Helping Your Baby to Love Good Food (Rapley & Murkett).
Purees are unnecessary for babies of 6 months and over, who are developmentally capable of starting on suitable finger food. Free your baby from the boredom of purees and enable your baby to start with a healthy and happy relationship with real food!

Essential feeding for your little one, 25 Oct 2008
I bought this book before I had my daughter but didn't actually bother to pick it up until she was 4 months old. I haven't put it down since. If someone had aked me how to make chicken stock from stratch this time last year I would have laughed at them.
This book gives simple and delicious recipes for your babies to enjoy. They are a little time taking at first (if you are not a 'cooky' person) but once you get the hang of it there's no holding you back. The recipes are explained clearly and don't require a mountain of ingredients.
There is nothing in this book my daughter has wolfed down!
Essential reading for any new parent.

A must have!, 18 Oct 2008
Annabel Karmel's New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner

Annabel Karmel is like the Nigella of the weaning world lol. Her recipes are unbelievably easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not by any means an accomplished cook! Our baby now eats better than we do, but I'm going to try and adapt some of the recipes to suit all of the family.

One thing I will say though, I bought this at the same time as buying Annabel's "New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner" - I've found that a lot of the recipes are similar, if not the same, and having both books isn't necessary.

Useful but not enough variety!, 15 Oct 2008
I really liked the look of this book and I had already used the Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel, so I bought this expecting it to build on the older edition and have something new to offer for the eary stages of weaning.

Sadly, I dont think it met expectations. Lots of the recipes were duplicated from the other book and the information in the introductions to each chapter also seemed like an abridged version of the other book.

I appreciate there are only so many vegetable and fruit purees that you can use to wean your baby but I would still have expected this book to have more to offer that its older counterpart.

My advice would be don't bother with it if you have the other one, and if you are in two minds which to get, at least the other one will see you through toddler-dom as well.
Happy Pureeing!

Nothing but praise, 25 Nov 2008
My wife and I had our first beautiful baby 5 months ago. By week 5 we were basically doing a "cry on demand" routine for raising our child. Feeding him when he needed to be fed and putting him to bed when we thought he needed to go to bed. At week 5 my wife had to start expressing milk and was in a tremendous amount of pain in the breast area. That together with our baby waking up through the night was making child raising a testing experience if I can use that term. I essentially at that moment took on the role of Mr Mum. We purchased this book a few months earlier on the advice of a friend and hadn't really opened it up. That night I spent about 4 hours reading the book. The next day we started putting our baby into routine following Gina's recommendations. Since week 5 and now which is about 4 months, we would have visited his room before 6.30am maybe half a dozen times. Our baby is happy, where happy (because where getting a good nights sleep) and we can plan our days as we have a good idea when he will be awake, feeding or asleep. In every respect I have nothing but praise for this book. Maybe it works with some babies but not all, I can only use our baby as an example and in that respect it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Most parents try and get their babies in a routine but with Gina one simply applies it a little more strictly. I.E many people say "never wake a sleeping baby" We have no problems waking our baby at 10.30pm for that rollover feed as we know he will only wake up distressed at 3am if we don't. We don't follow it to the letter but more as a "strong guide" if I can use that term. We still give our baby an afternoon nap from 4 - 4.30/4.45 as it's simply too long for him to go from 2 - 7 without a sleep and we find he likes to have his morning nap at about 8.30am not 9am as recommended. We also followed the half feeds initially in the morning and evening before and after his bath. This morning like clockwork at 6.50am he started yapping to himself in a happy fashion waiting for mum or dad to pick him up, change him and feed him. I have nothing but praise for this book and thank Gina from good old "down under" for putting it out. We will definitely be buying her follow up books as our boy gets older. One tip, be careful who you praise it to. Some people can be a little aggressive in their condemnation of it. The two terms I have heard to describe it are "Boot Camp for Babies" and the "Nazi Book." Both offensive and completely wrong. Finally to a previous poster who talks about the fact it doesn't talk about giving your baby love. That is frankly a stupid comment. If your dumb enough to not give your baby love after reading this book and think that Gina is in anyway saying that, then frankly your not competent enough to raise a child. We could not give our baby more love, cuddles and kisses if we tried.

This book is definitely worth reading for every new mum!, 17 Nov 2008
I am a mother to a seven year old daughter, who loves to sleep and is well adjusted and happy. I read the original Contented Little Baby book when I had her. Yes, it seems strict, but I really liked it because it worked for me. I am no Earth Mother, my daughter was born by emergancy caesarean and I bottle fed - but at no time did this book make me feel guilty or 'not a good mother' it gives a rounded view and covers all areas not just 'perfect scenarios'. My daughter slept through the night at six weeks, and to this day sleeps twelve hours a night and only wakes up if she is ill.

I am now expecting twins and look forward to reading Gina Ford's twin version as it may prove more helpful than the other twin books I've read which have been thrown in the bin ie. Double Trouble.



Saved my sanity, 15 Nov 2008
I can't recommend this book enough. I suffered with my first son everything that she suggested can happen with baby-led feeding. He was a sleepy baby, following a traumatic birth for both of us, and therefore was only waking for a feed once every 6 hours approx, at the time when I should have been building my milk supply up. Exactly as she says, he perked up at 10 days old and was wanting feeding in the evenings. It was so bad, I was feeding 10 min on, 10 min off for hours. It was so exhausting. Obviously this was because I had not built up a good milk supply over the last 10 days, and after a day of doing things my milk supply was lower anyway. I know this 'cluster feeding' (I know it is called) was because my son was not having his hunger satisfied. This had the knock on effect of him not settling all night and us being completely sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation and stress caused me to not build up any milk, completing the vicious circle. When asking the health visitor for help, she told me this was completely normal and to carry on!

I must point out, I am a trained nurse and am involved mostly in health promotion. I do not understand how new mothers can be taught to continue this practice, as I was so close to giving up breastfeeding and moving to the bottle. The CLB completely addressed all these problems and more, and I was able to get breast feeding back on track and make sense of life again. This meant I was able to really enjoy my son properly and fall completely in love with him, rather then be constantly worrying about the things that were going wrong.

The way things were going with my son I was heading to depression. I know as a health professional, how we have to teach what is evidence based and decided to be followed by the DoH, but as a person with common sense, I know that there is always evidence to contradict that evidence, not to mention new evidence that comes out. The number of times I have discovered by experience that evidence doesn't work and have wished I had used common sense to help a patient. I am aware there are a few occasions throughout the book that Gina suggests something where there is no evidence to back it. However, it is obvious she is suggesting these things because that is what her years and years of experience has taught her, something I can relate to.

Having a routine in our lives (obviously always worth taylor making it to your individual lives) was not restricting in the slightest. Because as a family we knew what to expect, we felt so free. Initialy, however, we found not being able to go out as couple in the evenings whenever we wanted restrictive, we soon realised that that is parenthood, and 4 years later, our son is happily going down to sleep at the correct time that a child of his age should and is not suffering from sleep deprivation that so many kids are these days.

Bottom line, if evidence based practice is causing the whole family distress and depression to the mother, surely an alternative must be sought. After all, the most important thing, I believe to a mother and baby, is a bond. I am convinced that the effects of a mother's PND on a baby is much worse than aiding that baby into a routine, that falls into so naturally.

Great book

Not for every baby - and much too regimented!, 15 Nov 2008
As someone who likes to know what to expect and predictability (sometimes to a fault), I read this book in preparation for our first child, and was quickly disillusioned - the book's schedule is too regimented for a new born even though the author recommends using the schedule with a day old baby. Our son was born a hearty 8 lbs 11 oz, was a vigorous eater (breastfed), and a pretty sound sleeper. He never made it through a three-hourly schedule, and wanted to be fed every 2 hrs to 2 hr 30 minutes. I tried everything - making sure the baby had a long enough feed (he was such a vigorous sucker he would empty one breast in about 10 mins), getting him to stay awake after feeds (sometimes he would stay awake for the entire time between feeds, sometimes he would sleep the entire time between feeds), but it just wasn't possible all the time. The author makes it sound like if you followed her schedule that it would definitely work and that every baby wanted and _would_ follow such a schedule if given the opportunity. This was not the case with our baby, whose cues are pretty easy to read (only fussed/cried when hungry, wet, or too tired; otherwise not a very fussy baby!). I would take this book with quite a few grains of salt because I don't think it takes into account individual differences between infants and assumes that all infants will "settle" into the schedule described in the book if parents just made the effort. It made me feel like it was _my fault_ that my son was not following the schedule, which is a very disheartening and dangerous message to give to new parents. I know someone for whom this worked very well, so I would not dismiss the book entirely - but I found it a discouragement rather than a help for our family.

Approach with caution, 01 Nov 2008
I read this book when my son was born, but maybe I was lucky that I had a contented baby who found his own routine. She does make sense with some things however if you read it carefully you will notice that there is no time for any actual playing, bonding or enjoying your child which I find awful. Fair enough - I cant argue with the people it helped but maybe fit some time in for bonding aswell.

Take care: US version or UK version?, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this book on the back of 'What To Expect When You Are Expecting' and having borrowed this one from the library first. Both books are excellent, however I pre-ordered the 2008 edition, having read the 2004.

Why not 5 stars? Another review comments on the anglicising of the US law and support references, which is certainly the case in the 2004 edition What to Expect the First Year (What to Expect) but the 2008 edition is the American edition What to Expect the First Year and all the references are to the US system, some of which are completely different to UK, eg in the US the hospital files for your baby's birth certificate, here you register baby yourself. (A fairly obvious difference which is made very clear in hospital if you weren't already aware, but what else may be less obvious?)

This is not the book's fault, it's just not clear in the listing, so I mention it here. On the whole, the general advice is just as relevant wherever you are.

Too much, 05 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, it is very comprehensive and well written, so it is fun to read and contains useful information. It seems intended to be read through more than as a reference book.
However, in my opinion it is a bit too much. The information overloads the reader and then it is difficcult to remember the key things a new mom has to have in mind.It would suit you if you have a control freak side and want to know absolutelly everything about -1 yr old babies. It won't suit you if you are an aprehensive person.

Brilliant, honest, fair advice, 30 Sep 2008
This is the best book I bought for advice on raising my newborn son (and I bought a lot!). It contains honest, straightforward, non-judgemental ideas and advice. I found it really interesting, reassuring and sensible. It counters the 'ideal' (and seemingly theoretical) advice in many books with practical responses I could identify with. Strongly recommended.

Great source of advice, 19 Sep 2008
I received the first in the series from a very dear friend when I was pregnant (what to expect when expecting). Because I got so much out of it, I bought this one soon after my baby arrived. Great source of advice. Just one thing though: Don't wait until after your baby's arrival. Buy it when 6months pregnant as you will need some of the advice right from the 1st day. Not to miss.

BUY BUY BUY, 31 Aug 2008
This book is a must for all parents. It has so much information packed into it. It has answered nearly every question I've had on bringing up my child so far! Its very easy to dip in and out of, and you can see easily what to expect in future months!


Can serve the whole family, 22 Nov 2008
I bought this book for my son's first solid food and I wasn't dissapointed. Although you probably don't need a recipe to make an apple pure, once you're past the first stage, it's getting more interesting. I cooked my son many meals from that book and served them (not mashed) to his Daddy too - they both loved them! Gives you ideas how to combine flavours and you can get surprised.

Presentation is nice and although I owe some other cook books for children - this one is by far my favourite one.

Please consider the alternative way to wean..., 12 Nov 2008
There is a great new book for parents who like to consider the options and chose the best way for their baby and their family: Baby-led Weaning: Helping Your Baby to Love Good Food (Rapley & Murkett).
Purees are unnecessary for babies of 6 months and over, who are developmentally capable of starting on suitable finger food. Free your baby from the boredom of purees and enable your baby to start with a healthy and happy relationship with real food!

Essential feeding for your little one, 25 Oct 2008
I bought this book before I had my daughter but didn't actually bother to pick it up until she was 4 months old. I haven't put it down since. If someone had aked me how to make chicken stock from stratch this time last year I would have laughed at them.
This book gives simple and delicious recipes for your babies to enjoy. They are a little time taking at first (if you are not a 'cooky' person) but once you get the hang of it there's no holding you back. The recipes are explained clearly and don't require a mountain of ingredients.
There is nothing in this book my daughter has wolfed down!
Essential reading for any new parent.

A must have!, 18 Oct 2008
Annabel Karmel's New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner

Annabel Karmel is like the Nigella of the weaning world lol. Her recipes are unbelievably easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not by any means an accomplished cook! Our baby now eats better than we do, but I'm going to try and adapt some of the recipes to suit all of the family.

One thing I will say though, I bought this at the same time as buying Annabel's "New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner" - I've found that a lot of the recipes are similar, if not the same, and having both books isn't necessary.

Useful but not enough variety!, 15 Oct 2008
I really liked the look of this book and I had already used the Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel, so I bought this expecting it to build on the older edition and have something new to offer for the eary stages of weaning.

Sadly, I dont think it met expectations. Lots of the recipes were duplicated from the other book and the information in the introductions to each chapter also seemed like an abridged version of the other book.

I appreciate there are only so many vegetable and fruit purees that you can use to wean your baby but I would still have expected this book to have more to offer that its older counterpart.

My advice would be don't bother with it if you have the other one, and if you are in two minds which to get, at least the other one will see you through toddler-dom as well.
Happy Pureeing!


Thank goodness I had this!, 05 Sep 2008
My partner and I have been so grateful to the friends who bought us this book! It really does contain everything you need to know, and has been very reassuring for me as someone who tends to worry a lot about everything! Even my partner has read large chunks (something he has not done with the other books we have). I particularly liked the step by step weekly guide which was incredibly informative. The photography is amazing and the narrative is very well informed (by properly qualified professionals). Buy this for yourself and your pregnant friends - they'll be forever grateful.

Your Pregnancy Bible: The Experts' Guide to the Nine Months of Pregnancy and the First Weeks of Parenthood, New updated edition, 05 Sep 2008
Finding myself slightly overwhelmed at expecting another baby after twelve years, I thought I ought to treat myself to a comprehensive book as my previous antenatal carers didn't really have the time to answer all my questions and I was slightly concerned to be 40 and pregnant. Having acquired a copy of Your Pregnancy Bible, I'm not only feeling more confident about my having a successful pregnancy but also am much better informed about what I should be doing. There seems to be a lot that has changed! The advice about what to eat during pregnancy as well as avoiding environmental hazards ­ stories of which appear constantly in my newspaper ­ is very easy to follow and I'm more reassured about undertaking the different diagnostic tests. I've also caught husband, who to my knowledge, never read a book during my earlier pregnancy, looking at the book particularly the week-by-week photos and marvelling at the rapid pace of development. The book has become a great talking point between us.


Not necessarily the best buy, 02 Sep 2008
As first time parents to be, we wanted to buy a book that could tell us more than the scant information given by the medical profession! This book is, in the main part, well written, clear and offers what appears to be a good guide to the main points relating to pregnancy. It provides a good clear insight into how your body develops along with that of your baby, throughout pregnancy.
However, both my husband and I feel that the book does have its flaws and could do with being a bit more down to earth. It assumes that the reader already has a certain level of knowledge of pregnancy and pregnancy-related terms (which my hubby was oblivious to and subsequently confused about), concentrates on projecting the image of a perfect pregnancy with married parents (a scant paragraph is the only mention of potential single mums to be) and relatively few adverse effects (such as no mention of the headaches many mums to be experience, nor any suggestion that morning sickness is anything but that - a bit of nausea in the morning). Aside from the slightly patronising tone, there are a number of infuriating spelling mistakes, grammatical and syntax errors, and some sentences which just don't actually make sense - clearly the proof-reading didn't go too well!
Although the photographs are clear and mostly useful, we both found some of them quite distressing, especially as one in particular shows a foetus photographed through the amniotic sac, and that sac looks like it has been cut away - leading one to wonder if the little mite has been aborted / dissected. See page 36 of this edition (week 15). You choose!

By far the best of it's genre, 02 Jul 2008
This book is bloody ace. I went mad and bought 4 pregnancy books but this one is by far the clearest, most sensible, most reassuring, best laid out, most informative and least patronising of the lot. This is my first pregnancy and I live abroad so need as much info as possible about what's happening to me and my baby and this is just brilliant - totally indispensable. If you're going to buy a pregnancy book - just buy this one, you won't need any others.

Unfortunately i had a fever during my first trimester and without this book i would never have known whether calling the doctor was the right or wrong thing to do (it;s the right thing to do) - I can't praise this book enough.


The best of it's kind!, 21 May 2008
Whilst pregnant, i bought both this book, and the similar one by Dr Miriam Stoppard. This was by far the best. I loved the week by week explanation of the baby's progress including a photo for each week, then a seperate explanation of my own development. Many other books show your development in months for example rather than weeks.

I also found this book nicely up to date, some others on the market have been updated with regards to content but the photo's are very old which is off putting - seeing a picture of a woman dressed head to foot in a towelling nightie!!! Or a checkered tent rather than modern maternity clothes!

Overjoyed but exhausted? Perplexed but purring? Then you may just be a new parent. And if you're looking for practical reassurance and advice then Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect and Communicate with your Baby is for you.

Clearly a remarkable person, Tracy Hogg (the "baby whisperer") has an impressive ability to understand and relate to babies. Herself a mother, she is an experienced maternity nurse and has derived her approach from her dealings with countless babies and their families. Forgiving and sympathetic in style, her book is well written, immensely readable and is full of gems and shrewd observations that even the seasoned parent may not have worked out. She emphasises the importance of showing respect to your baby: "Just try to remember that this is a little human being in your arms, a person whose senses are alive, a tiny being who already knows your voice and even what you smell like." And so the parent is instructed to give the newly returned-home baby an explanatory commentary and friendly guided tour of his or her new home.

Those who enjoy personality quizzes will love the Know-Your-Baby Quiz in which you can "zero in" on your baby's type which, according to Ms Hogg could be "Angel", "Textbook", "Touchy", "Spirited" or "Grumpy". She then provides tips on the best way to handle each type of baby. Advocating a structured routine with the acronym EASY (Eat, Activity, Sleep, You) she then demonstrates how it works for the benefit of all the family. The book covers most topics from sex to weaning, but possibly the most helpful, even beautiful, section is where the Baby Whisperer divulges her secrets for interpreting your baby's body language, signals and cries.

If you find The Baby Whisperer helpful, you may well also be interested in Gina Ford's The Contented Little Baby Book, What to Expect: the First Year and the slightly higher brow Babyhood by Penelope Leach. --Rebecca Pickering

Nothing but praise, 25 Nov 2008
My wife and I had our first beautiful baby 5 months ago. By week 5 we were basically doing a "cry on demand" routine for raising our child. Feeding him when he needed to be fed and putting him to bed when we thought he needed to go to bed. At week 5 my wife had to start expressing milk and was in a tremendous amount of pain in the breast area. That together with our baby waking up through the night was making child raising a testing experience if I can use that term. I essentially at that moment took on the role of Mr Mum. We purchased this book a few months earlier on the advice of a friend and hadn't really opened it up. That night I spent about 4 hours reading the book. The next day we started putting our baby into routine following Gina's recommendations. Since week 5 and now which is about 4 months, we would have visited his room before 6.30am maybe half a dozen times. Our baby is happy, where happy (because where getting a good nights sleep) and we can plan our days as we have a good idea when he will be awake, feeding or asleep. In every respect I have nothing but praise for this book. Maybe it works with some babies but not all, I can only use our baby as an example and in that respect it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Most parents try and get their babies in a routine but with Gina one simply applies it a little more strictly. I.E many people say "never wake a sleeping baby" We have no problems waking our baby at 10.30pm for that rollover feed as we know he will only wake up distressed at 3am if we don't. We don't follow it to the letter but more as a "strong guide" if I can use that term. We still give our baby an afternoon nap from 4 - 4.30/4.45 as it's simply too long for him to go from 2 - 7 without a sleep and we find he likes to have his morning nap at about 8.30am not 9am as recommended. We also followed the half feeds initially in the morning and evening before and after his bath. This morning like clockwork at 6.50am he started yapping to himself in a happy fashion waiting for mum or dad to pick him up, change him and feed him. I have nothing but praise for this book and thank Gina from good old "down under" for putting it out. We will definitely be buying her follow up books as our boy gets older. One tip, be careful who you praise it to. Some people can be a little aggressive in their condemnation of it. The two terms I have heard to describe it are "Boot Camp for Babies" and the "Nazi Book." Both offensive and completely wrong. Finally to a previous poster who talks about the fact it doesn't talk about giving your baby love. That is frankly a stupid comment. If your dumb enough to not give your baby love after reading this book and think that Gina is in anyway saying that, then frankly your not competent enough to raise a child. We could not give our baby more love, cuddles and kisses if we tried.

This book is definitely worth reading for every new mum!, 17 Nov 2008
I am a mother to a seven year old daughter, who loves to sleep and is well adjusted and happy. I read the original Contented Little Baby book when I had her. Yes, it seems strict, but I really liked it because it worked for me. I am no Earth Mother, my daughter was born by emergancy caesarean and I bottle fed - but at no time did this book make me feel guilty or 'not a good mother' it gives a rounded view and covers all areas not just 'perfect scenarios'. My daughter slept through the night at six weeks, and to this day sleeps twelve hours a night and only wakes up if she is ill.

I am now expecting twins and look forward to reading Gina Ford's twin version as it may prove more helpful than the other twin books I've read which have been thrown in the bin ie. Double Trouble.



Saved my sanity, 15 Nov 2008
I can't recommend this book enough. I suffered with my first son everything that she suggested can happen with baby-led feeding. He was a sleepy baby, following a traumatic birth for both of us, and therefore was only waking for a feed once every 6 hours approx, at the time when I should have been building my milk supply up. Exactly as she says, he perked up at 10 days old and was wanting feeding in the evenings. It was so bad, I was feeding 10 min on, 10 min off for hours. It was so exhausting. Obviously this was because I had not built up a good milk supply over the last 10 days, and after a day of doing things my milk supply was lower anyway. I know this 'cluster feeding' (I know it is called) was because my son was not having his hunger satisfied. This had the knock on effect of him not settling all night and us being completely sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation and stress caused me to not build up any milk, completing the vicious circle. When asking the health visitor for help, she told me this was completely normal and to carry on!

I must point out, I am a trained nurse and am involved mostly in health promotion. I do not understand how new mothers can be taught to continue this practice, as I was so close to giving up breastfeeding and moving to the bottle. The CLB completely addressed all these problems and more, and I was able to get breast feeding back on track and make sense of life again. This meant I was able to really enjoy my son properly and fall completely in love with him, rather then be constantly worrying about the things that were going wrong.

The way things were going with my son I was heading to depression. I know as a health professional, how we have to teach what is evidence based and decided to be followed by the DoH, but as a person with common sense, I know that there is always evidence to contradict that evidence, not to mention new evidence that comes out. The number of times I have discovered by experience that evidence doesn't work and have wished I had used common sense to help a patient. I am aware there are a few occasions throughout the book that Gina suggests something where there is no evidence to back it. However, it is obvious she is suggesting these things because that is what her years and years of experience has taught her, something I can relate to.

Having a routine in our lives (obviously always worth taylor making it to your individual lives) was not restricting in the slightest. Because as a family we knew what to expect, we felt so free. Initialy, however, we found not being able to go out as couple in the evenings whenever we wanted restrictive, we soon realised that that is parenthood, and 4 years later, our son is happily going down to sleep at the correct time that a child of his age should and is not suffering from sleep deprivation that so many kids are these days.

Bottom line, if evidence based practice is causing the whole family distress and depression to the mother, surely an alternative must be sought. After all, the most important thing, I believe to a mother and baby, is a bond. I am convinced that the effects of a mother's PND on a baby is much worse than aiding that baby into a routine, that falls into so naturally.

Great book

Not for every baby - and much too regimented!, 15 Nov 2008
As someone who likes to know what to expect and predictability (sometimes to a fault), I read this book in preparation for our first child, and was quickly disillusioned - the book's schedule is too regimented for a new born even though the author recommends using the schedule with a day old baby. Our son was born a hearty 8 lbs 11 oz, was a vigorous eater (breastfed), and a pretty sound sleeper. He never made it through a three-hourly schedule, and wanted to be fed every 2 hrs to 2 hr 30 minutes. I tried everything - making sure the baby had a long enough feed (he was such a vigorous sucker he would empty one breast in about 10 mins), getting him to stay awake after feeds (sometimes he would stay awake for the entire time between feeds, sometimes he would sleep the entire time between feeds), but it just wasn't possible all the time. The author makes it sound like if you followed her schedule that it would definitely work and that every baby wanted and _would_ follow such a schedule if given the opportunity. This was not the case with our baby, whose cues are pretty easy to read (only fussed/cried when hungry, wet, or too tired; otherwise not a very fussy baby!). I would take this book with quite a few grains of salt because I don't think it takes into account individual differences between infants and assumes that all infants will "settle" into the schedule described in the book if parents just made the effort. It made me feel like it was _my fault_ that my son was not following the schedule, which is a very disheartening and dangerous message to give to new parents. I know someone for whom this worked very well, so I would not dismiss the book entirely - but I found it a discouragement rather than a help for our family.

Approach with caution, 01 Nov 2008
I read this book when my son was born, but maybe I was lucky that I had a contented baby who found his own routine. She does make sense with some things however if you read it carefully you will notice that there is no time for any actual playing, bonding or enjoying your child which I find awful. Fair enough - I cant argue with the people it helped but maybe fit some time in for bonding aswell.

Take care: US version or UK version?, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this book on the back of 'What To Expect When You Are Expecting' and having borrowed this one from the library first. Both books are excellent, however I pre-ordered the 2008 edition, having read the 2004.

Why not 5 stars? Another review comments on the anglicising of the US law and support references, which is certainly the case in the 2004 edition What to Expect the First Year (What to Expect) but the 2008 edition is the American edition What to Expect the First Year and all the references are to the US system, some of which are completely different to UK, eg in the US the hospital files for your baby's birth certificate, here you register baby yourself. (A fairly obvious difference which is made very clear in hospital if you weren't already aware, but what else may be less obvious?)

This is not the book's fault, it's just not clear in the listing, so I mention it here. On the whole, the general advice is just as relevant wherever you are.

Too much, 05 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, it is very comprehensive and well written, so it is fun to read and contains useful information. It seems intended to be read through more than as a reference book.
However, in my opinion it is a bit too much. The information overloads the reader and then it is difficcult to remember the key things a new mom has to have in mind.It would suit you if you have a control freak side and want to know absolutelly everything about -1 yr old babies. It won't suit you if you are an aprehensive person.

Brilliant, honest, fair advice, 30 Sep 2008
This is the best book I bought for advice on raising my newborn son (and I bought a lot!). It contains honest, straightforward, non-judgemental ideas and advice. I found it really interesting, reassuring and sensible. It counters the 'ideal' (and seemingly theoretical) advice in many books with practical responses I could identify with. Strongly recommended.

Great source of advice, 19 Sep 2008
I received the first in the series from a very dear friend when I was pregnant (what to expect when expecting). Because I got so much out of it, I bought this one soon after my baby arrived. Great source of advice. Just one thing though: Don't wait until after your baby's arrival. Buy it when 6months pregnant as you will need some of the advice right from the 1st day. Not to miss.

BUY BUY BUY, 31 Aug 2008
This book is a must for all parents. It has so much information packed into it. It has answered nearly every question I've had on bringing up my child so far! Its very easy to dip in and out of, and you can see easily what to expect in future months!


Can serve the whole family, 22 Nov 2008
I bought this book for my son's first solid food and I wasn't dissapointed. Although you probably don't need a recipe to make an apple pure, once you're past the first stage, it's getting more interesting. I cooked my son many meals from that book and served them (not mashed) to his Daddy too - they both loved them! Gives you ideas how to combine flavours and you can get surprised.

Presentation is nice and although I owe some other cook books for children - this one is by far my favourite one.

Please consider the alternative way to wean..., 12 Nov 2008
There is a great new book for parents who like to consider the options and chose the best way for their baby and their family: Baby-led Weaning: Helping Your Baby to Love Good Food (Rapley & Murkett).
Purees are unnecessary for babies of 6 months and over, who are developmentally capable of starting on suitable finger food. Free your baby from the boredom of purees and enable your baby to start with a healthy and happy relationship with real food!

Essential feeding for your little one, 25 Oct 2008
I bought this book before I had my daughter but didn't actually bother to pick it up until she was 4 months old. I haven't put it down since. If someone had aked me how to make chicken stock from stratch this time last year I would have laughed at them.
This book gives simple and delicious recipes for your babies to enjoy. They are a little time taking at first (if you are not a 'cooky' person) but once you get the hang of it there's no holding you back. The recipes are explained clearly and don't require a mountain of ingredients.
There is nothing in this book my daughter has wolfed down!
Essential reading for any new parent.

A must have!, 18 Oct 2008
Annabel Karmel's New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner

Annabel Karmel is like the Nigella of the weaning world lol. Her recipes are unbelievably easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not by any means an accomplished cook! Our baby now eats better than we do, but I'm going to try and adapt some of the recipes to suit all of the family.

One thing I will say though, I bought this at the same time as buying Annabel's "New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner" - I've found that a lot of the recipes are similar, if not the same, and having both books isn't necessary.

Useful but not enough variety!, 15 Oct 2008
I really liked the look of this book and I had already used the Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel, so I bought this expecting it to build on the older edition and have something new to offer for the eary stages of weaning.

Sadly, I dont think it met expectations. Lots of the recipes were duplicated from the other book and the information in the introductions to each chapter also seemed like an abridged version of the other book.

I appreciate there are only so many vegetable and fruit purees that you can use to wean your baby but I would still have expected this book to have more to offer that its older counterpart.

My advice would be don't bother with it if you have the other one, and if you are in two minds which to get, at least the other one will see you through toddler-dom as well.
Happy Pureeing!


Thank goodness I had this!, 05 Sep 2008
My partner and I have been so grateful to the friends who bought us this book! It really does contain everything you need to know, and has been very reassuring for me as someone who tends to worry a lot about everything! Even my partner has read large chunks (something he has not done with the other books we have). I particularly liked the step by step weekly guide which was incredibly informative. The photography is amazing and the narrative is very well informed (by properly qualified professionals). Buy this for yourself and your pregnant friends - they'll be forever grateful.

Your Pregnancy Bible: The Experts' Guide to the Nine Months of Pregnancy and the First Weeks of Parenthood, New updated edition, 05 Sep 2008
Finding myself slightly overwhelmed at expecting another baby after twelve years, I thought I ought to treat myself to a comprehensive book as my previous antenatal carers didn't really have the time to answer all my questions and I was slightly concerned to be 40 and pregnant. Having acquired a copy of Your Pregnancy Bible, I'm not only feeling more confident about my having a successful pregnancy but also am much better informed about what I should be doing. There seems to be a lot that has changed! The advice about what to eat during pregnancy as well as avoiding environmental hazards ­ stories of which appear constantly in my newspaper ­ is very easy to follow and I'm more reassured about undertaking the different diagnostic tests. I've also caught husband, who to my knowledge, never read a book during my earlier pregnancy, looking at the book particularly the week-by-week photos and marvelling at the rapid pace of development. The book has become a great talking point between us.


Not necessarily the best buy, 02 Sep 2008
As first time parents to be, we wanted to buy a book that could tell us more than the scant information given by the medical profession! This book is, in the main part, well written, clear and offers what appears to be a good guide to the main points relating to pregnancy. It provides a good clear insight into how your body develops along with that of your baby, throughout pregnancy.
However, both my husband and I feel that the book does have its flaws and could do with being a bit more down to earth. It assumes that the reader already has a certain level of knowledge of pregnancy and pregnancy-related terms (which my hubby was oblivious to and subsequently confused about), concentrates on projecting the image of a perfect pregnancy with married parents (a scant paragraph is the only mention of potential single mums to be) and relatively few adverse effects (such as no mention of the headaches many mums to be experience, nor any suggestion that morning sickness is anything but that - a bit of nausea in the morning). Aside from the slightly patronising tone, there are a number of infuriating spelling mistakes, grammatical and syntax errors, and some sentences which just don't actually make sense - clearly the proof-reading didn't go too well!
Although the photographs are clear and mostly useful, we both found some of them quite distressing, especially as one in particular shows a foetus photographed through the amniotic sac, and that sac looks like it has been cut away - leading one to wonder if the little mite has been aborted / dissected. See page 36 of this edition (week 15). You choose!

By far the best of it's genre, 02 Jul 2008
This book is bloody ace. I went mad and bought 4 pregnancy books but this one is by far the clearest, most sensible, most reassuring, best laid out, most informative and least patronising of the lot. This is my first pregnancy and I live abroad so need as much info as possible about what's happening to me and my baby and this is just brilliant - totally indispensable. If you're going to buy a pregnancy book - just buy this one, you won't need any others.

Unfortunately i had a fever during my first trimester and without this book i would never have known whether calling the doctor was the right or wrong thing to do (it;s the right thing to do) - I can't praise this book enough.


The best of it's kind!, 21 May 2008
Whilst pregnant, i bought both this book, and the similar one by Dr Miriam Stoppard. This was by far the best. I loved the week by week explanation of the baby's progress including a photo for each week, then a seperate explanation of my own development. Many other books show your development in months for example rather than weeks.

I also found this book nicely up to date, some others on the market have been updated with regards to content but the photo's are very old which is off putting - seeing a picture of a woman dressed head to foot in a towelling nightie!!! Or a checkered tent rather than modern maternity clothes!

No-one ever said it would be E.A.S.Y.....o hang on, yes they did!, 14 Oct 2008
If you had asked me to rate this book when my first son was a year old, they would have had to invent a new system. It was easily an eleven out of ten. He thrived on it, it worked, we all loved it.

Then my daughter came in to the world with a very different view of things and suddenly, my tried and tested E.A.S.Y. arsenal was laid to waste. She didnt sleep, she ate all the time, she cried and cried....where the pages telling you waht to do when you were so fatigued and cross with your newborn that you feared what you might do!?!

We were following the guidelines - we were doing the stuff - she just didnt like it, and I had neglected to take her opinions in to account!

In the end, I relaxed and gave myself a break - which is actually something Tracy Hogg recommends you do regularly, and I stopped trying to make my baby fit with something that had worked so well before.

I re-read it from a fresh perspective and once again, I found things that were useful. but with a more challenging baby, there are still some glaring ommissions. I wish Tracy would describe the crying that can go on as something more than "fussing".

When your baby can scream herself purple in under five minutes, and the only thing that works for both of you is a cuddle, then there is no mileage in continuing the crying. Continuing with a regime that isn't working for everybody is the stuff of nightmares.

There is definitely an argument for delaying some of the tactics used until you and your baby are ready, and not worrying about "bad habits". I wasted a lot of the first few months imaginging Tracy standing over me with a disapproving look as I guiltily administered the dummy or the breast to get my baby to sleep. She is now 6 months old and none of those props are required, so all of that stress was for nothing.

I would still recommend this book for the top tips on breastfeeding, and the common sense approach to most baby related problems. There are also some useful (if slightly American-ised) case studies.

I would just add the caveat that if your baby screams, you feel like tearing the book apart with your teeth and E.A.S.Y really doesn't seem to be working - its time to put the book down and accept that sometimes these formulaic approaches need a bit more flexibility. It does not mean your baby or you are broken, and eventually things will come together!

Wet and impractical (especially for sleep problems), 14 Oct 2008
Brought this as a contrast to the Gina Ford "contented baby", which my wife and I found way too inflexible - but sadly it was far too much the other way.

In particular I would not recommend this book's approach to solving baby sleep problems, and in our case I am pretty sure it made things worse. For this usage I would very strongly instead recommend the much more authoritative and factually-based book by Dr Furber Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems - which sorted us out within a week.

made me feel like the worst mother in the world., 18 Jun 2008
I bought this book, hoping to help me with my daughters sleeping, and routine. Instead it made me feel like the worst mother ever. I was trying to do things with her, that made no sense, kept trying to make her sleep all the time, when she shouldn't have been. Such a terrible book, don't buy it, it will confuse you, and make you feel rubbish!!!!!

Not sure where to start, 05 Jun 2008
I think this would be an okay book if you felt that you have no idea how to take care of a baby. Like most parenting books. I picked it up after my baby was about 5 months old and found it useless, but I suppose if you had to it start with it might give you a couple of tips. My only advice would be to not take it as gospel and to pick and choose what you want to use and go by your own instinct.

Brilliant book!, 25 May 2008
I read this book when I had lots of time and was pregnant! It is a very good book and I would recommend it as I bought it off recommendation. I read Baby Whisperer along with Gina Fords Contented Little Baby and I must say that this book is more practical and works along side the baby rather then pushing the baby to do things it doesnt want to do! I still have this book by my bed!

Nothing but praise, 25 Nov 2008
My wife and I had our first beautiful baby 5 months ago. By week 5 we were basically doing a "cry on demand" routine for raising our child. Feeding him when he needed to be fed and putting him to bed when we thought he needed to go to bed. At week 5 my wife had to start expressing milk and was in a tremendous amount of pain in the breast area. That together with our baby waking up through the night was making child raising a testing experience if I can use that term. I essentially at that moment took on the role of Mr Mum. We purchased this book a few months earlier on the advice of a friend and hadn't really opened it up. That night I spent about 4 hours reading the book. The next day we started putting our baby into routine following Gina's recommendations. Since week 5 and now which is about 4 months, we would have visited his room before 6.30am maybe half a dozen times. Our baby is happy, where happy (because where getting a good nights sleep) and we can plan our days as we have a good idea when he will be awake, feeding or asleep. In every respect I have nothing but praise for this book. Maybe it works with some babies but not all, I can only use our baby as an example and in that respect it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Most parents try and get their babies in a routine but with Gina one simply applies it a little more strictly. I.E many people say "never wake a sleeping baby" We have no problems waking our baby at 10.30pm for that rollover feed as we know he will only wake up distressed at 3am if we don't. We don't follow it to the letter but more as a "strong guide" if I can use that term. We still give our baby an afternoon nap from 4 - 4.30/4.45 as it's simply too long for him to go from 2 - 7 without a sleep and we find he likes to have his morning nap at about 8.30am not 9am as recommended. We also followed the half feeds initially in the morning and evening before and after his bath. This morning like clockwork at 6.50am he started yapping to himself in a happy fashion waiting for mum or dad to pick him up, change him and feed him. I have nothing but praise for this book and thank Gina from good old "down under" for putting it out. We will definitely be buying her follow up books as our boy gets older. One tip, be careful who you praise it to. Some people can be a little aggressive in their condemnation of it. The two terms I have heard to describe it are "Boot Camp for Babies" and the "Nazi Book." Both offensive and completely wrong. Finally to a previous poster who talks about the fact it doesn't talk about giving your baby love. That is frankly a stupid comment. If your dumb enough to not give your baby love after reading this book and think that Gina is in anyway saying that, then frankly your not competent enough to raise a child. We could not give our baby more love, cuddles and kisses if we tried.

This book is definitely worth reading for every new mum!, 17 Nov 2008
I am a mother to a seven year old daughter, who loves to sleep and is well adjusted and happy. I read the original Contented Little Baby book when I had her. Yes, it seems strict, but I really liked it because it worked for me. I am no Earth Mother, my daughter was born by emergancy caesarean and I bottle fed - but at no time did this book make me feel guilty or 'not a good mother' it gives a rounded view and covers all areas not just 'perfect scenarios'. My daughter slept through the night at six weeks, and to this day sleeps twelve hours a night and only wakes up if she is ill.

I am now expecting twins and look forward to reading Gina Ford's twin version as it may prove more helpful than the other twin books I've read which have been thrown in the bin ie. Double Trouble.



Saved my sanity, 15 Nov 2008
I can't recommend this book enough. I suffered with my first son everything that she suggested can happen with baby-led feeding. He was a sleepy baby, following a traumatic birth for both of us, and therefore was only waking for a feed once every 6 hours approx, at the time when I should have been building my milk supply up. Exactly as she says, he perked up at 10 days old and was wanting feeding in the evenings. It was so bad, I was feeding 10 min on, 10 min off for hours. It was so exhausting. Obviously this was because I had not built up a good milk supply over the last 10 days, and after a day of doing things my milk supply was lower anyway. I know this 'cluster feeding' (I know it is called) was because my son was not having his hunger satisfied. This had the knock on effect of him not settling all night and us being completely sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation and stress caused me to not build up any milk, completing the vicious circle. When asking the health visitor for help, she told me this was completely normal and to carry on!

I must point out, I am a trained nurse and am involved mostly in health promotion. I do not understand how new mothers can be taught to continue this practice, as I was so close to giving up breastfeeding and moving to the bottle. The CLB completely addressed all these problems and more, and I was able to get breast feeding back on track and make sense of life again. This meant I was able to really enjoy my son properly and fall completely in love with him, rather then be constantly worrying about the things that were going wrong.

The way things were going with my son I was heading to depression. I know as a health professional, how we have to teach what is evidence based and decided to be followed by the DoH, but as a person with common sense, I know that there is always evidence to contradict that evidence, not to mention new evidence that comes out. The number of times I have discovered by experience that evidence doesn't work and have wished I had used common sense to help a patient. I am aware there are a few occasions throughout the book that Gina suggests something where there is no evidence to back it. However, it is obvious she is suggesting these things because that is what her years and years of experience has taught her, something I can relate to.

Having a routine in our lives (obviously always worth taylor making it to your individual lives) was not restricting in the slightest. Because as a family we knew what to expect, we felt so free. Initialy, however, we found not being able to go out as couple in the evenings whenever we wanted restrictive, we soon realised that that is parenthood, and 4 years later, our son is happily going down to sleep at the correct time that a child of his age should and is not suffering from sleep deprivation that so many kids are these days.

Bottom line, if evidence based practice is causing the whole family distress and depression to the mother, surely an alternative must be sought. After all, the most important thing, I believe to a mother and baby, is a bond. I am convinced that the effects of a mother's PND on a baby is much worse than aiding that baby into a routine, that falls into so naturally.

Great book

Not for every baby - and much too regimented!, 15 Nov 2008
As someone who likes to know what to expect and predictability (sometimes to a fault), I read this book in preparation for our first child, and was quickly disillusioned - the book's schedule is too regimented for a new born even though the author recommends using the schedule with a day old baby. Our son was born a hearty 8 lbs 11 oz, was a vigorous eater (breastfed), and a pretty sound sleeper. He never made it through a three-hourly schedule, and wanted to be fed every 2 hrs to 2 hr 30 minutes. I tried everything - making sure the baby had a long enough feed (he was such a vigorous sucker he would empty one breast in about 10 mins), getting him to stay awake after feeds (sometimes he would stay awake for the entire time between feeds, sometimes he would sleep the entire time between feeds), but it just wasn't possible all the time. The author makes it sound like if you followed her schedule that it would definitely work and that every baby wanted and _would_ follow such a schedule if given the opportunity. This was not the case with our baby, whose cues are pretty easy to read (only fussed/cried when hungry, wet, or too tired; otherwise not a very fussy baby!). I would take this book with quite a few grains of salt because I don't think it takes into account individual differences between infants and assumes that all infants will "settle" into the schedule described in the book if parents just made the effort. It made me feel like it was _my fault_ that my son was not following the schedule, which is a very disheartening and dangerous message to give to new parents. I know someone for whom this worked very well, so I would not dismiss the book entirely - but I found it a discouragement rather than a help for our family.

Approach with caution, 01 Nov 2008
I read this book when my son was born, but maybe I was lucky that I had a contented baby who found his own routine. She does make sense with some things however if you read it carefully you will notice that there is no time for any actual playing, bonding or enjoying your child which I find awful. Fair enough - I cant argue with the people it helped but maybe fit some time in for bonding aswell.

Take care: US version or UK version?, 04 Nov 2008
I bought this book on the back of 'What To Expect When You Are Expecting' and having borrowed this one from the library first. Both books are excellent, however I pre-ordered the 2008 edition, having read the 2004.

Why not 5 stars? Another review comments on the anglicising of the US law and support references, which is certainly the case in the 2004 edition What to Expect the First Year (What to Expect) but the 2008 edition is the American edition What to Expect the First Year and all the references are to the US system, some of which are completely different to UK, eg in the US the hospital files for your baby's birth certificate, here you register baby yourself. (A fairly obvious difference which is made very clear in hospital if you weren't already aware, but what else may be less obvious?)

This is not the book's fault, it's just not clear in the listing, so I mention it here. On the whole, the general advice is just as relevant wherever you are.

Too much, 05 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, it is very comprehensive and well written, so it is fun to read and contains useful information. It seems intended to be read through more than as a reference book.
However, in my opinion it is a bit too much. The information overloads the reader and then it is difficcult to remember the key things a new mom has to have in mind.It would suit you if you have a control freak side and want to know absolutelly everything about -1 yr old babies. It won't suit you if you are an aprehensive person.

Brilliant, honest, fair advice, 30 Sep 2008
This is the best book I bought for advice on raising my newborn son (and I bought a lot!). It contains honest, straightforward, non-judgemental ideas and advice. I found it really interesting, reassuring and sensible. It counters the 'ideal' (and seemingly theoretical) advice in many books with practical responses I could identify with. Strongly recommended.

Great source of advice, 19 Sep 2008
I received the first in the series from a very dear friend when I was pregnant (what to expect when expecting). Because I got so much out of it, I bought this one soon after my baby arrived. Great source of advice. Just one thing though: Don't wait until after your baby's arrival. Buy it when 6months pregnant as you will need some of the advice right from the 1st day. Not to miss.

BUY BUY BUY, 31 Aug 2008
This book is a must for all parents. It has so much information packed into it. It has answered nearly every question I've had on bringing up my child so far! Its very easy to dip in and out of, and you can see easily what to expect in future months!


Can serve the whole family, 22 Nov 2008
I bought this book for my son's first solid food and I wasn't dissapointed. Although you probably don't need a recipe to make an apple pure, once you're past the first stage, it's getting more interesting. I cooked my son many meals from that book and served them (not mashed) to his Daddy too - they both loved them! Gives you ideas how to combine flavours and you can get surprised.

Presentation is nice and although I owe some other cook books for children - this one is by far my favourite one.

Please consider the alternative way to wean..., 12 Nov 2008
There is a great new book for parents who like to consider the options and chose the best way for their baby and their family: Baby-led Weaning: Helping Your Baby to Love Good Food (Rapley & Murkett).
Purees are unnecessary for babies of 6 months and over, who are developmentally capable of starting on suitable finger food. Free your baby from the boredom of purees and enable your baby to start with a h