Customer Reviews

The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems: Sleeping, Feeding, and Behavior--Beyond the Basics from Infancy Through Toddlerhood

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"If you follow a structured routine, you will solve all your baby problems" is the idea of this book.

The routine explained in the book is called E.A.S.Y. (Eating, Activity, Sleeping, You). The author explains that the times of the individual elements of the routine will vary according to the baby, but every baby should have a routine if you want to have a life. Eating, Activity, Sleeping and Making Time for yourself are very well explained in the book in an easy-to-read way.

If you are breastfeeding, you may not feel any support reading this book, and I can even say that you may get discouraged reading some sections. Although I do not agree with some of the author's ideas on feeding, I would recommend this book if you are looking to establish sleep routines for your baby. I would not use this book as my only source of information on topics mentioned in the book.

I am deeply saddened by Tracy's untimely death just a few months ago. It is comforting to keep in mind that her knowledge and advice in her books and videos will continue to guide parents in a positive direction.

Tracy had the "know-how" of calming even the most challenging infant, because she really seemed to understand their language. Because she offered strategies based on the personality of the parents as well as the temperament and personality of the baby, she offers quizes in this book to help parents identify which intervention plan would work best. Believing that babies need to become part of the family - rather than dominate it - Tracy has developed a practical program that parents can begin using at one day old.

My only criticism of this book is that there was not enough information relating to specific challenging behaviors of my 3- year-old. The title implies that this book covers issues through age 3. I found the majority of the book addresses a variety of issues focusing on babies under 2.

If you have a 2, 3, 4, or 5-year-old, I wish to recommend an A-Z pocket-sized guide I discovered in my pediatrician's office called "The Pocket Parent." This book is written entirely for parents with 2-6 year olds and offers hundreds of suggestions that focus on stopping toddler/preschooler behaviors that can drive you close to your wit's end such as bad words, biting, tantrums, sibling fights, the gimmes, morning crazies, power struggles, lying and whining. Both books address what to do in the heat of the moment as well as how to make a plan to prevent the same behavior from happening again; I found that insight very helpful. Both "THE BABY WHISPERER SOLVES ALL YOUR PROBLEMS" and "THE POCKET PARENT" are excellent additions to your home reference library.

Every time I read this book I ended up feeling bad. Although I like the idea of a structure to the day, she goes way over the top. She is condescending and makes you feel like a bad parent if you can't get her ideas to work. Anything that you do that isn't in her book gets called 'accidental parenting'. She also focusses a lot on bottle feeding. For breastfeeding she talks about the baby spending a specific amount of time on each breast and doing yields with a pump as if it gives an accurate indication of how much the baby is getting when it doesn't really. I ended up throwing my copy in the recycling bin. If it gets recycled into toilet paper that would be an appropriate use. I have heard of someone else throwing theirs against the wall and someone else burning their copy. Don't waste your money.

I didn't like this book at all. First of all, I could not stand the condescending tone. I agree with just about everything in the review by JD. The book is not breastfeeding friendly in my view. Also I found this concept of eat, then small bit of activity, then spend rest of time sleeping to be totally unrealistic and unachievable with my baby, who is a colicky baby with tons of energy who doesn't want to spend three quarters of his time sleeping. My 10 week old does NOT take 5 naps a day and then sleep huge stretches at night, nor in my view is that realistic. I found the book rather ridiculous and unhelpful. I would not recommend it. The only sensible thing about it is the general idea that one should strive to build a predictable routine for baby. But that's just common sense. Skip this one!

We have invited our children in to our lives, they didn't ask to come here. They are our honoured guests. When they are babies, we are their ecosystems. Crying is damaging to their brains and raises their cortisol levels for the rest of their lives. They aren't born with a clock. Toss the clock and fall in love with your baby. Eventually they will sleep. Research safe co-sleeping (google Dr. James McKenna)or at least recognize that night time parenting is a part of what we signed up for. We don't need them to grow up so fast! Gently and lovingly nurturing your children to sleep and back to sleep in your presence in the early years pays off later. Children who have their needs met, don't turn as easily to alcohol and drugs, or peer pressure. They can trust their parents as home base and go out in to the world confidently. It's weird how we expect them to grow up so quickly as babies (sleep on your own, cry and not be consoled, and we give them so few opportunities to take on responsibility when they are older (go to the park or the store at 10, cross the street by themselves, do their own laundry). This book is short term gain, for long term pain.

This book has many interesting ideas, and some very useful advice on creating routines for your baby, however, I found that much of what she talks about in terms of solving feeding and sleeping issues is most applicable to bottle-fed babies. Many times I have looked for tips on a specific problem we were having and found solutions in terms of tweaking the feeding schedule by adding and taking away one or two ounces here and there - not so easily done when breast-feeding. I'm glad to have read it, but much of it was not applicable to our situation.

I have used this book with both of my children and I have known 9 other babies that have followed the routine. All 11 children were sleeping through the night early on. (around 7 weeks) This book works and it really does teach you how to read your baby and understand what he/she needs. The routine is not as strict as you might think. Tracy Hogg teaches you how to be flexible in the routine to follow what your own baby is telling you. The introduction and chapters 1, 3 and 5 are the most helpful.

As a first-time parent, nothing can prepare you for the shock of how life will change with a baby. You read the standard pregnancy books and a few about babies, but then when you get home from the hospital, and wonder what to do with this little creature. It can be a scary, intimidating, and exhausting time. Without a doubt, aside from my Mom's advice, this book, the first Baby Whisperer book, and the website, are what made me feel more sane. I had a colicky baby, and this book helped me to figure out my baby had acid reflux. I went through the "all babies spit up" from three different doctors, until the forth diagnosed her properly. Without this book as a starting point, I may have been convinced (as some moms unfortunately have been)by the doctors that I was just an over-sensitive first time mother, and my baby would have suffered for it. I still constantly refer to both books, and don't know what I would do without them. I like having an idea of what to look for, what to expect, and how to fix the problem. Hogg teaches you how to become a baby detective, and even explains five "types" of babies and how to help each one most effectively.

With no shortage of opinions out there, it can be confusing which advice to choose. Even when others question your choices, Hogg's advice is reliable, and you can feel guilt-free about using the techniques. The advice on everything from how to establish a routine, to eating and sleep issues is terrific. It even provides ideas on how to fix problems you have created yourself, caused by what Hogg calls "accidental parenting". My baby became soother dependent, and I used the "Pick Up/Put Down" technique to break her of the habit. Since I personally do not support "crying-it-out", I was comfortable with this method, and my baby was sleeping through by night #3.

The first book was recommended by a friend, and I read it cover to cover. I didn't get this book until after the baby was born. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that every expectant or new mother buy these books as soon as they discover them. They make wonderful shower gifts - but feel free to give it earlier than the shower itself, don't delay! This will be Mom's favorite gift!

I am deeply saddened by Tracy's untimely death just a few months ago. It is comforting to keep in mind that her knowledge and advice in her books and videos will continue to guide parents in a positive direction.

Tracy had the "know-how" of calming even the most challenging infant, because she really seemed to understand their language. Because she offered strategies based on the personality of the parents as well as the temperament and personality of the baby, she offers quizes in this book to help parents identify which intervention plan would work best. Believing that babies need to become part of the family - rather than dominate it - Tracy has developed a practical program that parents can begin using at one day old.

My only criticism of this book is that there was not enough information relating to specific challenging behaviors of my 3- year-old. The title implies that this book covers issues through age 3. I found the majority of the book addresses a variety of issues focusing on babies under 2.

If you have a 2, 3, 4, or 5-year-old, I wish to recommend an A-Z pocket-sized guide I discovered in my pediatrician's office called "The Pocket Parent." This book is written entirely for parents with 2-6 year olds and offers hundreds of suggestions that focus on stopping toddler/preschooler behaviors that can drive you close to your wit's end such as bad words, biting, tantrums, sibling fights, the gimmes, morning crazies, power struggles, lying and whining. Both books address what to do in the heat of the moment as well as how to make a plan to prevent the same behavior from happening again; I found that insight very helpful. Both parenting guides are excellent additions to your home reference library.

This book has given me confidence in my mothering, and provides the skills and tools necessary to learn to understand your newborn and young toddler. I often think it must be so frustrating for babies to try and communicate their needs to us when they cannot yet speak. This book teaches how you can decipher your babies needs and respond accordingly. I believe this has helped transform my child from a frustrated and "high maintenance" newborn, to a very happy, gentle, kind, independent, well developed and mature toddler.

This book was a Godsend. I had read dozens of baby care books and parenting books during my pregnancy with my first child and I thought I knew what I wanted to do... but as a first time mother I found myself clueless even though I'd read so much. Within the first few early weeks after my child was born, a friend recommended this book to me and I'm so glad she did. At 8 weeks of age I had gently trained my baby to take long regular naps during the day and sleep through the night (just waking to nurse every few hours and going right back to sleep). When my son was almost a year old I realized we had gotten stuck in a habit of nursing at night for comfort in order to sleep (after going through a long bout of teething). I knew he did not need to nurse every 2-3 hours at this age, so I turned to this book for help. Using the "pick up/put down" method I was gently able to train my child to sleep through the night again, in only a couple days (and while traveling cross country no less). My son is one of the happiest kids you'll ever meet, and I owe it to the Baby Whisperer. I truly believe in her approach of "listening to your childs cues" and respecting your child as an individual. She has a very kind and respectful approach to babies and their parents and takes a very non-extremist view that does not involve letting babies "cry it out" like some "experts" recommend. I've recommended this book to many mom's and every time I tell them about an approach that really works and does not involve letting a baby "cry it out", it's like I've just told them there is a light at the end of a tunnel.

I think parents of older children (over one year) who have never been on a schedule or a routine of any sort might have a hard time relating to this book. Tracey Hogg believes in routine (not necessarily a structured schedule - she discourages "clock watching") and that is the basis of her book. The acronym E.A.S.Y which stands for EAT, AWAKE/ACTIVITY, SLEEP and YOU TIME (while baby sleeps). For a newborn, it starts at a 3 hour schedule and reverts to a 4 hour schedule around 4 months of age. She goes on to describe in detail what your child's sleeping and eating needs are at every age up until toddlerhood. For parents who like to have a plan and be prepared, you will absolutely love this book. It gives you insight into your child and their needs like no other book I've read has.

Every method or piece of advice in Tracey Hogg's books has worked for us. Some I've been skeptical about, but after trying them out I've been a firm believer that they will work 100% for everyone, as long as you are commited and are doing them properly. I found the website forum, www.babywhisperer.com very helpful in getting advice from others more experienced with the techniques, and to help me fine tune my own routine.

At one point my son got into the habit of not falling asleep on his own and needing to be rocked/nursed before bed, or to sleep...but because of the Baby Whisperer methods we were able to get back on track and now he sleeps one or two naps a day, at 2-4 hours each, and 12-13 hours at night on average (going to bed at 6:30pm!!). It's bliss!! If you only read one baby care book during your pregnancy, let this be the one.