https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 05 May 2026 08:27:39 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books/page/2#post-1382611 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:00:19 +0000 mrskc 1382611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Breastfeeding Made Simple if you want to breastfeed. I give partial credit to that book for being successful at breastfeeding. I even tabbed certain pages when I read it while pregnant and I would go back and read those parts when DS was a newborn. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1382550 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:29:20 +0000 Torchwood 1382550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It depends on what you know. Really simplistic, basic books are useless for me because I'm a former nanny. I know the basics like how to swaddle, etc. That being said, my absolute FAVORITE book on parenting/discipline is Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn. (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unconditional-Parenting-Moving-Rewards-Punishments/dp/0743487486/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1390951653&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=unconditional+parenting" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Unconditional-Parenting-Moving-Rewards-Punishments/dp/0743487486/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1390951653&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=unconditional+parenting</a>) I would recommend it to everyone on the planet. That being said, it won't help with baby stuff. </p> <p>For the help with baby stuff, I LOVE The Baby Book. (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Book-Revised-Edition/dp/0316198269/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1390951706&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=the+baby+book" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Book-Revised-Edition/dp/0316198269/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1390951706&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=the+baby+book</a>) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1382491 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:02:55 +0000 bisous 1382491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I somewhat agree with the people who said there is no need to read anything. On the other hand, I never would have taken that advice because I love to read. Sooo if you're like me, then read, but with a critical eye! Some things you have to take with a grain of salt! I recommend the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I also read the Mayo Clinic's Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. It was pretty good, but something you could skim. </p> <p>If you are interested in natural childbirth, I recommend the second half of the Ina May book! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1382490 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:02:55 +0000 Cole 1382490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a slightly different perspective as a nanny but I agree with the others that in general you are better off skipping books for the most part. I would suggest the Happiest Baby on the Block dvd (or honestly just watch the clips on YouTube), Baby 411-- but just skim it and stick it on a shelf for later, and maybe Dr. Sears' Baby Book or something similar-- read the intro and maybe the first chapter or two and then shelve it until later, read bits of it as you start to wonder what is going on. Then download the Wonderweeks app.</p> <p>ETA: Part of why I vote to skip books largely is because unless you read a wide variety of options you are going to think you are failing at something or that these authors are nuts. The truth is there are as many ways to parent a baby as there are babies so no one book is going to have all the answers. You have to be able to read it and take the good and leave the stuff that isn't applicable which in the beginning is really hard. I remember the first time I tried to institute one of these books-- I tried for a week and then the mom handed me a different one and said to try that one. Turns out the kid didn't magically fit one of these "solutions", we had to just take the good ideas and stick them all together to find what works. If you don't have time to read 20 it isn't worth it, just google stuff and ask on here! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1382409 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 17:23:43 +0000 Tidybee 1382409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually read a book called Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay. It's nothing like a how to book but it was a very funny but realistic look at parenting and put a lot in perspective for me.<br /> I also liked bringi up bebe and happiest baby on the block. The 5Ss saved us in those early days! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1382177 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:52:28 +0000 mdf106 1382177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I liked Baby 411, Heading Home with Your Newborn, and the Happiest Baby on the Block DVDs the best. I hated the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, I found it judgmental, and I EBF successfully. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1381041 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 11:03:59 +0000 Mamaof2 1381041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happiest Baby on the Block for sure!</p> <p>Great tips that really worked with my fussy DS! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1381039 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 11:02:47 +0000 Fronkinzankinsbride 1381039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@scg00387: ha good point! So good though. For all parents. So maybe its a TWW read. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1381007 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:55:08 +0000 SupernovaJ 1381007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) Baby Bargains - will help immensely with completing your registry and will give recommendations on what's frivolous and what's not. Make sure to look into the latest edition.<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bargains-furniture-strollers-maternity/dp/1889392448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1390924236&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=baby+bargains" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bargains-furniture-strollers-maternity/dp/1889392448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1390924236&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=baby+bargains</a></p> <p>2) Bringing Up Bebe. It's just a good read...<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Bebe-Discovers-Parenting/dp/0143122967/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&#038;sr=8-1&#038;qid=1390924289" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Bebe-Discovers-Parenting/dp/0143122967/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&#038;sr=8-1&#038;qid=1390924289</a></p> <p>3) Gina Ford's books - Contented Little Baby and the The Complete Sleep Guide. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1381005 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:54:13 +0000 pinkcupcake 1381005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What I found most helpful: Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child. Baby 411 (very easy to read and reference for quick questions - recommended by my ped). Happiest baby on the block. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380792 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:08:25 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1380792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>happiest baby on the block (watch the dvd)</p> <p>healthy sleep habits</p> <p>how to talk so your kids will listen (this is more for older kids, but you asked for 2-3). :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380747 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:58:27 +0000 Mamasig 1380747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't read any. Honestly, they just caused me stress because my son never fit their guidelines. It's amazing how much will be instinctual.</p> <p>Eta: I do agree the methods in the Happiest Baby on the Block book/DVD were helpful. But I didn't get either. Our newborn photographer did it while taking pictures and showed us. Always worked to calm him down. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380597 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:20:15 +0000 BKCaribBaby 1380597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you plan to breastfeed, I would recommend The Nursing Mother's Companion. I liked Baby 411 for general baby care information because I really did know nothing. </p> <p>I think you can google re: the general sleep philosophies, although I like the Troublesome Tots website. </p> <p>As for everything else, you can wing it. We all are to some degree. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380596 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:20:13 +0000 littlebug 1380596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happiest Baby on the Block.<br /> Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn.</p> <p>I agree with a lot of other people, though, in that over-reading can just cloud your mind and make you question yourself. I like PCN because it just laid out facts - no bias, no particular "philosophy," etc. And we NEEDED the 5Ss from HBB like woah, so that book was invaluable, though you could absolutely get away with just watching the video and not even reading the book. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380581 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:16:04 +0000 Smurfette 1380581@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happiest Baby on the Block<br /> Breastfeeding book</p> <p>I read parts of the Baby Whisper and it had me in tears that I was doing everything wrong cause my baby wouldn't go on a schedule. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380569 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:10:34 +0000 HappyBaker 1380569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really liked How to Have Your Second Child First, it's a book of 100 tips and the aim is to make your more relaxed / not as crazy with your first kid. It had a lot of helpful advice that I liked! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380403 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:17:31 +0000 looch 1380403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really liked Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.</p> <p>I don't read parenting books in general, per the same reasons @erinpye wrote out above. I think it's good to know some tricks about sleep, so I really liked Weissbluth for that, but again, if you have a good sleeper, it's not so useful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380350 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 04:14:05 +0000 erinpye 1380350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Every child is different and honestly, all the parenting books are somewhat contradictory and they just stressed me out more. They act like kids are supposed to fit the same mold, especially in regard to sleep and how much babies of certain ages should get (which can drive a person with a kid who doesn't sleep that much absolutely crazy). I felt like trusting my intuition, and think a lot of books almost advise against that, causing more stress. Instead of books, I'd refer to Dr. Sears' website if I really was unsure about something. Trust yourself and your baby's cues and you'll do great. </p> <p>Other than books, I took a one night newborn care and breastfeeding class before DD1 that I thought was great, and I definitely agree with the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD for some great newborn soothing ideas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380334 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 02:38:36 +0000 lamariniere 1380334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Other than skimming the what to expect books, I didn't read any. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380323 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 02:05:30 +0000 googly-eyes 1380323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only read the parts that I needed to. But I have taken quite a few child development courses so I kind of already had a philosophy. That said I knew how I wanted to parent an older child, not a baby.</p> <p>I watched the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD and it showed the techniques. They teach most of that stuff in newborn care classes (or they did in ours) but it really is a good follow up. I wish I had read one on breastfeeding, but more on "how to" rather than "why to" or the history of or anything like that. But that can also be solved with having a LC's number on hand.... </p> <p>Overall though I agree with @wonderstruck. It's hard to REALLY know what you need to know until you're in the thick of it, and I think sometimes reading books you think you "should" be doing things a certain way. I think at least in the first six months the books I skimmed/looked at caused me more stress rather than less. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380296 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 01:00:27 +0000 birdofafeather 1380296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SAHM0811: yes! happiest baby on the block dvd.</p> <p>i could have taken or left everything else although i did go by the EASY routine, but i really think you can get all the info you need on that online! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380216 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:19:26 +0000 immabeetoo 1380216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Fronkinzankinsbride: Ahhh Far From The Tree is SO heavy. I would've been bawling my eyes out if I'd read it while pregnant! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380204 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:09:20 +0000 JennyD 1380204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A friend gave me Dr Sears. It was nice to have a reference, and read about what I could expect. I self diagnosed some plugged ducts and fixed them. I still use it as a reference for illnesses and remedies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380164 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 22:43:10 +0000 lovehoneybee 1380164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only one I really read was The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. Otherwise I took things as they came...googled and asked here :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380162 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 22:40:54 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1380162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The baby book by dr. Sears was my favorite and go-to. </p> <p>Grace based parenting was my second favorite parenting book, but it is Christian-based, so not for everyone. It has great principles, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380157 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 22:38:54 +0000 Blueberry 1380157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I very highly recommend The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380148 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 22:32:58 +0000 Maysprout 1380148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - I knew so little about breastfeeding even with a biology degree. Sometimes I found it a little off putting but it has a ton of good info. </p> <p>Happiest Baby on the Block video. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380072 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:47:41 +0000 MrsF 1380072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ordered "baby 411" on DH's ipad from my hospital bed the day after M was born. I realized the baby had come early and I had no idea what I was doing! It's a great reference-book style book. Just look up topics as they come up. Best purchase ever. </p> <p>"healthy sleep habits, happy child" is still my sleep bible at 16 months. Saved my sanity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380071 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:47:36 +0000 Fronkinzankinsbride 1380071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a nanny I sometimes referenced "what to expect for the first year" but I don't care much for most parenting books. To hetero for me. I don't know if it counts as a parenting book but I'm reading "Far From the Tree: parents, children, and the search for identity" and recommend it highly. The only other "parenting" book I will probably purchase is "confessions of the other mother" but that probably won't help you. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-only-read-2-3-parenting-books#post-1380042 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:30:51 +0000 californiadreams 1380042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lemondrop: these were the books i had. I enjoyed the Happiest Baby on the Block book the most. </p>