What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of What to Expect the First Year
Book Review: Disappointing and patchy
Summary: 2 Stars
This book is fine for dipping into and has thorough coverage of issues such as child health and development. However, the publishers have been extremely sloppy in editing what is essentially an American book for a UK market. The author appears to be oblivious to the concept of a homebirth, and the advice on choosing childcare is horrendous. Statements such as 'though it's not considered the ideal situation for infants and places are limited, some mothers nevertheless turn to group nurseries because they have no other choice' made me want to hurl the book across the room. Approach with caution.Book Review: Great book, shame about the index
Summary: 4 Stars
This would be a great reference book were it not for the index, which consistently directs the reader to the wrong page. This is extremely frustrating at times. The content, however, is very informative and comprehensive. I bought this book on the back of owning "What to Expect When You're Expecting", which was my pregnancy bible. As a first-time mum, I've found the book equally as invaluable. As well as the twelve chapters on what to expect month by month, there are excellent sections on baby health, ailments, first aid, baby care, breastfeeding, diet (for baby and mum), and fatherhood.
Book Review: Still the best of the bunch
Summary: 5 Stars
Agree with the review below; the index is useless. The other criticism is that the Best Odds Diet was less useful than for pregnancy - I didn't have a clue about how long to puree what etc, so to compensate I also referred to Annabel Karmel's cook book. However, 'What To Expect's diet gems were what to start with and what to avoid (esp. sugar!) and for how long.As for the index problem... Initially we would swear and rant at this book while trying to find information on the current 'emergency' of our wailing babe. Eventually, I cottoned on to browsing through the headings up to 3 months ahead every month, so I did get a good idea of 'what to expect'. I also used those tiny coloured post-it note stickers as I was reading so I could quickly check out current issues when needed (anal but so useful!!). I do recommend you swot up on those first three months while still pregnant, and check out the Part Two chapters...
All the sleeping and communication tips were extremely effective, and their advice on building trust is invaluable. Babies are born absolutely innocent and any attempts at (what is perceived as) manipulation are merely testing our responses. Respond to the babe's every whim for the first three months (welcome it to this bizarre world), then start establishing compromises so that us parents can also get back a life - and sleep!! It's hard work, but if you put the graft in initially, it does pay off.
As a parent you are also constantly learning, so don't forget to keep referring to this book AT LEAST every couple of months. All the issues my fellow mums stress about are covered here, and it's a bit exasperating hearing their complaints knowing they have 'What To Expect' but can't be bothered to refer back to it and instead rely on out-of-date opinions from some Grans.
Ultimately, I found this book very reassuring: it backed up common sense with empathy and gave me a weighty slam-down to some of the crap/lazy advice that proliferates. And it's miles better than any of the other baby books I've come across... Top marks.
Book Review: invaluable
Summary: 5 Stars
great guide for first year, answers many questions for 1st time parentBook Review: Excellent pick up put down book
Summary: 5 Stars
For first time parents it is an excellent book to guide you through each month. It tells you what to expect each month and what your baby could be doing and should be doing so you can track important milestones. I have to say that when I thought of a question the answer would always be there but not necessarily in the month I was experiencing it. However, as a novice parent it was good to get the reassurance and be prepared for what lay ahead.I am now a second time parent and thought I knew it all but I have still referred to the book for things that I have forgotten. When does a baby smile? When do they start teething? How will I know if my baby has colic? Oh how you forget!
A valuable guide to get you through the first year.