The Baby Book: How to Enjoy Year One

I have twins and found this really handy to give me a guide as to how much sleep they needed and a form of routine I could adapt to work for us. The twins were seeming to follow the pattern pretty well anyway so it fitted us beautifully. I did only use it loosely but really helped me to recognise that dtds didn't always just want feeding. I also breastfed so not sure why another reviewer said it's not helpful if you breastfeed. As to whether dtds "enjoyed" it - well, they slept fairly well (didn't go through the night as early as the author suggests but they were prem) and are happy burbling babies so I guess they do like the routine.

Simplicity is its only virtue. Not terribly helpful if you're breastfeeding and recommends a ludicrously rigid routine which a newborn baby will not enjoy. Useful instructions on how to bathe a baby, but otherwise I wouldn't recommend it.

Although friends gave us lots of books, apart from one on breastfeeding this was the only book we needed and referred to regularly. The routines work well but are flexible. The advice on sleep, feeding and weaning are simple, clear and easy to follow. Would recommend and have done so already.

Very practical and sensible advice. The suggested routines are achievable. Rachel Waddilove writes in a kind and sympathetic way - clearly written by a maternity nurse who has also raised a family of her own.