Baby book for new parent

[Katienana]

Hi
I'm expecting my first baby at the end of Sept. Have a few pregnancy manuals but feel ready now to think a bit more about the actual looking after a baby bit...what books come highly recommended? I've got Baby Whisperer but have noticed some negative comments about it being too prescriptive (not sure I agree tbh) so would like something to compare it to.
Bonus points if I can download to kindle!!!

Have you got a library near you? If so go and work your way through the baby books and see what appeals. It's hard to recommend without knowing you as everyone has different opinions and feelings on baby-rearing.

My personal favourites were anything by Dr Sears - but I only came to those a few weeks after dd was born and I saw 'the fussy baby book' in the library and thought 'that's the one for me!'...! His is an attachment-parenting, cosleeping, breastfeeding on demand type philosophy. Hadn't really set out to do that (except for the breastfeeding) but dd had other ideas so his books really helped me.

'What mothers DO' by Naomi Stadler(?) Brilliant.

Doesn't tell you what to do, but focuses on how fabulous and underrated we are

"Your baby week by week" - I can't remember the author. It was very accurate for my DD and very reassuring about what was normal and when various phases were likely to end. The only negative was I didn't necessarily agree with the sleep training techniques at the end of the book.

Thanks, I do indeed have a local library so I will check out the baby section. Planning on breastfeeding, not too keen on being regimented but can see the benefits of having a routine of sorts.

I can't remember the exact name. Something like "your baby and child" by Penelope leach. Originally published in the 70's or thereabouts. It has been updated since then. Gosh, aren't I vague? Anyway, she's fairly non-prescriptive and gives mostly the sort of common sense advice you'd want from your own mum, but without the judgement or agenda. Bizarrely, I used this book in conjunction with Gina Ford's Contented Little Baby. Took the bits of both which suited me.

on the lighter side, "Go The F*ck To Sleep" - hugely accurate and hilarious!

A friend of mine places children with adoptive parents. She gives all her adopters "What every parent needs to know". She gave me a copy too, I like it. "Raising Boys" interesting too, if you have a son, particularly if you don't have brothers. Step away from the "What to Expect....." series, I hated them.

I second picking and choosing the bits that suit you.

Baby Led Breastfeeding - available as kindle editon from amazon. you can't have a "routine" that much in the early weeks, it is best to let a feeding pattern emerge over time. GF and Baby Whisperer have some ideas that I agree with but there is some crap advice about breastfeeding in both of those books. I found some of GF helpful for learning how many naps a baby needs although I think she underestimates the amount of day sleep and overestimates the amount of night sleep for a young baby but that might just be my baby. A 15 minute afternoon nap does nothing for him. Also I don't hold with any advice about leaving a crying baby to "self settle" so I ignore that.
Wonder Weeks - also on kindle edition, tells you about your baby's development and gives you a heads up on when clingy and fussy periods are likely to happen. Gives some good advice on how to cope and also what sort of play is good for your baby at each stage.

The best advice comes from my mother who told me that my baby can't actually read yet. This explains why he isn't doing what the books say! What works for one doesn't work for another.

Your Baby Week By Week - Simone Cave and Dr Caroline Fertleman
First-Time Parent - Lucy Atkins

My son is 11 weeks and I have found these really good, just very accessible and straightforward, without being overly wordy or preachy (see What To Expect etc...). I bought A LOT of parenting books and these are the only two that I haven't discarded and have been worth every penny.

Congratulations btw!

I've got 'What to Expect the First Year', I found it very reassuring to read and the advice is well balanced and encourages you to do what suits you and your baby best. I think you really just have to take your cues from your baby though as they're all different.

I really like the wonder weeks. Explains a lot about the psychology behind why babies are the way they are and if you read it now you'll be much more prepared.
I only found it when dd was about 5 months so wish I had read sooner it made things clear.
A good book for breastfeeding is 'the food of love' very lighthearted.

'what mothers do' is just lovely I really enjoyed it.

I know many people who get on with 'the no cry sleep solution' but not sure if that would be a beneficial one to read before baby is here or not. I bought it but never had the patience to implement the stuff. Maybe thats why dd is not a great sleeper

It might be nice to get some other stuff that isn't baby related too for afterwards as exciting as it all is your life will revolve around it anyway and you deserve a break.
Personally I enjoy lighthearted funny things. I have a kindle. On that I particularly enjoyed the books by Nick Spalding. Very easy to read.

I'd read the baby books now and get your studying done then relax and eat choc with something else later