childcare books - best of and worse of..

[julesrose]

What books / experts have really helped and which ones didn't really do it? Need to advise friend who is having a baby..

i have a copy of penelope leach's your baby and child which is as old as i am. while outdated in terms of weaning and sleep it's reassuringly universal in its down to earth practical approach. i'm sure there must be an updated edition still in print. tanya whatserface has a similar kind of approach i think.

I did like the baby whisperer - but that is more for babies I guess. Also liked Tanya Byron for older children. HTH

I really would advise against the "what to expect in the first year" full of just plain BAD advice, and anxiety-inducing timetables for development.
I liked Birth and Beyond by Yehudi Gordon, v sensible and helpful