Could anyone recommend an intuitive type book on what on earth to do with a new baby?

[MinkyBorage]

When I say intuitive, I mean without routines.
Has anyone read 'Baby Bliss' by Harvey Karp, just seen it mentioned on another thread, and it looks lovely, but just wondering what it's like. Does it involve routines?
Maybe I'll go for Penelope Leach.

It's a gift btw for someone pg atm.

baby manuals are a crap gift for the pg
IMO

if you must, get libby p

I'd recommend Baby Wisdom by Deborah Jackson, except it's out of print. Baby Bliss is good but very repetitive and aimed more specifically at parents with colickly babies although you should be able to apply the principles to all babies. However, for a real big picture perspective, see if you can get hold of Baby Wisdom (abe books might have it) or if its not going to be too controversial then try Three in a Bed.

urves #how not to be a perfect mother'

but tbh cake is a better idea

I like What to expect the first year, it isn't preachy and covers lots of things that might crop up.

Miriam Stoppard's First TimeParents would be an excellent one as it covers how to survive the first week at home, wish I'd read it when I was pregnant.

What To Expect ios the one that tells you they're at risk of water intoxication if you take them swimming, isnt it?

I put my copy of 'What to expect when you're expecting' in the recycling because I couldn't bear the thought of anyone else being exposed to the twaddle I found therein.

Baby Wisdom or Three In A Bed

My copy of What to Expect said that the bloke should give up drinking too in order to support the woman, and suggested

"No thanks, we're having a baby"

as a suitable response when offered alcohol

I just got lent baby bliss. A bit basic to be honest - all these OH MY GOSH WE HAVE FOUND THESE AMAZING THINGS WHICH HELP COLICKY BABIES!!!! which are all the things any AP style parent would be doing without the advice of some book, like carrying the baby and slinging them and using your voice to soothe them...

I like Jan Hunt The Natural Parent - very much not a routine or manual book, but about trusting our instincts and our children. I love that book.

And three in a bed is a lovely book too! But the Natural Parent would probably also get a family co-sleeping but without being quite so in your face in the title, you know? A real feel good one

I absolutely loved - "our babies, ourselves "

a very intelligent, thought provoking read - makes all the baby manual authors appear rather stupid.

This book turned me from a worried 'am I doing everything right?' mum to a very mellow chilled mum. I've lent it to loads of friends who also love it. It's on amazon.

Penelope Leach is great. Think it's a good idea to have something to read when your pregnant. So much info is all focussed on the birth.

PL is one of the few books on parenting I have read, and she makes a fair bit of sense.

My mum had it with me.

Of all the books I read while pregnant, this one had the most relevance once the baby was actually here

Was flicking through a friend's PL the other day - seemed to fit well with me, may try the library.

Would also recommend "What Mothers Do - Especially when it looks like nothing" by Naomi Stadlen. Definitely not a 'how to' guide...

PL is ok (although some of the BFing and weaning stuff is dodgy, her general gist is pretty sane). But I really think it would be much better to go for cake, or chocolate. DP's sister got me a selection of pate and oatcakes for after DS was born - I've never tasted anything so good!

Mumsnet is the only useful, realistic, humorous and relevant source of information, IMO. And usually available at silly o'clock to offer sanity and reassurance. Save your cash.

I'm getting it for her to read now (I will be getting her something good once the baby is born) as I'm pretty certain she'll be having a scan of the baby whisperer etc etc as that seems to be the one that reasonable people read, and it makes perfect sense until you actually see real life baby.
Thanks, so mreally good suggestions here

Three in a bed - Deborah Jackson
Any of the attachment parenting books by Dr Sears

I hate baby books. They make me feel all uncomfortable and preached at and I end up feeling guilty because i never do what it recommends in any case.

I have to say that the only book i ever got good use out of was the Annabel Karmel baby recipe one but since BLW is now "in", it might not be for you!

I would have been really offended if someone bought me a book when I was pregnant though. I'm not saying your friend wouldn't love it, but it's a tough time, and I think sometimes you need to pick your own way through it. I read lots of books (from the library and friends) but couldn't really say that any of them REALLY helped. I think giving it as a gift could be precived as a bit presumptious (sp), as everyones parenting styles differ so much. Having said all that, I did buy a book called baby sense written by an Occupational Therapist (as I am) and it is really good.

The Social Baby is a wonderful book that shows you about how your newborn is communicating with you right from the start.

And because it's a book about understanding rather than telling you what to do, it would make a fantastic present.

The baby whisperer by tracy hogg was a good read and made a lot of sense to me when pregnant. I have referred back to it after having DS also when needed. Not a how to manual more of a things to try not to do manual ;)

oh & it has been discussed on mumsnet before... www.mumsnet.com/Talk/5/14157

My cousin gave me a great book called "First-time Parents" by Lucy Atkin. Was just sane and sensible and admitted it was tough as hell, but rewarding. Non-preachy and sympathetic on the strains, and she's a health writer so cites lots of research-supported theories rather than dictating dogmas, but also says she has 3 kids and they are all so individual the same things don't work for each. I love that book - and I loathe almost all the rest I've bought or been given.

The Rough Guide to Babies was quite reassuring when I was at my wits' end with a three-week-old. It basically tells you that the first six weeks are pretty hellish even though there are wonderful bits, and if you're alive and the baby is alive you're OK. And to get help in.

Babies for Beginners by Roni Jay.
It covers the absolute basics in a fun way.