The Other Baby Book: A Natural Approach to Baby's First Year

by Megan McGrory Massaro, Miriam J. Katz

What if the rules of modern motherhood were turned upside down? "The Other Baby Book: A Natural Approach to Baby's First Year" guides new and expecting mamas on a journey past "shoulds" and "musts," back to the heart of true joy and relationship. Motherhood has been targeted by advertisers, and bombarded by opinions masquerading as medical necessities. Massaro and Katz are helping mothers reclaim a simpler, more connected first year with their babies.
Readers will find eight fun-to-read chapters filled with baby-friendly practices, along with stories from moms in-the-know. In a soothing yet sassy voice, the authors present compelling research on topics like birth, holding your baby, breastfeeding, infant sleep, pottying babies (yes, really!), sign language, baby-led solids, and self-care for moms. The book also features contributions from leading practitioners in baby care: Dr. James McKenna, Dr. Janet Zand, Naomi Aldort, Gill Rapley, Nancy Mohrbacher, and more.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

196 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2012

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start out this review by mentioning that the book was not what I expected it to be. Since I am about to be a first-time mom, I was looking for a book that would give you guidance on a baby's entire first year, things like how to properly bathe a baby (especially intact boys), what temperature to keep your house, how to dress your baby for the seasons, what to do if your baby is feeling under the weather, and other every day situations that a fist-time mom would want to know, all with safe and natural approaches. This was not the case. HOWEVER, I did find the book to be very helpful. As one who tries to live as naturally as possible, a lot of the information was the same old news to me, but there were certain sections such as the breastfeeding chapter that I found to be very helpful. I plan to keep the book and re-read my highlights before labor time, AND to keep it as a reference in the future. So from my point of view and the knowledge I already knew about natural living, I give it three stars. If I were completely unaware of this kind of lifestyle, the book would receive four or five stars. I definitely would recommend this book, especially if a person is not very familiar with living a natural, toxin-free life.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take this with a grain of salt. Like they say - use what you want and discard the rest.

update: I like that it is a different perspective from what I've read in other books.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because of the image floating around Facebook comparing the “old necessities” to the “new basics” (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.ne...). I didn’t read any reviews or descriptions, and I sort of feel like I should have. First of all, I really dislike it when books are written as if it’s a friend talking to me. My friends don’t talk to me like how this is written in the first place. So I hate the writing style, but I am usually able to overlook it if the information is good.

The authors make it clear that we should read “mama” as “primary caregiver,” but who is actually doing that? It’s written in the voice of a “girlfriend” to you, the “mama” (not even “mother”). If you’re a “mama” reading a book addressed to “dada” would you be able to relate? Doubt it. It’s exclusive. I find it hard to believe that this book would keep the attention of any father or anyone else that doesn’t really identify as “mama.” I don’t think it would have been that difficult to write an inclusive book with a friendly tone. However, I recognize that women are more likely to read this book anyway. I can't help but wish for a book for fathers, though.

Certain things aren’t terribly clear. At one point the authors just say “widening of the exit.” What is that you ask? Good question! I ASSUME they are referring to an episiotomy. As someone who has spent the past 5 years reading about birth, and babies…. if I have to wonder about whether or not I am interpreting something right, someone new to the subject must be completely lost. Luckily, episiotomy comes up later in the book.

This isn’t a book I couldn’t put down either. I went days without reading it, and didn’t really feel like continuing (because it isn’t new information to me, and because of the writing style). I made myself finish it though since it’s a short book.

Now that I have gotten my complaints out of the way, this book is a good introductory resource. The book never really goes in depth, but it allows the reader to get a sense of the different options out there. Since the book is quick and easy to read it isn’t overwhelming. The basics and most “important” information seem to be given. It’s a book that I would gift in early pregnancy or at a baby shower for someone who doesn’t like to spend too much time reading. It's the type of book you leave next to the toilet. While I think this book doesn’t offer enough to make completely informed choices, it is a good starting point and can pique someone's interest enough to hop on Google. I give it 3 stars for being good introductory material, but personally it was just "okay."

[Jenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is similar in content to Sarah Buckley's Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering but with a more casual familiar tone of mothers sitting down over tea at a play date. I would recommend The Other Baby Book as a good introduction to gentle attachment parenting for parents to be and parents new to traditional (eg non-conventional) parenting philosophy and practices.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars? I don't know that there was anything new. I appreciated and agreed with some, disagreed for sure with other aspects, ("children are born perfect and should be able to freely express themselves however they wish") and am still undecided on a few things that probably work well for some people and not for others. So we'll see. An interesting read, but not necessarily very helpful. Though, side note, plastic is killing us all, apparently.

[Jacquline Ard · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's too much opinion mixed in with the facts. I like the idea of newborn and infant care being baby led, and a mother's intuition being the key, but unfortunately intuition is sometimes flawed, and "natural" isn't the healthiest option, at times.

The best advice I got from the book is to be an actual nurturer which is what a mother should be. I plan on spending more time with my child than the average Westerner, anyway.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Other Baby Book had a wealth of information on alternative, gentle, natural approach to parenting. This is commonly referred to as "Attachment Parenting". As with most books on babies/children I took the good and left the bad alone. They cover topics such as birth, physical touch, milk, sleep, potty, relational aspects, weaning, and a few other things. It is written by two ladies, which I think helps bring some balance to it, but still it is attachment parenting to the core. They advocate breastfeeding of course. There was some fantastic information about feeding your baby as well as baby led weaning/solids. If nothing else, this book was timely for this section alone. They also have some good information on co-sleeping. They offer a lot of food for thought, and while I only agree with parts of it, it was worth the free kindle download. *Grins*. I really appreciated the honesty the authors had, the genuine and real life nature of it, and there persistence in saying there is no "one way" to do it right, but to remember YOU are the mom your baby needs and you are suited to the job. Though they have strong opinions and present them clearly in this book, they leave you with a gentle, do what is right for you and your baby, which is great that it is not trying to guilt trip you. Too many people with strong opinions try and guilt trip others. One thing that did not sit well with me was the glaringly bad theology of the innocence of babies and children and protecting it at all costs. To train or discipline your child is bad, according to this book and they see this as unloving toward your child. The scriptures teach that we are all born sinful, no one has to teach us to be selfish. The scriptures also teach we are to train and discipline our children. Useful for new moms who are exploring differing parenting techniques and how to's. I am a mixed bag, tearing off a little bit of each label to fit mine and my baby's needs. I am both an attachment parenting mom and not at the same time. To a mom to be I would say give this a read if you have the spare time.

[T. L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nice book coveting basic information on natural alternatives & gentle parenting. it is not detailed or step-by-step guide but i prefer it this way as it gives me the opportunity to select what subjects i want to read more and try e.g. elimination communication, baby led solids, sign language... i've traveled to certain countries in asia and latin america for nature and culture. i love observing the culture and people's daily life, i was impressed with how little baby/parents-gear people manage to raise their kids; dipper free, formula free, wearing their babies, no stroller... and also how quite, smart and joyful the kids were without all the toys, even 2-3 year old were helping their mothers in certain routines so this book kinda explains how they manage it. definitely suggest to any future mother who want to know all the ways/approaches in taking-care/parenting in order to make a conscious decision on how and why even if not planning to follow any of the suggestions it is good to be aware of these actually old school, natural ways.

[Christina Cater · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't really tell if this book was disappointing because I have already read so much detailed info on the topics presented or if it just failed to meet my expectations. For me this book was an overview of many practices which are considered "non-traditional" in the US. It's a very brief overview for those seeking first time exposure to a number of practices like natural birth, EC and cloth diapering. I did find the info on nursing, greening your sleep spaces from toxins and baby-led weaning to be new to me and informative (but again, not very detailed). If anything, this book helped me to want to pursue more detailed info on unfamiliar topics and the resources provided should do that. I'd recommend this for someone new to natural parenting, but if you're already familiar it's not new material. I appreciate that it does focus on the importance of trusting your intuition to promote empowerment as a new mom.

[Tara Stratton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to attachment parenting, but not totally realistic. I was excited to read this, but it took me a while to finish. I did feel that it talked down a little to those that have to work or be away from their kids for any length of time. I think mommy and baby yoga classes are great, but I like taking my own yoga classes too and going out with just adults sometimes. Plus, though it was an introduction, there were some topics that were focused on more heavily than others. Definitely geared towards a specific socio-economic class of caregivers. Maybe that's just because it's an initial step in attachment parenting hitting mainstream culture? Not sure if I would recommend it to parents who spend time educating themselves, but it could be useful to those that are just starting that route?

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are me and need to give someone an overview book to understand your baby-opinions, this would probably be the book. It's a good starting point and good comfort reading, but the obsessive in me wants more!!!

P.S. I advise you to not read this shortly before your SO phones you, as if to specifically say, "Well, I just don't believe women need to breastfeed in public, why can't they just do it in the bathroom?" (I may have even been willing to engage his opinion in the first half, but the bathroom argument is a caricature and I can't believe he just SAID it) and then proceeds to tell you about the time he almost got fired because he found breastmilk in the fridge at work to be disgusting and it turned out to be an executive's wife's milk. My boy is definitely a work in progress. >_>

[Alane Kataria-Rennie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book and learned a couple of new things, but am wary of Attachment Parenting. I had never heard the word convenience used as a negative until I read this book! I'm sure they're right that baby's needs should trump all others, but I think we need to be realistic, too. The best parent is one who feels somewhat rested and content and I don't know if it's possible for everyone to be those things when they're always doing exactly what baby needs to the minute.

Also, I didn't think the book sounded especially well written or professional. They sort of glazed over a couple of major topics that I think needed more attention or should have been left out (especially the 'don't praise your kid' part).

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick, easy read. It wasn't new information for me, but I had already done some soul searching and research about how I wanted to parent with my first. This book just reaffirmed my values, and gave me a confidence boost that I'm doing the right thing by trusting my instincts 100% with this baby who is 3 weeks old. If you already breastfeed, co-sleep, baby led wean, EC, etc then this won't have anything new for you, but it's still a great read. The tone is just perfect to recommend to a first time mom, or a mom who is just starting to venture off the mainstream path. The last chapter about trusting yourself and listening to your gut is a great read for any mom, even the seasoned ones have moments of doubt. I would definitely recommend this book to other moms!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this - though I will say it is an easy, quick read, so it's great for beginners or people who are unfamiliar with some of the topics and just looking for a quick introduction. Most of the stuff I'm already familiar with, so this was just a quick refresher/recap, but I loved how the book reinforces to you that you instinctually know what to do, so follow your gut and your instincts, regardless of what everyone else may say.

We don't practice everything in the book, but do several of the "attachment" parenting paths, and it's refreshing to read from people who breastfeed past 1 year, co-sleep, don't do cry it out, etc.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had already planned to read this before a friend gave me a copy. Some interesting ideas, but the book's chatty tone ultimately comes across like a bossy/overly opinionated friend. The authors attempt to cover a wide variety of topics, but in so doing can touch only briefly on each. Too bad - I am curious about elimination communication, for example, but found little in the way of how-to's and too much grandstanding about "potty learning."

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on attachment parenting, including things like baby lead weaning (otherwise known as eating real foods), breastfeeding, immunizations and co sleeping. Basically they preach to do what feels right no matter what is in "style".

Oddly I was an attached parent 21 years ago before there was even a word for it. I just did what felt right. Since then I've read Dr Sears, and many others. I had a thing or two to learn from in this book too with baby number seven.

[Annabel Youens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super practical guide to your new baby. I loved the focus on "less stuff" and it's exactly why I bought the book. A big thumbs up for me was the main message the author's convey - here is a lot of information, but don't worry you'll know what to do with your baby. I found the information very well researched and well written. Certainly one of the best baby books I've read. Also check out their blog.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, easy-to-read overview of pretty much all "hippy" choices there are for raising babies; one of which I hadn't even heard of. Each chapter is broken down into small sections and contains a segment from an expert on the topic. From breastfeeding (kinda sad this is considered alternative…) to baby-wearing to baby-led weaning it's a great start for mommas who don't think the majority have it right.

[Rebecca Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that this book basically summarizes several "natural" approaches to parenting without preaching. It explains the basis or origins of each practice and offers a list of other books that go into each practice more in-depth. I learned so much from this book. I wish I'd read it before I even got pregnant, since it also tells of several methods to prepare your body for pregnancy. Everything I've tried from this book has been really helpful.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Wish it had been published before my first daughter was born so I could have read about some of the things that I had to learn along the way with her. Makes you think about different approaches than what is popular or main stream. Also made me think more about the plastics and chemicals used in so many products and the safety/health issues they may pose.

[Destinee Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book although I wish I would've read it during my pregnancy and not eleven months later. It's a stepping stone to the many options you are given if you decide to do attachment parenting. It gives you a brief description of everything and resources if you would like to further yourself into a certain topic.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to attachment parenting, but I think I'll read more. I would have preferred if there were footnotes instead of just list of references, but I can't tell if that's the fault of the Kindle version or not. Also I generally frown at the validating references to homeopathic medicine that occurred a few times; that is dangerous.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an AP book. Some people will agree with everything and some with none. Authors tell you up front that the purpose of the book is to empower you to research and think for yourself. A good starting point for someone new to mothering. Nothing terribly in-depth.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it would have been nice to have read this earlier (I requested the library order it which meant I had to wait), it was actually a nice refresher on certain baby-rearing topics and helped to boost my confidence on some things I had innately already been doing.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book doesn't go too deep into the topics it discusses. Instead you get more of an overview of a few important subjects. But still if you're someone who's new to them, it'll give you a solid basis for further exploration.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't hold with all the ideas in this book, but I really like the way that they present them, and the education factor. It presents information off the mainstream in a concise and easy to follow manner.

[Jessica]

Nice collection of personal stories as well as explanations behind alternative approaches to the first year of child rearing. Not a very academic book in any way, but a good way to get a grasp on real people's experiences.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get book

I found this site very good read and shared a lot of clips from it! I recommend this book! And will keep it to pass on to other moms too
It's nice to know they way I think and feel is the same as others and I learned from this book and took some guidance from it.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of the info was basic. I found the chapters on Elimination Control (think potty training infants based on their innate cues) and weaning to solid finger foods particularly interesting.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It's not judgmental, and reminds moms to follow their own instincts with their children!