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The Better Baby Book: How to Have a Healthier, Smarter, Happier Baby
How to create a healthier, happier, smarter baby—the breakthrough pregnancy diet and lifestyle plan based on cutting-edge genetic science
Whether you're planning for pregnancy or are already pregnant, this essential prenatal guide draws on the latest genetic research to give you a complete program of specific nutrition and environmental lifestyle changes that can help you have a better baby. The book is based on the emerging science of epigenetics and shows how the environment interacts with your genes, affecting which genes are expressed or "turned on". It shows you the important steps you can take to improve preconception nutrition and reduce toxins in your home and body to consciously help your child be healthy, smart, and strong.
Leverages the latest epigenetics research to help you produce a healthier, smarter, and happier baby with a lower risk of allergies, asthma, and developmental issues
Shares a specific prescriptive program based on four principles: eating the right foods; taking the right supplements; detoxifying before, during, and after pregnancy; and minimizing stress
Shows how a woman's health and her environment during pregnancy may have a much bigger impact on her child than was previously thought
Includes the authors' compelling personal story of developing the Better Baby Plan shared in the book as they had their own better babies
Whether you're planning for pregnancy or are already pregnant, this essential prenatal guide draws on the latest genetic research to give you a complete program of specific nutrition and environmental lifestyle changes that can help you have a better baby. The book is based on the emerging science of epigenetics and shows how the environment interacts with your genes, affecting which genes are expressed or "turned on". It shows you the important steps you can take to improve preconception nutrition and reduce toxins in your home and body to consciously help your child be healthy, smart, and strong.
Leverages the latest epigenetics research to help you produce a healthier, smarter, and happier baby with a lower risk of allergies, asthma, and developmental issues
Shares a specific prescriptive program based on four principles: eating the right foods; taking the right supplements; detoxifying before, during, and after pregnancy; and minimizing stress
Shows how a woman's health and her environment during pregnancy may have a much bigger impact on her child than was previously thought
Includes the authors' compelling personal story of developing the Better Baby Plan shared in the book as they had their own better babies
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2012
157 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 2, 2014
This book should have been titled "Everything You Eat, Drink, Think, and Do is Causing Birth Defects."
I was able to take a some helpful pieces of information from this book (which I then researched on my own further), but I think certain parts of it need to be taken with a grain of salt. Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, no less. ;)
I'm giving this book a 2 Star rating for the following, BIG, reasons: The lack of references and citations was unacceptable in my opinion. Especially considering the information STILL isn't complete on the website as promised (the book was published a year ago). Not to mention several of the Research & Reference info apparently came from sites like Wikipedia, HowStuffWorks, and Answers.com. I would have expected a book written by a 'medical doctor' to be a little more based on 'hard' science and legitimate scientific studies.
I really wanted to like this book, but it fell short of what it promised. I'll refer to it in conjunction with other books and research, but it really can't/shouldn't stand on its own as a guide for pregnant women. As another reviewer mentioned, once the book started causing me anxiety about pregnancy, it started being counterproductive.
I was able to take a some helpful pieces of information from this book (which I then researched on my own further), but I think certain parts of it need to be taken with a grain of salt. Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, no less. ;)
I'm giving this book a 2 Star rating for the following, BIG, reasons: The lack of references and citations was unacceptable in my opinion. Especially considering the information STILL isn't complete on the website as promised (the book was published a year ago). Not to mention several of the Research & Reference info apparently came from sites like Wikipedia, HowStuffWorks, and Answers.com. I would have expected a book written by a 'medical doctor' to be a little more based on 'hard' science and legitimate scientific studies.
I really wanted to like this book, but it fell short of what it promised. I'll refer to it in conjunction with other books and research, but it really can't/shouldn't stand on its own as a guide for pregnant women. As another reviewer mentioned, once the book started causing me anxiety about pregnancy, it started being counterproductive.
October 22, 2017
I’ve attended one of Dave Asprey’s talks and also read large parts of his book “The Bulletproof Diet” (my husband is a huge fan). I was intrigued to read this book because 1) I am pregnant and 2) he has written it together with his Swedish wife Lana (who is a Karolinska trained physician).
This book definitively has interesting parts and it is very thought provoking. I liked the mix of US and European (Swedish) experiences and perspectives. I do think they have some good guidance on healthy eating and things that you should think about when pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Favourite sections were about managing stress (and how stress can really impact your pregnancy) and giving the European perspective on birth, in comparison to the US (really eye opening for me, wow).
But...this book is really extreme and I don’t think I would ever recommend a pregnant friend to read it. The views and recommendations are extreme in every way. Yes, toxins are in everything (and it is good to have awareness), but reading about this makes you feel like everything you do is causing birth defects. I do think certain parts and sections of this book should be taken with a grain of salt. Still an interesting read and glad I went through it, but looking forward to reading another pregnancy book!
This book definitively has interesting parts and it is very thought provoking. I liked the mix of US and European (Swedish) experiences and perspectives. I do think they have some good guidance on healthy eating and things that you should think about when pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Favourite sections were about managing stress (and how stress can really impact your pregnancy) and giving the European perspective on birth, in comparison to the US (really eye opening for me, wow).
But...this book is really extreme and I don’t think I would ever recommend a pregnant friend to read it. The views and recommendations are extreme in every way. Yes, toxins are in everything (and it is good to have awareness), but reading about this makes you feel like everything you do is causing birth defects. I do think certain parts and sections of this book should be taken with a grain of salt. Still an interesting read and glad I went through it, but looking forward to reading another pregnancy book!
March 4, 2021
This book has some interesting ideas, but the book does not include all of its support within the book. The authors instruct the reader to visit a website for further information, specific recommendations for products or plans, and for links to sources and citations. But, the website betterbabybook.com/ doesn't have any of that. It is just a sales site for the book. You can use archive.org to look at past iterations of the website and the authors NEVER had this info on the website. It was always a bait and switch to keep from having to cite sources. Website promises all this good information, but you have to buy the book to find out details. Buy the book, but you have to go to the website to find out details, and the circle continues. Very disappointed.
January 13, 2015
Very good book! I give it 4.5 stars
Just read the bulletproof diet book, and wanted to check out Asprey’s second book. I didn’t find much useful information as a 20yo with no plan of having a baby haha, but for parents it’s very helpful, especially if you’re not familier with the bulletproof diet.
Chapter 13 about detoxifying is very useful about how to remove mainstream stuff you find it most homes that’s pretty bad for you such as rediation emiting stuff etc. Interesting read and useful for health in general.
Chapter 16 is by far my favorite, discussing how your intentions and attitude towards having a kid matters and how research shows that unwanted kids are less healthier by far both mentally and physically. Damn that’s intrigueing!
- Fluorescent light isn’t good for you. Change to daylight if possible instead
- Don’t overcook eggs, hard boiled is way too much
- Wash eggs in water to reduce salmonella risk
- Microwaving food is bad, use a halogen convection oven
- Home birth is just as good if not better than birth in hospitals
- Laptops produce more radiation when plugged in, try to use battery life instead
I’d gift this book to any couple who’s thinknig of having a baby. And I will read it once I’m at that position myself.
Just read the bulletproof diet book, and wanted to check out Asprey’s second book. I didn’t find much useful information as a 20yo with no plan of having a baby haha, but for parents it’s very helpful, especially if you’re not familier with the bulletproof diet.
Chapter 13 about detoxifying is very useful about how to remove mainstream stuff you find it most homes that’s pretty bad for you such as rediation emiting stuff etc. Interesting read and useful for health in general.
Chapter 16 is by far my favorite, discussing how your intentions and attitude towards having a kid matters and how research shows that unwanted kids are less healthier by far both mentally and physically. Damn that’s intrigueing!
- Fluorescent light isn’t good for you. Change to daylight if possible instead
- Don’t overcook eggs, hard boiled is way too much
- Wash eggs in water to reduce salmonella risk
- Microwaving food is bad, use a halogen convection oven
- Home birth is just as good if not better than birth in hospitals
- Laptops produce more radiation when plugged in, try to use battery life instead
I’d gift this book to any couple who’s thinknig of having a baby. And I will read it once I’m at that position myself.
October 31, 2013
It has some good recommendations, but I do wish it had better research citations (which are on their website but not in the book). Also, this book will even a very healthy person super paranoid about everything they come into contact with, day in and day out. Reading it actually stressed me out, and at that point it felt a bit counterproductive.
March 23, 2021
Pretty good basic and quick read about optimizing health for fertility and pregnancy. They're pretty hard-line, but taken with a grain of salt, has some good stuff in it!
April 24, 2014
Disclaimer: I like Dave Asprey okay, and I drink a toned down version of his bulletproof coffee, so I was already inclined to listen to what he has to say.
Many of the citations were cut from this book and can be found here: www.betterbabybook.com/research/ I do encourage that you go through them with a fine tooth comb when making decisions about your own pregnancy because some of them are (for me) less reliable than others.
My biggest beef with this book (hence 3 stars) is that this is, essentially, the Bulletproof Diet (i.e. Paleo with possibly even gentler cooking) with the word baby attached. This book, diagrams included, can almost all be found on his website. There are a few extra tidbits to help up your fertility even more, but reading this book, I generally felt like there was no reason to change what I was already doing because I'd already made most of these adjustments to my diet over the last couple years in preparation for future pregnancy.
P.S. Like it says in the book, FOLATE IS REAL guys, don't use Folic Acid DON'T DO IT!
Many of the citations were cut from this book and can be found here: www.betterbabybook.com/research/ I do encourage that you go through them with a fine tooth comb when making decisions about your own pregnancy because some of them are (for me) less reliable than others.
My biggest beef with this book (hence 3 stars) is that this is, essentially, the Bulletproof Diet (i.e. Paleo with possibly even gentler cooking) with the word baby attached. This book, diagrams included, can almost all be found on his website. There are a few extra tidbits to help up your fertility even more, but reading this book, I generally felt like there was no reason to change what I was already doing because I'd already made most of these adjustments to my diet over the last couple years in preparation for future pregnancy.
P.S. Like it says in the book, FOLATE IS REAL guys, don't use Folic Acid DON'T DO IT!
March 18, 2019
An updated book on food and health your you, your partner and your future baby. This book is great, not only for families wanting to start a family; but, it's also great if you want to really hone in on your health with updated epigenetics, advice and studies on what to eat and supplement your body in our current society which is filled with toxins, food fillers, etc.
I am not planning on having a baby and I found this book extremely useful as I applied some of the tips addressed in this book. The main things that I found I needed to update in my diet was grass-fed, GMO-free butter, and USDA Organic Approved; GMO-free, USDA Organic Approved coconut oil for cooking; USDA Organic Approved, grass-fed or pasture raised beef; and Cage-Free, open range eggs, which are naturally higher in Omega's than regular eggs.
These small changes are making huge leaps in our health in my home and I recommend this book to anyone, not just expectant mothers, to give it a read if you're into upping your health game.
I am not planning on having a baby and I found this book extremely useful as I applied some of the tips addressed in this book. The main things that I found I needed to update in my diet was grass-fed, GMO-free butter, and USDA Organic Approved; GMO-free, USDA Organic Approved coconut oil for cooking; USDA Organic Approved, grass-fed or pasture raised beef; and Cage-Free, open range eggs, which are naturally higher in Omega's than regular eggs.
These small changes are making huge leaps in our health in my home and I recommend this book to anyone, not just expectant mothers, to give it a read if you're into upping your health game.
June 18, 2018
I felt that 80% of the book is very extreme as far as what is healthy and what is bad for you. Almost everything is terrible for you, from beans, grains even vegetables and fish. Sometimes even if some food is organic like milk and lactose products. It might be true that most things are contaminated somehow and that we shouldn't eat some things but we live in this world now so you have to adapt. The author talks about her personal experience how she avoided restaurants almost thru all her pregnancy and how she did all this perfect extreme things, which for most average, normal working women that's almost impossible.
The only part that I like about the book is when she explains in general the importance of certain groups of foods and gives a lot of emphasis in healthy fats. I also liked the workout and mind sections.
The only part that I like about the book is when she explains in general the importance of certain groups of foods and gives a lot of emphasis in healthy fats. I also liked the workout and mind sections.
December 31, 2017
Subtitle: Everything in the world is out to kill you and/or make your baby dumb. Take lots of supplements to prevent that.
I am the target audience of the book but its lack of scientific rigor annoyed me. It was a very bad choice not to include the citations in the book. Gets two stars because I learned a thing or two -- not that I feel I can necessarily trust them.
I love how they say that if you choose wisely, you will "only" have to spend $100/month on supplements, then they recommend 20+ supplements per chapter...
I am the target audience of the book but its lack of scientific rigor annoyed me. It was a very bad choice not to include the citations in the book. Gets two stars because I learned a thing or two -- not that I feel I can necessarily trust them.
I love how they say that if you choose wisely, you will "only" have to spend $100/month on supplements, then they recommend 20+ supplements per chapter...
February 12, 2013
I would have given this 5 stars if a complete list of citations were contained in the book rather than on the website. The diet advice is very good (according to my own experience), but I'm somewhat skeptical of the later chapters having to do with toxins and stress reduction (which is why being able to easily check the research myself would make the book significantly more valuable).
June 4, 2015
The authors of this book seem paranoid, recommend massive vitamin supplementation and avoiding so many kinds of food that your diet would be extremely restricted. Some of their suggestions seemed down right dangerous- eating raw eggs? No dairy products except butter. This book was just too extreme for me.
April 17, 2017
Great book, with great information on pregnancy do's and don'ts. So much knowledge is contained, and the vast majority of it is backed by research.
I feel like everyone can gain something from reading this book. It's not necessary to apply everything you read, but whatever you can do, you probably should do.
I feel like everyone can gain something from reading this book. It's not necessary to apply everything you read, but whatever you can do, you probably should do.
September 4, 2014
Great wealth of information but got very weird toward to end. With the 'every doctor wants to cut you open so birth at home'. Not to mention the 'every chemical in your house will give you and baby cancer'. Women prone to anxiety might want to avoid this book.
Read
November 17, 2016I recommend!!!!
Healthiest pregnancy of all 3! I am 41 and smooth sailing! Energy through the roof. Had a miscarriage prior, read the book and applied. Best choice for my body and baby!
Healthiest pregnancy of all 3! I am 41 and smooth sailing! Energy through the roof. Had a miscarriage prior, read the book and applied. Best choice for my body and baby!
December 27, 2018
This book contains a lot of helpful information that you can't find anywhere else. The missing star is because I really dislike Dave Asprey (because of his focus on money making as opposed to actually helping people)
April 9, 2021
My friend gave me this book as a way to feel better about pregnancy, however it honestly did the opposite. Everything is terrible for you and your home is a toxic nightmare.
No cited sources, and very questionable "evidence". Ridiculous.
Expecting better is a much better book !!!
No cited sources, and very questionable "evidence". Ridiculous.
Expecting better is a much better book !!!
September 7, 2013
some good guidance to eating healthy, but I agree with other reviews, not well cited for research, and being a biologist, this bothers me.
Read
April 1, 2014Great information on epigenetics and overall great health principles. I highly recommend.
November 4, 2016
Very informative and unconventional but scientifically backed approach to set yourself up for a healthy baby. Must read for anyone planning to conceive.
December 2, 2017
Trenedy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2018
Essential reading for pregnant couples.
January 5, 2025
All that's missing from this book is a link to a MLM selling essential oils and healing crystals to cure Autism and transform your babies DNA.
December 18, 2020
This book is a highly positive, very information driven, synthesized study, of having a healthier child. It goes through the process of getting pregnant in a very simple, easy to understand manner, what to eat, what not to eat, and you can digest the information either slowly or briefly. If you have any fear of childbirth, labor, or the process of building or knitting the baby internally, you can be assured by the awesome couple who wrote the book, Father Dave Asprey, Father of Biohacking, and Dr. Mother Lana Asprey Nature, Author, have studied the subject, and are practical parents; who have both overcome obstacles to pregnancy, and learned the basics and advanced methods of hacking pregnancy, to our benefit. It does not have to complicated but it must be a practice. Both parents must be involved. Dave and Lana are Bulletproof parents who are in the business of fertility but they make it seem like pleasure. I would read this book before any other. If you are a pregnant female I would run to buy this book. Also, if you are a pregnant male, please buy it. This is my bible to feeling and expecting nothing but the best results from my pregnancy, despite my own obstacles. I believe I can have a healthier baby. I believe I will see my babies soon.
January 28, 2023
Easy to read and understand. Really helped seal in some thing i already knew prior to pregnancy (healthy fats) and focused on how important these foods/vitamins really are for me and my baby! Im 5-6 month now and feeling great. People excuse their carb and sugar intake almost even more while pregnant, and i tried it and it was a blood sugar disaster. Looking forward to sticking to this the next pregnancy and see about how much it can help first trimester pain!
The links to the website in the book do not work and i couldnt find their recommendations.
The links to the website in the book do not work and i couldnt find their recommendations.
March 27, 2018
This was just a lot of information. It was good information! But yeah, just a lot. A lot of it made me feel good that I was already doing the things I was supposed to do, some of the stuff is easily added to my routine, some of it felt crazy. If you read this book, remind yourself that you don't have to do ALL the things. Doing what works for you and feeling positively toward your baby is the most important thing.
October 15, 2021
This book was AWESOME. It's been on my to-read list for a year or so and I wish I had read it sooner! Really great stuff from a very knowledgeable couple who tested and tried their diet/detox program through their own fertility/pregnancy journey with pretty incredible results. If you are someone who wants or plans to have (more) kids at any point in the future, read this book.
December 16, 2022
Lots of interesting information, though a lot of it seems kind of crazy. It also seems like you cannot have a great birthing experience unless you do not live in the modern world and have a ton money. The lack of sources in the book and on the website is troubling.
July 20, 2017
having previously read about the bulletproof lifestyle, this was much of the same. benefits are specific advice for food categories and nutritional supplements for fertility.
January 17, 2020
A lot of valuable information but very unattainable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews