The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems: Sleeping, Feeding, and Behavior--Beyond the Basics from Infancy Through Toddlerhood

I purchased this book before my baby was born (based on reviews I'd read on this site). So only fair I post my own review for everyone else. I found this book really really helpful. My daughter is nearly 11 months and I'm still reading sections on eating etc. There is a brilliant page entitled 'an average day for a 4 week old baby'. I copied this page and put it on my fridge! If you're a first time mum (or dad) and want some no nonsense advice then get this book. I also found her Eat-Activity-Sleep-Time for You (EASY) routine good. I found the advice on sleeping really good. My baby was sleeping through the night by about 3 months. I did her recommended 'dream feed' (the last feed at between 10-11pm) until around 6 or 7 months old. She talks about different personality types and I think I have an 'angel' baby ... but I have to take some credit and certainly thank this book for giving me the confidence to relax and be a great mum. Just one word of warning ... if you're the sort of person that likes the idea of co-sleeping, demand feeding, cuddling your baby off to sleep etc then don't buy this book.

Ok, it is true that you need to ignore the condescending term, "accidental parenting." You also may need to ignore her hokey acronyms, especially if you are a snarky New Yorker like myself. However, once you've done the above, get reading and planning. We did not want to let our baby "cry it out." We were also not into the idea of having him sleep in our bed until he decided to stop-- perhaps at the age of thirteen. If you did either of the above, that's fine. Do what works for you. But if you are like us, this book will work for you. The first night was terrible. The second night was his normal wake up twice. The third night he slept from 7 pm to 7 am and woke up happy. Now he goes to sleep when it is time for his naps and at bedtime. We no longer have to dance around the room to Nora Jones for 40 minutes. We love Tracy Hogg. To the reviewer who said that Tracy Hogg did not have children... is Ms. Hogg's son aware of that? He might be shocked.

I bought this book specifically for the section on Accidental Parenting and how to teach your baby to put himself to sleep without the use of props i.e. a bottle. The Pick Up/Put Down method sounds like it is the most backwards way to get your baby to put himself to sleep but it really works. My baby was 9 months old when I used this method and within a week, he was going to sleep and putting himself back to sleep on his own, no bottle. It was a little rough since my son weighed 28 lbs, and the first few nights I'll bet I picked him and put him down 50 times .... quite a workout, especially with the crib mattress at it's lowest level. The key is to stick with it, even if you feel like you are getting nowhere. Make sure you are following the instructions EXACTLY.

If you've read Tracy's first book and thought, "how different could this one be?" IT IS. The techniques such as pick up/put down are described in more detail and divided into age groups with case studies for each. Defining problems with the technique and why it won't work and changes to it so it will. My 9 month old has NEVER slept through the night, until last night.(almost 11 hours) We have been strictly doing her schedule for the last 1 1/2 weeks for bedtime and naps. Stick with it. Where the first book leaves you guessing as to what to do if....... this one fills in the blanks. It also includes helpful information on development and how it relates to sleeping,eating and prop problems. We had it all and it really seems to be getting better. The only disappointment was no acknowledgement of the passing of Tracy Hogg. This was a woman who dedicated herself to helping parents everywhere ( we have friends in Brazil who swear by her methods) and you can't find a word about it even on the bookjacket. Publishers should be more sensitive and readers should be informed.

I have been a big fan of The Baby Whisperer since I read and tried the techniques of the first Baby Whisperer book: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby. Tracy has a practical approach that is easy to follow so you can learn what your baby is trying to tell you. Our little one slept through the night for the first time at 3 months thanks to this book. I learned how to put the baby down for naps before he was asleep and now he is an independent sleeper. I never once let him cry it out in his crib. The pick up put down approach really works you just have to be consistent. I would recommend this book to any parent who wants to prevent accidental parenting which can lead to chronic problems with: sleeping, schedules, feeding and tons of other things. Tracy's techniques really work and have made parenting for me the ulitmate joy and experience. Buy the book; you won't be sorry.