Helpful Score: 2
I disagree with a previous review about how this book advocates crying it out. I have an 18 month old child and have found this book to be an invaluable reference. Now it is a gift I give to other new moms.
Dr. Weisbluth didn't so much guide my daughter's sleeping habits as much as reinforce for me the patterns I was already observing in her.
He talks about the evolution in sleep pattterns and needs in a baby through toddlerhood and eventually into adolescence. He stresses the importance of naps and finding quiet spaces and times for your wee one to sleep. Naps on the go just aren't sufficient as your child grows.
I have never had to do "crying it out" with my baby (which is not to say we didn't have lots of hairy episodes. Good luck and give this book a look.
Dr. Weisbluth didn't so much guide my daughter's sleeping habits as much as reinforce for me the patterns I was already observing in her.
He talks about the evolution in sleep pattterns and needs in a baby through toddlerhood and eventually into adolescence. He stresses the importance of naps and finding quiet spaces and times for your wee one to sleep. Naps on the go just aren't sufficient as your child grows.
I have never had to do "crying it out" with my baby (which is not to say we didn't have lots of hairy episodes. Good luck and give this book a look.
Helpful Score: 1
Weissbluth's approach is calloused and barbaric. I read this, every word. I couldn't believe some of the things Weissbluth was suggesting. At one point, he advocated leaving a baby alone after he had vomited: Don't clean him up, just leave him be. Basically he said leave your child alone to scream as long as it takes. It makes me sick just thinking about it.
Helpful Score: 1
Cry-it-out should not be the answer to all sleep problems, especially with an infant. Books such as the No Cry Sleep Solution offer gentler methods to help your child get some rest without making them cry.
Helpful Score: 1
This book has helped our family tremendously, as well as the families of several friends. Dr. Weissbluth explains the SCIENCE of sleep from birth through the teenage years, and helps you understand what is going on with your child. We are always getting compliments on how sweet our 2.5 year old daughter is. We know that a big reason for that is that she gets enough sleep! She was even sleeping through the night (10-12 hrs. straight) at 2.5 months (though I am not saying that that will happen for everyone). I think that without this book, we would have a constantly overtired child and not even realize it. Some behavior problems can be fixed just with adequate sleep!
Though Dr. W gives you several options, he is clear that letting your child cry themselves to sleep (when necessary) is the easiest and most effective way to help them sleep better. Listen to him. It really works, for babies of many different temperaments (as evidenced by my many friends' kids).
He also gives you strategies for dealing with babies right from birth, even though they are not ready to cry it out until later on. I have been recommending this book to every first-time mom I know (and some moms of 2 or 3!)
Though Dr. W gives you several options, he is clear that letting your child cry themselves to sleep (when necessary) is the easiest and most effective way to help them sleep better. Listen to him. It really works, for babies of many different temperaments (as evidenced by my many friends' kids).
He also gives you strategies for dealing with babies right from birth, even though they are not ready to cry it out until later on. I have been recommending this book to every first-time mom I know (and some moms of 2 or 3!)
