Sheldon Press The Bottom Line for Baby: From Sleep Training to Screens, Thumb Sucking to Tummy Time--What the Science Says

Love the fact that we can just find the topic and go straight to that section instead of reading the whole book. It’s helped in getting different perspectives as the milestone arrives

In many ways, I'm so grateful I have teenagers, as the amount of info available to new parents only seems to exponentially grow with each passing year. That said, when looking for a book to gift to new and about-to-be parents, I was struck by how much I wish I had this book back when. Bryson calmly and empathically describes common issues, like co-sleeping or when to introduce solid foods, then walks through the various findings related to each in a clear and thoughtful (but never overwhelming) way. I love how "the bottom line" time and again for many of the more nuanced issues directs the reader back to really taking the time to know their child and to trust their instincts. Sure, for things like smoking during pregnancy, the science is clear. But for many others, the science is important to consider in the context of values, conversations with your pediatrician, and connection to your child. If this book helps new parents feel more confident about any of these steps, it is sure to become a classic!

Bottom line is follow your baby's pattern and avoid stressing him or her. Would have preferred a bit more tips on how best to implement some recommendations..

We've found this really helpful with our newborn.

I was really looking forward to this book, but I was disappointed. Not only is the research not cited, the author doesn’t critically engage with it unless the study’s conclusions don’t agree with her own. She makes claims about studies being strong when they have actually been widely, and rightly criticised for having a poor methodology.I don’t know if the book was written to validate her own parenting beliefs or those of her readers, but it certainly doesn’t stand up to the claim of presenting the evidence.If you want to make an informed choice about the parent topics in the book, try reading Amy Brown’s informed is best and ho read the research for yourself - this book isn’t going to help you make an informed choice.