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

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!

I wish I had had this book when my daughter was an infant. Every time I read "expert" opinions in one of my popular baby guides, I noticed that there was no mention of what the opinions were based on. I didn't expect scientific papers and references, but when I could find very few mentions of actual research in the experts' books, I got the sense that they based their advice on clinical and personal experience, but not broadly validated scientific data. As a new mother who had a colicky baby, post-partum depression, and a horrific time breast-feeding, I didn't want conventional wisdom and unproven theories- I wanted facts. I ended up doing a lot of internet digging to find evidence-based answers to my questions, but if I had had this book, I would have had it all at my fingertips. I highly recommend this book to any parent who wants to take a nap instead of searching the internet for well-validated answers to questions about babies.

This baby book stands apart from the rest in that it gives you the basics about all the things new parents worry and obsess about, in an incredibly easy-to-read, concise format. You can pick it up any time you're thinking about a particular issue, from pacifier use to baby sign language to taking medications while breastfeeding. I love that the author gives you not only the competing opinions about a topic, but also a summary of the scientific research, and then the bottom line -- an analysis and conclusion based on evidence. This book is a handy, smart, well-researched book that is an antidote to a lot of the pseudoscience out there. Also, there's often a personal note at the end of a section, where the author writes about her own experiences. She has such a familiar, compassionate tone, it feels like she's talking to you. So reassuring. Highly recommend for new parents!

Bottom Line for Baby is an essential tool for any new parent! Tina presents both sides of the most common controversial topics that new parents encounter, what the science says, and then gives the bottom line. She also beautifully intertwines her personal perspective as a mom herself as she delivers this incredible information. Tina has done all of the research to provide you with a simplified, easy to read guide to refer to when you come across these controversial topics. She also takes the pressure off by assuring parents that they know their baby best and can make their educated decisions on what works for them. This book will be sure to increase your confidence as you hear conflicting opinions from family, friends, and other well-meaning loved ones. Through this incredible resource, you can trust that science has your back!

The Bottom Line for Baby is THE infant parenting book I wish I had when my baby was born. I read What to Expect When You're Expecting and freaked out about all the terrible things that might happen. Instead of scaring new parents, Tina Payne Bryson lays out all the many decisions we have to make in an easy-to-find, concise way, almost like an encyclopedia. She gives the scientific consensus, the factors to weigh, and then leaves it to us to decide. From breast vs. bottle to cosleeping and schedules, all those stressful early decisions to make. Great book. Easy to pick up to find one answer, since new parents usually don't have time to read it cover to cover!

For years I’ve been wishing there would be one place to reference when trying to find answers to most commonly asked parenting questions. This book is that “place”! It presents research-based facts on the hottest topics in parenting. The author does an amazing job at highlighting two opposing positions (both based on solid research), while sprinkling in some stories from personal life, but never pushes you towards one of the opinions or shames you. The choice is yours, she’s just presenting the facts! It’s amazing! I feel like I have gotten countless hours of late night googling back that I can spend doing something more fulfilling! Buy this book now, you won’t regret it!

The Bottom Line for Baby is unlike any of the other baby books I have read. Dr. Bryson gives the latest and greatest information for making decisions for your family. What I really appreciated was her reasonable, non-judgmental tone and her factual basis in giving her recommendations. The book is arranged in an easy-to-navigate way so there is no need to read whole chapters if you are simply looking for an answer on a single subject. I feel like this book will be a classic baby care book for future generations.

As a first time new parent, this book completely saved my life! Before reading this book, it was so overwhelming for me getting all different polarized suggestions about what’s good and what’s bad on how to raise my baby. Thanks to this book, I feel so grounded with a sense of ease. I use it as a guide whenever I have a question about what to do. It’s such a great feeling knowing I’m making good decisions for my baby! Thank you, Tina! You got my back :)

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.

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..