Books : The New Contented Little Baby Book: The Secret to Calm and Confident Parenting

Rating: - This works for my contented little baby
I can only assume that the majority of people who criticize this book have not actually read it. I had heard such awful things about it that I didn't read it for ages but when i did I was amazed at how kind and sensible Gina's approach is. Her approach puts BABIES first NOT parents by establishing routines which ANTICIPATE babies needs rather than waiting until they are actually crying and desperate for help.

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Rating: - The title is all wrong..
Far more apt would be 'The New Contented Little Parent Book' as clearly this is not a guide for learning to enjoy a new family but, instead, how to force a newborn to go against all of his very basic, primal needs in pursuit of a quiet time for the parents.
Utter rubbish.
Anybody with an iota of knowledge on the way we interact and grow, both emotionally and physically, will leave this book exactly where it belongs - in the bin. Babies are not manipulative, they have no idea how to be, and they should be encouraged to feed and sleep and grow at their own pace. Routine shmoutine, extended Maternity Leave has been implemented for a reason - get to know your baby, let your baby get to know you and for the first six months or so, follow his lead...
As new parents, we often scramble around for the best advice and its about finding something that works for you and your family. For this reason i would recommend reading around and pinching bits from different approaches. Except this approach.
Crikey - had I gone down this path I'd have been pulling my hair out - and feeling as though I was putting me in front of my child - frankly, we have a whole lifetime to do that.
As you can gather, I hated this book...Not in the least bit recommended!!!

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Rating: - Not right away!
This book almost made it to the bonfire! It should be given the quote "This book could kill you"

I would suggest not even looking at it until your baby is a few weeks old, then maybe it may help. I agree that a baby who gets most of it's feeds during the day may sleep better at night but that shouldn't be a priority in your life now.... you have a new person to put first, your needs come second.

The book is far too strick and makes any new parent feel inadequate. My husband wanted to call Gina when our baby lost her voice after crying for over an hour - it was heartbreaking and did nothing for postnatal hormones!

Your baby is learning to cope in the big wide world, the most important thing she needs to know is that you are there when she calls.

Use your instints Mums :o) take it with a pinch of salt and enjoy those first precious days.

Oh, and by the way, I want my baby to sleep anywhere in any environment with noise and light for us to be able to live our lives!

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Rating: - you need the right baby for this book to work
I know people who say their babies have responded well to gina ford's regime, but it certainly didn't work for me. My baby arrived weighing 10lbs and was constantly hungry. I don't think Ford has catered for babies who are untypical in any way. Also, unlike some books which make you feel reassured and relaxed about being a new parent, Ford makes you feel stressed and uptight if you can't get her methods to work. If your baby weighs 7-8lbs, arrived close to its due date and behaves just like it says in ther textbooks, this book might work for you. If not, i wouldn't buy it.

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Rating: - thank the LORD for Gina FORD
I am astonished to find any negative reviews of this excellent book. I started following Gina's routines when my baby was about 4 weeks and within a few days everything changed for the better - he was happier, I felt more in control and I was getting more sleep. Obviously I laugh at some of Gina's matronly commands and dont do everything she says, but I do stick to the sleep and feed times she suggests. My son is 11 weeks now and he never cries when I put him to bed and has slept through to 7am for the last 3weeks. Before and after every sleep he gives me a beaming smile from his cot. I really dont understand the people who say it is too strict and uncaring. I never have to exercise any 'controlled crying' tactics as since I started following the routines my baby always goes to sleep happily. I have not had to 'settle' my son since he was 5 weeks old. When he is awake we have a wonderful time together - playing and chatting. If anything, this book has made me more attentive to any cries he might emit as they occurr so rarely.
Gina Rocks