"Baby Whisperer" book.. Loved it? Hated it? Discuss! - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

kulrblind · 02-26-2004, 07:11 AM

Hey Everyone:
Though this might also be a good one for the "entertainment" section (books!), I thought it best in this forum.

First of all, let me say that for those who do not know yet, we're expecting our first baby VERY shortly....

My wife has read, and I am now reading Tracy Hogg's "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer", which basically advocates bringing structure into the lives of babies at an early age (read: immediately), so that they don't "rule" the house and your life, but rather so that they're invited to participate in a semi-regimented routine (redundant?), to the mutual benefit of baby and family.

Some dismiss the book as hogwash, citing that it babies are not capable of conscious manipulation of their parent(s), while others find the book has added enough structure to the family that the parents have more time to collect their thoughts, rest, and live productive lives, especially in the first few months.

So! Have you read the book? How do you feel about it? Have you put any of the tips to use in your situations?

Bring out your thoughts, beliefs, ideologies, and strategies here...everything's game. C'mon, parents! Speak up!

Looking forward to the discussion.

raeanna74 · 02-26-2004, 10:07 AM

I did not read the book thoroughly. I did however look through it, quite a while ago. I think some of the things they suggest are a bit drastic. Keep in mind I don't remember it all very well right now.

A regimented feeding schedule is one of thing I don't hold by. An infant is growing so fast and using up their food rescources so quickly that I think it would be detrimental to postpone feeding them till a designated time. A eating schedule can come in later when the parents feel the child is ready. Also as they get older they will become more interested in their world around them and forget about eating sometimes until they see Mom or Dad eating. That way they naturally fall into Mom and Dad's schedule.

A routine and schedule is always a good thing for a child to have. They learn when to expect things and they know what comes next. It's comforting to them.

I think in general we need a balance between complete freedom and routine. That's hard to do sometimes but don't think we need stress over it.

agball · 03-09-2004, 01:38 PM

I read it, but felt it was too structured. Relax a bit, use common sense and have the kids on a schedule/daily routine is a must.

kulrblind · 03-17-2004, 08:21 AM

After having raised my son for 8 whole days now (!), I can sympathise with those people who feel their children should be, or would benefit from some sort of structure in their lives. I hate to see the little guy get anxious because he's missed his sleep window, and I would love it if he could know what to expect at certain times of the day/ night, and be more comfortable because of it.

All in all, I think some of the points in Hogg's book are well articulated, but I find her style a little cheesy (not to mention slightly condescending in certain parts).

Thanks for the tip, agball... I'll be working on that with my wife's help/guidance/leadership/advice/etc.

agball · 03-17-2004, 09:01 AM

Anytime, I sure you are very tired, but it get better, once you get them into the night time routine. Here is a few more tips:
1. Dont make a habit of letting your boy sleep in your bed with you. Many parents do this because they are too lazy to get up at night. In the end you will suffer & it will be very difficult to get them out. We always kept the baby in a basinet next to our bed for the first 3-4 weeks & then moved them into the crib.

2. Everyone today says no, but my wifes parents did it as well as mine. this little trick will help you get your sleep. When you infant is 6 weeks old, at the last feeding before you go to bed slip him about a 1/4 teaspoon of baby oatmeal off a baby spoon. The doctors will tell you not to do this because of liability, but the truth is that its such a small amount & you will know pretty quickly if he can or can't handle it. The extra calories will get you & the wife a few extra hours of rest. If he take the 1/4 teaspoon with no problem increase it a little bit each night up to 1 table spoon. I did this with both my boys as my parent did with me, and at 8 weeks they were sleeping 12 hour nights.

02-26-2004, 07:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
kulrblind plays well with others Location: Canada	"Baby Whisperer" book.. Loved it? Hated it? Discuss! Hey Everyone: Though this might also be a good one for the "entertainment" section (books!), I thought it best in this forum. First of all, let me say that for those who do not know yet, we're expecting our first baby VERY shortly.... My wife has read, and I am now reading Tracy Hogg's "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer", which basically advocates bringing structure into the lives of babies at an early age (read: immediately), so that they don't "rule" the house and your life, but rather so that they're invited to participate in a semi-regimented routine (redundant?), to the mutual benefit of baby and family. Some dismiss the book as hogwash, citing that it babies are not capable of conscious manipulation of their parent(s), while others find the book has added enough structure to the family that the parents have more time to collect their thoughts, rest, and live productive lives, especially in the first few months. So! Have you read the book? How do you feel about it? Have you put any of the tips to use in your situations? Bring out your thoughts, beliefs, ideologies, and strategies here...everything's game. C'mon, parents! Speak up! Looking forward to the discussion.

02-26-2004, 10:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	I did not read the book thoroughly. I did however look through it, quite a while ago. I think some of the things they suggest are a bit drastic. Keep in mind I don't remember it all very well right now. A regimented feeding schedule is one of thing I don't hold by. An infant is growing so fast and using up their food rescources so quickly that I think it would be detrimental to postpone feeding them till a designated time. A eating schedule can come in later when the parents feel the child is ready. Also as they get older they will become more interested in their world around them and forget about eating sometimes until they see Mom or Dad eating. That way they naturally fall into Mom and Dad's schedule. A routine and schedule is always a good thing for a child to have. They learn when to expect things and they know what comes next. It's comforting to them. I think in general we need a balance between complete freedom and routine. That's hard to do sometimes but don't think we need stress over it. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

03-09-2004, 01:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
agball Insane Location: Long Island	Baby wisperer I read it, but felt it was too structured. Relax a bit, use common sense and have the kids on a schedule/daily routine is a must.

03-17-2004, 09:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
agball Insane Location: Long Island	Anytime, I sure you are very tired, but it get better, once you get them into the night time routine. Here is a few more tips: 1. Dont make a habit of letting your boy sleep in your bed with you. Many parents do this because they are too lazy to get up at night. In the end you will suffer & it will be very difficult to get them out. We always kept the baby in a basinet next to our bed for the first 3-4 weeks & then moved them into the crib. 2. Everyone today says no, but my wifes parents did it as well as mine. this little trick will help you get your sleep. When you infant is 6 weeks old, at the last feeding before you go to bed slip him about a 1/4 teaspoon of baby oatmeal off a baby spoon. The doctors will tell you not to do this because of liability, but the truth is that its such a small amount & you will know pretty quickly if he can or can't handle it. The extra calories will get you & the wife a few extra hours of rest. If he take the 1/4 teaspoon with no problem increase it a little bit each night up to 1 table spoon. I did this with both my boys as my parent did with me, and at 8 weeks they were sleeping 12 hour nights. __________________ "A friend with weed is a friend indeed"

03-17-2004, 08:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
kulrblind plays well with others Location: Canada	After having raised my son for 8 whole days now (!), I can sympathise with those people who feel their children should be, or would benefit from some sort of structure in their lives. I hate to see the little guy get anxious because he's missed his sleep window, and I would love it if he could know what to expect at certain times of the day/ night, and be more comfortable because of it. All in all, I think some of the points in Hogg's book are well articulated, but I find her style a little cheesy (not to mention slightly condescending in certain parts). Thanks for the tip, agball... I'll be working on that with my wife's help/guidance/leadership/advice/etc.