The Other Baby Book: Book Review

A couple days into my babymoon, I received a copy of The Other Baby Book by Megan McGrory Massaro and Miriam J. Katz in the mail. I had read nothing but wonderful things about the book so I was looking forward to checking it out for myself. I spent the next couple weeks reading it while nursing Jude or while Jude slept. (In fact, I’m writing this now with Jude sleeping on me even. ;))

The Other Baby Book is now hands down my favorite book on babies. And I’ve read a ton of books on babies so that is saying something. This book will now be my go-to recommendation for soon-to-be and new moms. It is that good.

There are so many things to know when you are a new mom and with all the voices out there, it can be overwhelming and confusing. The Other Baby Book somehow makes it simple though. It boils down everything you need to know from birth through the first year of parenting your baby and it is thorough without overloading the reader with facts.

Speaking of facts, I love the research that went into this book. In other words, it is refreshing to read a baby book that isn’t just a bunch of someone’s opinions. (Check out the endnotes and see for yourself.) And if you’d like more information on any of the subjects Megan and Miriam tackle in their book, there is a whole list of books in the back on each topic they touch on. Most of the books in this section are already on my bookshelf or my wish list so I think it is a fabulous resource!

So, let’s get to it. What exactly is covered in this book? Well, specifically here are the chapter headings: Birth, Touch, Milk, Sleep, Potty, Relate, Eat, Flow. You can see in the below infographic the kind of parenting practices advocated for in the book.

 

Photo Credit: theotherbabybook.com

Listed below are some gems from each chapter:

  • Birth – I appreciated the section on pushing. Learning about pushing before this pregnancy really helped me in Jude’s birth and I wish I had been as prepared for that during my first birth. Also, the section on newborn care was wonderful!
  • Touch – Wonderful information about the research done on babies and attachment theory. The section on bathing was great! It inspired me to try co-bathing with Jude and what a wonderful experience! It never even occurred to me to try this with Marcella. I’m also glad babywearing and babywearing safety was discussed.
  • Milk – I felt the discussion on breastfeeding was respectfully handled and love that they included a section on how to choose the best formula for those who need to go that route, even though I personally have breastfed both of my babies. I think it was great that the importance of the virgin gut was explained as well.
  • Sleep – The science of co-sleeping is shared in this chapter. I always enjoy reading about the mother-baby pair sleeping in close proximity and the myriad of benefits this offers. Of course, outlining the ways to safely co-sleep was an important addition, and I’m glad it was present here.
  • Potty – I am excited to try Elimination Communication this time around so it was a nice refresher to read about it again. We did that part time with Marcella from 6 months to 12 months and then fell out of the habit when we moved. I really was sad we didn’t continue on with it.
  • Relate – I appreciated the section on toys and definitely agree with the authors and experts quoted in this section. Attachment is discussed again with an emphasis on connecting with your child.
  • Eat – Since we practiced baby-led solids with Marcella (and will with Jude when the time comes as well), I loved this section! I also was glad that the age for starting solids was mentioned as well (and the reasons for waiting) and the difference between gagging and choking.
  • Flow – This was probably the best section in the book. It really resonated with me. I wish I could just quote the whole thing right here, but instead just go buy the book.

I’ll leave you with this quote from the book with my heartfelt recommendation to you to read it if you are going to have a child, already have a child or even are, or will be, a grandparent!

“…when you view this as a season, one you can never get back, there’s a sweetness in it, a sacredness, a desire to cherish every moment. No one wants to look back on their child’s first years and say, we survived. Instead, we thrived, is something we can all say — if we embrace our new reality.”

 

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post but did receive a complimentary book for the purpose of this review. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. I only review products that I either have purchased myself and love or products I have been given a chance to review by the company that I believe are products my readers would benefit from. The Amazon links are affiliate links which means if you make a purchase using these links I receive a small percentage from the sale. Thank you for your support!

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