What to Expect the First Year

View other editions of What to Expect the First Year.
View books by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkoff, Sandee E. Hathaway.

My bible - Rated
Before my daughter was born I decided that I didn't need a book on what to expect as I'd just go and search for answers on the internet when I needed them. When my Mum found out I didn't have any books on life with a baby she offered to buy me one and I decided that I'd go for this one.

I have found this book awesome! Trying to go on the internet when you have a question or concern about your baby has proved virtually impossible for me as it normally leads to my baby screaming for attention. Within a couple of weeks my husband & I both got a stomach bug and in minutes in the middle of the night I was able to find out that I was ok to carry on breastfeeding..my computer would still have been loading up!

Another positive is that the book has obviously been well researched. The book is laid out with monthly developments covering relevant topics that month such as weaning, colic, bedtime & bathing baby. Virtually every question I can think of has been covered. Its also nice to have the reassurance of a properly endorsed book rather than random advice from the internet.

What could make this book better? I'm quite a visual person so a few more pictures would be good, black and white would be fine but colour even better. Content wise, Ican't think of anything that could be added.

Super book - Rated
This is a great book for first time parents. I am continually looking at it, any questions that I have I am able to find the answers in this book. I would recommend you buy it a few weeks before the birth, it has lots of great tips. I have used it a lot in the 12 weeks since my daughter was born.

I couldnt have done it without this book! - Rated
This book answered ALL of my questions i had. When pondering and panicking over the slightest little thing my baby would do, the answers were all in the book. There has not been a single subject that i hav worried over which has not been covered in the book. It gives you peace of mind when you rocking baby off for the fourth time in the middle of the night and you want to know if this is normal!

First time mum's in particular should buy this book!

If your a mum for the second time around then you should also buy it, as garunteed your new little blighter will give you a whole lot of different things to worry about then the first one did.

Lu xx

THE book to constantly refer to - Rated
I found this so helpful when left alone with a newborn! Has helped so much and prevented many a panic. Very helpful advice on breastfeeding.
Would have liked more information on sleep/ routines, but otherwise contained absolutely everything I needed.

Useful book if a little dry - Rated
I bought this book months before my daughter was born and at first glance found it extremely dull. The book goes through your childs life month by month with information that may be relevent at each stage.

It would have been extremely useful to read it in advance (particularly the breastfeeding section - please do this if you are planning to breastfeed. I found breastfeeding very difficult and there really wasn't time to read in the first few days when I needed the info most). I just didn't find the format very enticing while I was pregnant (I found it hard to look that far forward and thought it would be better to read each section at the relevant time). However, I'd urge anyone to read at least the first few months before you child comes along as there is a wealth of information much of which is relevant from the word go.

Each section has details of what your child should be doing which I still refer to now.

A very useful reference book but not a very exciting read.