Great Baby Books

{1}  Secrets of the Baby Whisperer - This is by far my favorite one of all regarding baby books! I read this before Charlotte was born, and referred back to it many times after she arrived! A lot of what she says really makes sense, and it really worked for us. One thing I  remember reading was to talk to your baby as if they can already understand you. I know we all talk to our babies, but I mean by getting very detailed. "Charlotte, now we are going to change your diaper, I'm going to put you on the changing table" etc, you get the point. She also talks about how we think babies need new toys or activities in their faces at all times, when really they need breaks, and time to decompress. Anyway, I could go on...

{2} Baby Wise -  This is another good staple. I read before she was born, and realized later that you really don't get on a schedule any time before 2 weeks of age. I was working towards a schedule from day one, but could have probably relaxed a bit in the very beginning. This is a good one to keep on hand in that first month or two. 

{3}  Bringing Up Bebe - This is not a book about dealing with newborns like the first two. It is a fun read! I actually just read it at the beach after the 4th. It makes you think about some cultural differences between raising kids here vs. France. Again, just a fun book! {This one added to my decision to buy the Stokke high chair too. Big emphasis on getting kids to eat at the table like civilized adults from a very early age}

{4} - The Happiest Baby on the Block -  I actually got the dvd on this one. I had heard so many great reviews. Charlotte's always been a good sleeper, but I figured it couldn't hurt to have this in my arsenal too. The main point is to swaddle your newborn. We did, and I highly recommend that! I will have to do a post on swaddle blankets.