What to Expect the First Year?

[Deleted]

Is it worth it to buy this book? I'm getting nervous about being a first time mom, which I didn't think I would be because I've been babysitting and nannying for so long. But now it'll be my child that I don't just care for for a few hours and then give back. 

[hbear]

I bought it, because I loved the What to Expect for pregnancy, and I looked at it maybe 3 times. It never answered the question I had, either.

Don't waste your money, IMO.

[Deleted]

We used it for 0-6 months for like milestones and stuff.

Haven't used it since.

[Deleted]

I hated it. It made me worry about stuff I wouldn't have known to worry about otherwise.

[Deleted]

That's what I figured. Darn! I'm the first among my friends here in California to have a baby, so I'm feeling nervous that I don't have friends nearby that I can go to with advice, you know? I can always call someone or post here, but still.

[Deleted]

I just assume I'm going to ruin my child in some way.

[Deleted]

Otterama - did I miss that you are adopting again?

Congrats!

[textbookcase]

I like Dr. Sears' Baby Book the best out of all of the "baby bibles"

I keep a copy of What to Expect around to use as a reference for milestones, etc. but they do get very worst-case scenario on a lot of issues, which causes unnecessary worry for a lot of first-time moms.

[Deleted]

My mom also got us this book, which is better for identifying rashes, etc. www.amazon.com/Your-Baby-Child-Penelope-Leach/dp/0375712038 She used it for us growing up.

Won't make you feel like you're failing but will keep you feeling informed.

[ridethelightning]

I nannied a child from age 8 weeks to 1 year, and I really feel like it helped me to be more calm and laid back with P, because all the stuff wasn't as "brand new". I was very nervous before he was born though. I didn't end up reading a single book when he was little.

[Deleted]

Our adoption happened crazy fast (we matched 7 weeks after signing up with a consultant, and our birth mom was due any day).  We matched and the next day we were on a plane across the country so we could be there for the birth.  I had noooooo idea how to be a mom and had just a few days to prepare, so I bought this book.  I think I made it through month 3 on the plane ride out there, and never read more than that.

There is so much info online on sites like babycenter that I think it's easier to not get a book.