Off Topic Forums

Posted: 12 June 2005 at 10:25pm | IP Logged

I am half way threw reading Tracey Hoggs book the Secrets of the Baby Whisperer.  So far it seems very practical and quite common sense.  She takes the time to explain everything simply and give examples.  She makes a few comments that I am not sure I agree with but even so I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water.

I have been following her suggestions to do with feeding and sleep and so far so good, can't say it has been all plain sailing but we are getting there.  Her plan is very flexible so you don't have to be clock watching all day.  She doesn't suggest you do things that would upset your baby either like letting them cry themselves to sleep, which I have never been able to do.

If you want a good down to earth guide I would recommend this book.

Posted: 20 June 2005 at 9:35pm | IP Logged

i bought mine off ebay for about a fiver for the pair

Posted: 21 June 2005 at 8:36pm | IP Logged

LOL-NOT READ THE TODDLER ONE YET!

Posted: 23 June 2005 at 3:28pm | IP Logged

I used bits of it. I dont like having a strict routine as it can be so restictive to your lifestyle but using the basic outline has been very helpful. Edward is now a settled baby and i think tracy has helped!

Good luck the rest of u on it!

Posted: 27 June 2005 at 9:39pm | IP Logged

I thought some bits were helpful. For one, we didn't realise that young babies become more alert as they get tired and they needed to be taught to go to sleep. We kept giving Archie more stimulation waiting for him to get tired. We then thought he had colic, but he was just overtierd.

Threw the book to one side though when she suggested going told turkey when trying to get bf baby to take a bottle. Apparently they'll give in after 48 hours. Ireally couldn't leave ny baby hungry and crying for 10 minutes!

Posted: 27 June 2005 at 9:48pm | IP Logged

I have found some of it useful.  The patting works sometimes to help calm him down.  The picking up and putting down doesn't work for Ollie it just makes him very cross.  I also couldn't make Ollie go cold turkey to take a bottle I don't think that would be very fare on him and don't see that it is that important.  The EASY routine is a nice idea as then lo wouldn't associate feeding with going to sleep but I find in practise it's not that easy to stick to especially in the heat we have been having.  Her ideas of a dream feed and getting lo to sleep threw sound wonderful.  However, Ollie wakes in the night frequently and he tries to get himself back off to sleep but 99% of the time he is genuinely hungry and I have to feed him.

I would still reccomend it over most other baby books though as it isn't regimented or strict and she doesn't seem to agree with letting babies cry for endless lengths of time.