This post was created in partnership with The Simplest Baby Book in the World. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!
The Simplest Baby Book in the World couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Now entering my third trimester, the once distant, dreamy idea of my baby is becoming an urgent reality.
Just as I feel panic creeping in, The Simplest Baby Book in the World is restoring my composure by:
- giving me the tools I need to be organized in my preparation
- fostering the confidence I will need to navigate newborn care
Are you also a soon-to-be parent, or do you know someone with a first baby on the way? Consider The Simplest Baby Book in the World an ally!
Are you also a soon-to-be parent, or do you know someone with a first baby on the way? Consider The Simplest Baby Book in the World an ally! Click To TweetAn Insider’s Perspective on Baby Rearing
You could very likely spend weeks, even months browsing medical or parenting websites or watching ceaseless product review videos based on people’s opinions and still feel that you have contradictory or unsatisfactory information.
But what you will appreciate about The Simplest Baby Book in the World is feeling like you have the wisdom of a thousand parents standing by.
The author, Stephen Gross, states that he “did a lot of research through countless conversations with a community of those who know best- moms, dads, nurses, doctors, nannies, etc.. and distilled it to the essentials.”
In short, you are receiving an insider’s perspective laid out in easy-to-understand, jargon-free language.
Shares Humorous Yet Informative Baby Tid Bits
Some people are fortunate enough to have a trusted friend or family member who has been there, done that. Someone to let you know that some baby bottle styles can prevent gassiness or let you in on which burping methods have less of a chance of ending in spit-up.
But for those of us who may not have that in-person coaching, The Simplest Baby Book in the World is written in the voice of a wise, would-be friend.
This book is like a friend who is generous enough to share the best of their own trials and errors while giving you the freedom to try out other methods that may be right for your personal preference or circumstance.
With sections titled “Colic- Kill Me Now” and “SH%t Happens,” there is a raw, even irreverent humor (not for the uptight) woven throughout the medically sound information.
This approach may echo a new parent’s culture shock, per se, and a need for a release and a laugh in the midst of what truly is the most critical role of your lifetime!
Quickly Jump to the Baby Topics that Interest You Most
If you wanted to read this book in sequential order, you could easily do that. It is set up in such a way that first things come first.
The book begins with a pragmatic approach to prepare for the baby’s arrival with lists of necessities and things to expect, such as “what will be done to the baby right after birth?”
The book will then talk you through the ins and outs of baby care, including safety, feeding, sleeping, diapering, bathing, playing, traveling, dressing, and grooming.
A large section is devoted to informing you on the most common infant health issues, including brief explanations and possible solutions.
You will also learn about the importance of asking for help when you need it (and you will). This even includes taking care of yourself when stress begins to pile up (and it will).
However, you will likely jump from section to section depending on your curiosities or what your momentary needs might be.
Just as an example: You might have overheard more than one person mention “tummy time” and may wonder what exactly that is and why does it matter? Take advantage of the index!
It will lead you to a section on Baby Exercises where you’ll be able to scan down a list of benefits for providing your baby with supervised tummy time and grasp how often is sufficient for each age group. Moreover, there are also a page with simple drawings that depict a variety of techniques to choose from.
The easy-to-spot “Daddy Hack” and “Quick Tip” text boxes are gems of valuable information! Be sure not to skip over them!
Offers Practical Baby Advice for Parents
When the clock is running down, nothing is more precious than practical advice.
That’s why I love how The Simplest Baby Book in the World provides tools such as minimalistic checklists upon opening every section to help me take inventory of what I already have or will need in these countdown days.
Knowing that these lists are narrowed down to the essentials, I can be sure that I won’t be blowing my ultra-tight budget on things I will never use or end up regret purchasing.
One of the best ways to use this book is to take to heart the importance of scheduling and the benefits of establishing consistent routines and to take advantage of the easy-to-follow scheduling logs provided in the back of the book.
These extremely helpful feeding and sleep schedules and logs are categorized by age and activity.
They are perfect for photocopying straight from the book or printing from the website, Simplestbaby.com. Helpful for getting into the swing of what to expect and keeping track of patterns while sleep-deprived!
The Simplest Baby Book in the World touches on a wide range of important, even life-saving information.
While basic, it brings these issues to light to those who might be completely unaware. In addition, it provides enough information that if you want to investigate a topic further, you have a sturdy jumping-off point.
What The Simplest Baby Book in the World IS NOT:
- This isn’t a pregnancy guide
- This isn’t a parenting book
- Not a medical reference or replacement for medical advice
- This isn’t a sentimental read
- This isn’t a scientific or theoretical approach to baby care
What The Simplest Baby Book in the World IS GREAT AT:
- A tremendous sweeping source for those who have never dealt with babies
- This is an at-a-glance referral to common baby nitty-gritties
- This is a how-to, explaining step-by-step processes
- A life-saver to prevent you from drowning in a sea of information overload
- This is a confidence builder
- This is a great gift choice for a first-time parent or caregiver
What a great book to have! Almost (ALMOST) makes me want to have another!
Haha, I know how you feel with “almost”!
Don’t forget to ask for help or guidance. Even people who never had babies may have babysat and can offer good advice. Grandparents and Godparents are useful when you need a break.
Yes, asking for help is essential in raising a healthy happy baby. It takes a tribe for sure.
This is an awesome approach to care. I will be a first time grandma in March 2022 and this would be a great gift for my son & girlfriend.
Congrats!! A new baby is always so exciting. They would find this baby book extremely useful!!
This sounds like a highly entertaining way to learn more about babies and what to expect! I really like that it takes a humorous approach, which every new mom needs. I would have loved this book when I was pregnant with my first. I will definitely recommend this to all new moms, thank you so much for sharing!
I think a humorous approach to baby rearing is great too. There’s a lot of things that go with being a mom that you just have to laugh at.