Gina Ford.

I was 28 when my DS was born, geriatric by the standards of the early 1970s. I decided not to buy any baby books at all but just go on common sense and the fairly wide knowledge I had gained over the years from reading child rearing articles and discussions in the papers and watching friends.

When DS was diagnosed with rosacea I did borrow a friends Dr Spock to find out what it was but apart from that DC had a baby-book-free upbringing. DS and DDiL, who were in their late 30s/early 40s when their children were born have followed a similar book-free child-raising pattern and the children are thriving.

When DD was 5 she had a bit of a cold and I thought it seemed a bit like Dr Spock's description of the start of Measles. Next morning lo and behold there was the rash. I was very impressed and stuck with Dr. Spock after that. Penelope Leach was very helpful as well. I particularly remember her warning about not saying No unless you had to and to be sure it was what you meant. It saved hours of arguing and "why"s over something that might not have mattered.

I agree ginny, and sadly new mums end up thoroughly confused when the baby doesn't do what the book says!
DDIL says she wishes she'd saved her money for something more useful rather than buying books
Somehow previous generations have managed to survive without umpteen guides and books!

Me too KatyK I knew my babies best so I did what suited us and our life style. If I needed advice I would ask for it and then decide to use it or not. I do think that because there is so much 'advice' around these days people over think things instead of going with what they feel is best for them.

I just used me

Yes, I used Dr Spock as well. My belief in him was confirmed when one of my children developped a nervous twitch and the good doctor advised that 'the child is doing too many activities'. A little heart to heart with said child confirmed that she really hated Brownies and no longer wished to go. And the twitching stopped.

I used Dr Spock, especially when his advice confirmed my instincts.

I did offer my advice but I apparently I don't know anything about raising children - we just had tears again because I mentioned by GS now (10) is putting on a bit of pudding- she has also had a letter from the school about it but we are all wrong of course. She is married to a scientist and he knows everything so that's all good then!

MY DD used Gina Ford's advice and it almost drove her mad - she felt inadequate and that her baby must be peculiar. I told her to burn it and use her instinct as a mother.

I seem to remember Mumsnetters didn't think a lot of her books. There was extreme panic almost a court case over at the Other Place.

I personally, still believe in good old Doctor Spock - except for the bit about not bringing the baby/child into your bed for fear of setting up bad habits.

It was Penelope Leach and Dr Spock ( not Star Trek) in my day. Although after all night crying session we wished somebody had ' beamed ' him up !
x

One of my DD's used the Gina Ford/Alice Beer Contented Baby book for a few weeks, but found it more useful for propping up the cot leg when one of her babies had reflux! Too structured!

I thought she had gone out of fashion?

My DiL followed them religiously for first baby.

I think you are better off not reading any books! ( the baby hasn't!)

My DDIL has a couple on bay-led weaning and sleeping (?). She says they're ok but, like so many childcare books, there's a danger of mums getting stressed out when they don't appear to 'work' for you- both books are consigned to the top shelf of a tall bookcase now!