On Becoming Baby Wise: The Classic Sleep Reference Guide Used by Over 1,000,000 Parents Worldwide - Softcover

Theologian Gary Ezzo and pediatrician Dr. Robert Bucknam set off cries of alarm in their highly controversial 1995 publication On Becoming Baby Wise by arguing that some crying is natural and healthy for babies. In this updated edition, Ezzo and Bucknam present a comprehensive method to encourage a full night's sleep for the seven- to nine-week-old baby. It's easy to read, easy to follow, supported by research and by testimonials from parents and pediatricians, and includes suggestions for making the process fit into the reader's lifestyle. The authors believe a consistent sleep routine leads to happier, more responsible, and better-adjusted children. But a full night's sleep is just the short-term goal. The long-term goal is training parents to bring order and stability to their families through nurturing the marriage, providing a loving structure for one's children, and allowing flexibility in the process.

Twelve chapters cover feeding philosophies, monitoring baby's growth, establishing baby's routine, handling multiple births, and the ever-controversial chapter on when baby cries. The 52-week method involves four phases, beginning with "Stabilization" from birth to week 8. During weeks 9 through 15 ("Extended Night"), babies learn to sleep through the night. Ezzo and Bucknam attempt to teach the difference between a baby's many cries and advise parents on various responses to these cries. Critics dislike Ezzo's strong belief that "child-centered parenting" (feeding baby whenever it cries, sleeping with and "wearing" baby) fosters demanding, insecure toddlers. But for parents who are tired of being tired--or whose previous experience with child-centered parenting supports Ezzo's theory--it may be worth a read. --Liane Thomas

In becoming one of America's leading infant management guides, On Becoming Babywise has continued to improve its methods and practices throughout its 25 years and this latest version is the result of all the best over the last two decades.     On Becoming Babywise continues to gain global recognition for its common-sense approach to parenting a newborn. The infant management plan offered by Pediatrician Robert Bucknam, M.D. and co-author Gary Ezzo, M.D. in this book helps parents successfully and naturally synchronize their baby's feeding time, waketime and nighttime cycles. The results? Happy, healthy and contented babies who sleep through the night on average between seven and nine weeks of age. 
The best evaluation of any parenting philosophy, including Babywise, is not found in the reasoning or the logic of the hypothesis. End results speak clearly. Let your eyes confirm what works and what doesn't. You will be most confident in your parenting when you see the desired results lived out in other families. 
Stage One:  Birth to 5 months -- On Becoming Babywise
Stage Two:  5 - 12 months --      On Becoming Babywise 11
Stage Three: 12 - 18 months --    On Becoming Pretoddlerwise
Stage Four: 18 - 36 months --     On Becoming Toddlerwise
Stage Five: 36 - 84 months --     On Becoming Childwise
     The principles of On Becoming Babywise were first shared in 1984.  Sarah was the first baby girl raised with the principles; Kenny was the first boy.  Both thrived on mother's milk and a basic routine, and both slept through the night by seven weeks.  It was that easy. On Becoming Babywise has now been translated into 16 different languages and is utilized by more than 6 million parents around the world.  As with previous editions, this update does not provide parents a list of do's and don'ts.  We wish parenting were that easy. Rather, our larger objective is to help prepare minds for the incredible task of raising a child.  We believe the preparation of the mind is far more important than the preparation of the nursery.  Both can be a lot of fun.  Your baby will not care if his head rests on designer sheets or beside Disney characters, nor is your success tied to his wardrobe or bedroom accessories, but rather to the beliefs and convictions that will eventually shape your parenting experience.  It is our opinion that the achievements of healthy growth, contented babies, good naps, and playful wake times, as well as the gift of nighttime sleep, are too valuable to be left to chance.  They need to be parent-directed and parent-managed.  These are attainable conclusions, because infants are born with the capacity to achieve these outcomes and, equally important, the need to achieve them.  

     Our goal is to demonstrate how this is done, but only after we explain why it should be done.  We realize there are a number of parenting theories being marketed today, most of which come gift-wrapped with unrealistic promises and unnecessary burdens. In light of the many options, how can new parents know what approach is best of their families? Since every philosophy of parenting has a corresponding outcome unique to that philosophy, we encourage new and expectant parents to consider, evaluate, and decide which approach is best for their families.  This can be accomplished by observing the end results.  Spend time with relatives and friends who follow the Attachment Parenting style of infant care.  Observe who practices hyper-scheduling, and certainly evaluate the outcomes associated with On Becoming Babywise.  In which homes do you observe order, peace, and tranquility?  Don't take any marketing plug or some strangers word for truth.  Search for yourself.  Consider the marriages as well as the children.  Is mom in a perpetual state of exhaustion?  Is she nursing every two hours or less?  Is Dad sleeping on the couch?  What is the family life like when a child is 6, 12, and 18 months old?  Is Mom stressed, frustrated, or lacking confidence?  Is the baby stressed, exhausted or insecure?  When the baby is nine months old, can the parents leave the room without the baby falling apart emotionally?  We believe the best evaluation of any parenting philosophy, including the one found in On Becoming Babywise, is not found in the reasoning or the logic of the hypothesis but in the end results.  Let your eyes confirm what works and what does not. You will be most confident in your parenting when you see the desired results lived out in other families using the same approach.  Look at the fruit and then trace it back to its seed source.  
     The principles contained within the pages can help parents develop workable strategies that meet the needs of their babies and the rest of the family.  These have worked for millions of parents, and when faithfully applied can work wonderfully for you!  However, your pediatrician or family practitioner should always be consulted when questions arise about the health and welfare of your baby.  Enjoy the journey of parenting!