4.17

3

June 6, 2016

It was not the same layout as the "What to ...

It was not the same layout as the "What to expect the first year" book. I wanted something that went month-by-month, this one lumped all the developments into categories such as eating, sleeping, playing, stranger anxiety, tantrums, etc. In the beginning of the book they do a short overview of what to expect during the year by month, but not whole chapters on it. The categories are vague and I am not really sure what parts of them apply to children that are under 18 months, and those that are over 18 months. For this reason, I gave it a 3 star

5

April 17, 2017

So much more useful than I imagined it would be! SO GLAD I purchased this book!!!

I was reluctant to purchase this book because I was so set in the month-by-month structure that the prior "What to Expect" books were broken down in, but it's so true that at this point, every baby blossoms differently and goes through things at a different pace. So it is EXTREMELY nice to have everything broken down by topic category instead for super easy reference. I'm not even kidding, I flipped it open to the middle of the book as soon as I got it and BAM! I instantly found an answer to one of the burning questions I've been wondering about. That right there was when I had my epiphany that this book really is exactly what I needed in my life at this point. It's so nice to just flip through and read up on different topics and I still get the same reassurance that I always have gotten out of reading these awesome books. I'm SO GLAD I made the decision to go ahead and buy it!! Even with the internet at our fingertips, there is no comparison to being able to sit down and read through a book full of up to date knowledgeable information, tips and tricks. I kept hearing "Oh you don't need those books" but fortunately I decided to give them a try anyway. I'm so glad I did! They are the best!!

4

September 27, 2017

Read ahead!

This was a great book that I always found very helpful in alleviating anxiety. Reading about things as normal that you're bothered by from new parent ignorance is really calming and reassuring. My only regret was I was often behind in reading the material relevant to the month of age. I would then get to a key point and think, "man I wish I would have known this a couple months ago!" The only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5 star is that I wish the author would have had more references supporting the assertions.

5

November 24, 2017

Highly recommend Heidi's What to expect series to all moms and dads.

I started to read Heidi's What to expect when you are expecting. Then religiously read what to expect first year, and this one. From knowing nothing about pregnancy and baby, I learned everything from the series. This is a great baby owner manual! The book gives insights of how to raise a baby on daily basis, also packed with information of what to expect / to watch out. It is also backed up by scientific research data and American pediatricians associations' recommendations. I was able to have sneak peeks of the future and be prepared. Would highly recommend it to all moms and dads.

3

May 4, 2018

Organized by themes, not ages. Wish is was otherwise

Do not be fooled! This book is not structured like the First Year, and that's a drawback. Unlike the first year, which you can read month by month, this book is organized thematically. Because I have a toddler (which this book should know!), I don't have the luxury of reading the whole book at once to find out the answers to all problems. It still has great information, but there is so much I don't have time to get to yet. Wish it was the other way.....

1

May 28, 2018

I loved the last book (what to expect the first year) ...

I loved the last book (what to expect the first year) but hated this one. It felt much more opinionated. Even things like nursing, sleeping etc. all seemed to have strong biases about what is the “right way” when any parent / family knows all children are different and there is no “one way” to do anything...

4

October 28, 2016

... the First Year" and found it to be very useful. I also picked up this book and it ...

I read through the entire "What to Expect the First Year" and found it to be very useful. I also picked up this book and it has been pretty helpful. Like others, I think that the organization is lacking, so finding exactly what you're looking for can be a lot more difficult than with the first year book.

2

March 22, 2016

Not as good as the 1st year

If you loved the monthly updates from the first year book you will be disappointed by this. The chapters are split up by subject which is a little overwhelming instead of reading a chapter a month. The author also seems a little pushy on weaning from breastfeeding at a year. Otherwise there is some good information, but not anything you couldn't find with a quick google search. I'd pass on this!

4

June 11, 2018

I loved the “What to Expect the First Year” so I ...

I loved the “What to Expect the First Year” so I bought this one and since every kid is different it’s not based out on each month so that kind of makes it a little bit harder of the read in my opinion. It’s broken up into sections like: sleeping, behavior, how to discipline, etc. It’s just harder for me to want to read the whole thing so I find that I do like it it is very informative, however, I kind of use it like a dictionary rather than an actual read for me.

3

January 9, 2018

It's fine. Helpful sometimes.

It helps but not what I expected. I wish it was more like the first book. This one is more of a 'read it if you have a problem' book instead of a 'read as you go' book.

4

Nov 11, 2017

A helpful and informative guide to all the developmental milestones and issues a parent will come across with their child from age 1-2.

4

December 22, 2018

Equally helpful and frustrating

I thought this book contained crucial info, references and helpful guidance that I needed to get through my little one’s second year. It gave me a little peace of mind knowing I had it on hand to reference at any moment if I needed to.

Unlike the first year, the second year is organized by categories, not by months old.
For example: Sleeping / Feeding / Playing

Positive:
I really loved the month to month style (first year), but with this book it was very convenient finding everything I needed to know on that one topic, all in one place. No searching around for it.

Negative:
I would read a particular topic, suddenly crucial milestones, behaviors, etc. are mentioned that were critical during a specific age range (that may have already passed)

Overall, I didn’t like that this book’s layout is different from the first book but I bought it to have as a trusted guide and tried my best to re read topics often to make sure I wasn’t missing things.

1

January 17, 2019

Returning it.

So disappointed. I expect a book like this to be a factual, easy to read, casual and informative “bible “ of sorts. I didn’t realize it was a platform to push political views and attack our 2nd amendment rights. Listen Heidi, more children are killed from car accidents or drug addicted parental error than guns. Unless you’re ready to also recommend ditching your automobile than I suggest you keep your uninformed opinions to yourself. I’m returning your books. I don’t keep terrorist instruction manuals in my home.

2

November 2, 2016

I think that it's brilliant, actually

Some others complain how the book isn't organized by months but by topics; I think that it's brilliant, actually. Since children all develop on different timelines, I think organizing by topic is the only way to for parents to quickly navigate the book to find the answers for which they are looking. However, most of what's in the book I have already read a dozen times online and didn't have any new information. Sure, I would still recommend it to first time parents, but it still isn't the Holy Grail like What to Expect the First Year.

3

January 31, 2017

Not as thorough as first year also would like it broken up in to month by month (or ...

Not as thorough as first year also would like it broken up in to month by month (or quarter by quarter) similar to first year book.

4

May 7, 2017

Good

I like the format of the first book better. Still gives great information though. Glad I bought it. Recommend to all moms.

3

Jan 05, 2019

It is a very detailed book covering all areas of interest. There is nothing unexpected as advice. It is all common sense. Though, it helps to confirm what is normal.

5

Oct 29, 2017

I was so happy with What to Expect the First Year that I was a little concerned that I didn't have that reference any more... so I was happy to read this book which was a little more laid back than its predecessor, organized by topic instead of monthly milestones. It gave a lot of valuable information on milestones and what to watch out for, as well as a comprehensive guide to childhood illnesses and injuries. Of course now I am super panicked that my house is not child proofed enough, but that I was so happy with What to Expect the First Year that I was a little concerned that I didn't have that reference any more... so I was happy to read this book which was a little more laid back than its predecessor, organized by topic instead of monthly milestones. It gave a lot of valuable information on milestones and what to watch out for, as well as a comprehensive guide to childhood illnesses and injuries. Of course now I am super panicked that my house is not child proofed enough, but that can be remedied and is probably a good reminder. ...more

5

Jul 13, 2018

I was a huge fan of the "first in the series," if you will. I read it cover to cover. This time around I still read cover to cover but I barely finished before my daughter's second birthday. I'd highly recommend treating this as more of a reference manual: "Oh god, she's whining again, what are we supposed to do?" It was comforting, though, to read and re-read and re-read the section on language delay and be reminded over and over again that kids develop at different speeds. All parents need I was a huge fan of the "first in the series," if you will. I read it cover to cover. This time around I still read cover to cover but I barely finished before my daughter's second birthday. I'd highly recommend treating this as more of a reference manual: "Oh god, she's whining again, what are we supposed to do?" It was comforting, though, to read and re-read and re-read the section on language delay and be reminded over and over again that kids develop at different speeds. All parents need something different from their parenting books, I suppose.

I won't be continuing in the series. I think at this point I'll rely on web advice and parent-to-parent, but I don't regret the time I invested in this book.
...more

1

July 6, 2017

Deceiving title

Says "Second year" but the book only covers the 1st year of the baby's life?? What gives?? I didn't realize this when I got it for the kindle since the title is so long and the part where it says "12-24 mnths" is sort of cut off, so I basically wasted my money as my son is 2 years already. Seriously though, up to 24 months is not "second year". So terrible twos would be in a book called "the third year"?

4

Sep 27, 2017

Read ahead!

This was a great book that I always found very helpful in alleviating anxiety. Reading about things as normal that you're bothered by from new parent ignorance is really calming and reassuring. My only regret was I was often behind in reading the material relevant to the month of age. I would then get to a key point and think, "man I wish I would have known this a couple months ago!" The only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5 star is that I wish the author would have had more Read ahead!

This was a great book that I always found very helpful in alleviating anxiety. Reading about things as normal that you're bothered by from new parent ignorance is really calming and reassuring. My only regret was I was often behind in reading the material relevant to the month of age. I would then get to a key point and think, "man I wish I would have known this a couple months ago!" The only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5 star is that I wish the author would have had more references supporting the assertions. ...more

1

August 5, 2014

Save your money

Not as useful and informative as The First Year series. I was very disappointed. Wish in could return this.

4

Sep 29, 2017

This book was great. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was that it was not as helpful as the "expecting" and "first year" books, which was not the fault of the authors. In the aforementioned books one can follow along as baby develops while also using it as a reference book. This version does not follow development, but rather divides chapters into sections on topics such as eating or movement. I used it more as a reference guide. I would recommend it to a parent of a toddler.

1

January 23, 2014

Don't waste your money

Nothing like the first. Won't help you with month to month ideas of what child should be doing. Don't buy!

4

Apr 14, 2019

One of the unfortunate things about moving past the first year is that none of the toddler books are organized month-by-month, but tend to be by subject. Oh well.

This book was and will be pretty useful. I've just finished reading/skimming it straight through, but I expect to reference it often for the rest of the year. It's helped confirm some of the stuff I was already doing and given me some pointers about dealing with my son's eating and playing.