The Happiest Baby on the Block The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer

Many reviewers highly commend this book for its effective techniques in calming fussy newborns. The central concept, known as "the 5 S's" (swaddling, side/stomach positioning, shhh'ing, swinging, and sucking), is widely praised as a "magical" and "life-saving" method for new parents. Readers frequently report that applying these steps helps babies sleep better, reduces crying, and provides invaluable support during the challenging early months. The advice is particularly beneficial for those dealing with colicky infants, with many parents stating the methods "work like a charm" and offer a reliable way to soothe their babies. Some also appreciate the book's inclusion of anthropological perspectives on baby care across cultures and its role in helping parents align on soothing strategies.

Despite the effectiveness of its core advice, a significant criticism leveled against the book is its excessive length and repetitive nature. Numerous reviewers feel the essential information could be condensed into a short article, pamphlet, or a much shorter book, with the current version being filled with "fluff" and "filler." The writing style is often described as poor, overly enthusiastic, and containing "cringe-worthy" elements, including what some consider to be fictional or outdated testimonials and disruptive quotes. Critics also point out the author's occasional problematic comments, a perceived lack of rigorous scientific backing for some claims, and a heteronormative perspective. Additionally, some reviewers express concern that the book's methods might interfere with breastfeeding, promote unsafe sleep practices, or disregard a parent's natural instinct, suggesting that the techniques teach babies to "shut down" rather than truly calm.

In conclusion, the book is generally seen as a source of "gold nuggets" of advice, particularly the practical application of the "5 S's," which many parents find indispensable for the first three to five months of a baby's life. However, prospective readers should be prepared for a verbose and often tedious reading experience, with most recommending to skim the book, focus on the core techniques, or seek out the information from a more concise source like an article or the accompanying DVD. It is highly recommended for expecting parents or those with newborns who are seeking concrete strategies to soothe their infants, but they should be selective in their reading and perhaps supplement it with other parenting resources.