Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have never felt so compelled to write a zero-star review, having never rated anything less than two stars on Amazon. First some facts: 1) The author of this book is Gary Ezzo, M.A. Note that his suffix is "M.A.", not "M.D." He is not a medical doctor. I am not sure why he feels compelled to note his Master of Arts degree - I do not know anyone with a Master's degree that signs his name this way. 2) Gary Ezzo is head of Growing Families International, a for-profit "parenting ministry" based in Simi Valley California. You will not find this information in this version of the book, because this is apparently the toned-down secular version of a previously published material which cites scripture as justification for the extreme and medically-denounced parenting style which he advocates in this book. Even if you are Christian, do some research on Growing Families International to make sure that you subscribe to his brand of Christianity, because this is the base on which he jumps off from to write this book. Robert Buckman M.D., the co-author, was added only for this secular edition. I do not doubt that some parents will find success with the rigorous scheduling style that the American Academy of Pediactrics has officially warned against by issuing a "Media Alert" (stating that "the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its stance that the best feeding schedules are ones babies design themselves. Scheduled feedings designed by parents may put babies at risk for poor weight gain and dehydration."). Many babies will respond to rigorous scheduling and still thrive. I have seen and played with such babies personally. But just because some babies respond to such a style does not mean that the style is to be credited. After all, if I flip a coin and guess "heads" correctly, can I claim skill? Maybe, maybe not, depending on the circumstances. Similarly, just because such a style works for one baby does not mean it will work for all babies. But I also know first hand that rigid scheduling can and will harm. My baby became insecure, clingy, dehydrated to the point of drying tear ducts, and at one point literally passed out from crying for hunger. If you must read this book, I strongly recommend that you also read "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child" by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a back-up. Those who strongly disagree with such rigorous scheduling have probably already fled to "The Baby Book" by William Sears M.D. (not "M.A.") who can be considered Mr. Ezzo's foil. If you require a distinctly Christian bent, Dr. Sears has written a variation of his popular "The Baby Book" entitled "The Complete Book of Christian Parenting & Child Care: A Medical & Moral Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Children" as a direct response to Mr. Ezzo's writings. By the way, my baby is now energetic, muscular, affectionate, and happy-to-the-extreme thanks to Dr. Sears.