When Theo was a newborn, I had no idea what I was doing. Isn’t that what happens when you have a baby? You have no clue what to do, and then you figure it all out and think you’re prepared for baby number two. Baby number two turns out to be number two AND THREE… or just a completely different baby… both of which will inevitably throw you for a total loop.
Theo was just under 3 months old, and still waking up every 3-4 hours at night, and we had no schedule at all during the day. I was a mess and I wasn’t enjoying my newborn… We were both stressed because I had no idea what he needed sleep wise!
My sister-in-law had mentioned that she used a book to get her baby on a schedule and sleeping through the night and offered to bring it when she came to visit. I remember thinking “I hope it’s not that controversial Babywise book.” I had heard SO MANY BAD THINGS about the book. Supposedly, it told you to ignore your baby if they were crying because they were hungry, and just let them cry if it was time to sleep. “How could you possibly let your baby cry when they are hungry??” I thought.
Guess what? It WAS the Babywise book… and I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover… or in this case, judge it by the reviews in your online mom group… but I totally was. I read the book cover to cover, and not only does it not tell you to ignore your baby if they are crying because they are hungry, it specifically tells you to feed your baby on demand for the first few weeks.
Take that, babywise haters. In all seriousness though, to each his own, and that’s fine. I read the book, and Theo was sleeping through the night… as in, 12 hours… two weeks later. That was enough to put me on the babywise train FOR LIFE.
Valerie, The Babywise Mom quickly became my most visited blog. Whether I was looking for a new discipline method, a resource for how long my toddler should be sleeping, or how to eliminate a nap, she had it all.
Imagine my surprise, when a few months after starting my blog… I got a message in my inbox from Valerie, one of the greatest resources in helping me parent my 3 tiny people. Her e-mail stated that they have a group of bloggers who follow Babywise, and they would like me to join the group. Like a total fangirl, I texted one of my friends who is also a fellow Babywise follower… “OMG! Babywise mom just messaged me and asked me to join her babywise blogging group.”
I joined this group, and basically, overnight I gained 7 BFF’s. Even though we all follow principals from the Babywise book, we are drastically different in our parenting styles. You guys know that I strive to keep my blog as a judgment free zone. I like to share what works for me, and if you do the total opposite, I don’t care at all. THESE AMAZING MAMAS DO THE SAME THING. I love reading about how other families do things, and adding tips to my pool of resources.
What is the Babywise Friendly Blogging Network?
In Valerie’s own words, here is why she started the Babywise Friendly Blogging Network:
“In 2007, I started my blog in order to help parents with their Babywise questions. The internet was not a friendly place for Babywise inquiries and I wanted to be a voice for people who needed help and encouragement.
Four years later, in 2011, I wanted to expand that vision beyond myself. Hearing from one person who does Babywise is nice, but wouldn’t several be even better? So I started the Babywise Friendly Blog Network. My vision was to have a group of bloggers who all follow Babywise who could work together to create one massive resource collectively for Babywise parents. Everyone has different life experiences in general, and this is especially true in parenting. Among all of us, we could more fully address the needs of parents out there.
Nearly 6 years later, the Babywise Friendly Blog Network (BFBN) is stronger than ever! We have had so many great bloggers join over the years and we have a fantastic group today.”
Who Are The Babywise Friendly Bloggers?
Valerie: The Babywise Mom
Valerie lives in Utah and has been married for 13 years. She has 4 children: Brayden (12), Kaitlyn (10), McKenna (8), Brinley (almost 5). Her blog is seriously full of parenting advice for all ages… newborns through teenagers. I gushed enough about her blog above, but she has seriously molded my parenting style so much! Follow Valerie on Facebook here!
Here are a few of my favorite posts by Valerie:
What to Do When Discipline Isn’t Working
Emily: Journey of Parenthood
Emily has always wanted to be a stay at home mom and was a stay at home wife prior to having kids. She strives to raise her children to love Jesus and bring glory to him. She has three children: Kye (8), Britt (5), and Tess (almost 3). They are adding a 4th child to their family via adoption, and are currently waiting to be matched with a baby. Her blog is very real and personal. I’m sure you will love following her sweet family and journey through adoption as much as I do! Follow Emily on Facebook here!
Here are some of my favorite posts by Emily:
Katrina: Mama’s Organized Chaos
Katrina is a former engineer and high school chemistry teacher, turned SAHM. She underwent fertility treatments for daughter, Caroline, who is 2.5… and is so excited to add to her sweet family with baby #2 in December! I’m sure you will love following her just as much as I do, especially if you are passionate about all natural aspects of parenting, such as breastfeeding (on a schedule!), baby wearing, cloth diapering, and making homemade baby food. Follow Katrina on Facebook here!
Here are some of my favorite posts by Katrina:
8 Benefits of Keeping Baby on a Schedule
Waking Early From Naps: What to Do?
Natasha: Let’s Be Brave
Natasha is a foster and IVF mama. She and her husband have been fostering 3 siblings: Laurel (6), Bennett (5), and Christopher (2). How incredible is that?? They are set to adopt them any day now, and 2 months ago they had their first biological daughter, Everly via IVF. Natasha is a CPS and adoption lawyer, loves wine, ice cream, books, and God. I absolutely love her heart for foster care! Follow Natasha on Facebook here!
Here are some of my favorite posts by Natasha:
What It Really Means to Be Pro-Life (and how to back up all that Jesus talk)
How We Transition a New Foster Kid Into Our Home
Carrie: Wiley Adventures
Carrie has 4 children: Laura Kate (9), Shepherd (6), Fischer (almost 5), and Archer (2). She is a Travel Agent, specializing in Disney Destinations, and her husband is the director of operations for a Missions Organization. How awesome is that? She is raising her children to be world changers, with the help of a good routine and schedule. You will love following all of their family adventures. Follow Carrie on Facebook here!
Here are a few of my favorite posts by Carrie:
Kim: Team Cartwright
Kim is a former chemist and accountant and currently works from home as a bookkeeper and raises her 3 children: Benjamin (3), and Alison and Samantha (17-month twin girls). Our children are pretty much the same ages (and genders lol!), so it has been awesome for me to read her blog. Kim is also passionate about helping parents embrace STEM fields and get past their fear of math and science. Follow Kim on Facebook here!
Here are some of my favorite posts by Kim:
Twins and Babywise: Why Bother?
Maintaining Sleep Schedules on Vacation
Cole: Twinning Babywise
Cole is the mom to 4 children: Vera (4), Abel (2), Mercedes and Samuel (1-year-old twins). OK. You guys know how tough it was for me to survive a year of 3 under 3?? She had 4 under 3. Holy moly. She lives in San Diego, loves to cook and read. I love Cole’s very real and honest writing style, and I’m sure you will, too! Follow Cole on Facebook here!
Here are some of my favorite posts by Cole:
Excuse Me Is Still Interrupting
5 Tips For Getting Twins on a Schedule
I’m so honored and thrilled to be part of this group of amazing mamas. The BFBN does guest posts, as well as posts where we all write about the same topic, but from our own unique perspectives.
Frosted Events
Friday 23rd of June 2017
I'm so happy I stumbled onto this post! So helpful, especially for new moms. You need a tribe when it comes to having and raising a baby. So great to find other moms who can give advice and help you along the way!
Caitlin
Monday 26th of June 2017
You DEFNIITELY need a tribe!
Fullest Mom
Friday 23rd of June 2017
I will recommend this to a few expectant friends of mine. We are past the baby days but perhaps theres still some information for me, too. Moms are always learning and we do need a strong network to keep up with.
Madi Dodd
Friday 23rd of June 2017
I read babywise and took some things from it that were super helpful! I'm about to have my second and think I need to read it again since every baby is so different!
Caitlin
Friday 23rd of June 2017
It was the only book I reread when I had my twins because I loved it so much with my first!
Bre @ Bre Pea
Friday 23rd of June 2017
I learned as a newborn mom, look into anything you find helpful and take from it what works for you! We took a lot from Babywise and (controversially) Cry-It-Out. Nothing is cut and paste when it comes to a new baby. I say, read all you can and do what works for you and your baby.
Caitlin
Friday 23rd of June 2017
So true!! Thanks for reading :)