How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five by Medina

This book is fill of scientific data. All information is presented in easy way with reliable examples. I would recommend this book as a gift to any brand new parents. They will thank you later. Love it.

I found this book to be extremely well written. While the information given could be viewed as complex, the author did a wonderful job at explaining the material. Using fun and relatable stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the text.
The amount of research put into this book was remarkable. The author quoted years of scientific studies to illustrate the "brain rules" described in his book. These studies crossed psychological, medical, sociological, cultural, and scientific backgrounds. I found this helpful as I liked the variety of data that the author used to illustrate his points. I also liked the fact that he did not just stick to one genre of providing information. I was very impressed with this book and would recommend it to any parent.

I've read some other parenting books that focus on how to care for your baby (Baby 411 is by far the best for the "how to"). However, none of these books really devote time to "parenting theory." Brain Rules for Baby is an incredible, factual, and straight forward insight into creating an environment that allows your child to grow up smart, well-behaved, and socially proficient. I love how it debunks myths and many different (and expensive) child development programs that have no scientific foundation. As a pharmacist, I rely so much on relevant scientific evidence to determine appropriate treatment. This book is to a new child what my pharmacology/therapeutics book was to my pharmacy knowledge. I've recommended it to every parent I can think of and will keep recommending over and over.

I attended a "Brain Rules" seminar by John Medina that was geared toward educators though he spoke of also hosting them for Google and Microsoft. I think I was most fascinated by Brain Rule #1: Exercise. He spoke of both the impact of getting it and not getting it. I immediately advocated his message to my principal and my sedentary brother. As a result, I purchased Brain Rules for Baby. I love being able to point to the research and tell my mother in law--"See! This is why I breastfeed" or my neighbor "See! This is why I don't let my toddler watch television" or my cousin "See! This is why I run while I am 26 weeks pregnant!" I want my children to be happy and to be smart and this book has a lot of enlightening ideas about getting there.

This is wonderful book, clearly written and the best, it is funny. I consider it fundamental to every parent who want to increase their Children' IQ and their chances to qualify to Harvard or any of the 'great leagues' universities; actually to establish the basis for their posterior development and increased competitivity. It is based in empirical, experimental science and not in ideology. Is TV good or detrimental to your child? Are daily physical activities important? Is good that you talk face to face to your child, no matter if he/she doesn't understand a word? These and other also important questions are answered in this wonderful book. As a grandparent I recommend it to every parent who loves their children and wants them to become smarter and happier.

This book is an absolute MUST have for first time parents. I wish I would have purchased before having my daughter, as I would have had more time to read it. It's taken me 5 weeks- I read while pumping.

The author writes well- even while talking about nitty-gritty brain science stuff he uses relatable analogies and keeps it interesting. This book is not a undergrad science 101 book, but it relays important details about a child's neurodevelopment, the most relevant and up-to-date literature, and the implications for parenting, and he does it without making you want to scrape your eyeballs out.

What I love about this book: it really gives a lot of great tips without subscribing to a "parenting style." This book isn't about how be a Sears or a Ferber parent (although he does discuss both and the literature available in the added "Sleep" chapter. This book is about what the most current science says about the way a child's brain develops, and how we, as parents can impact it for the better in an effort to raise happy children-which we all want.

What's great about this book: he has the key points bullet-pointed at the end of the chapter, which helps bringing the whole point back home, as sometimes the chapter can get a little detailed heavy.

Any cons?: Not really. I loved the book, from the info to the formatting.

This book was exactly what I hoped it would be -- informative, well-written, and interesting.

As a marriage and family therapist, I am a discerning reader--especially when it comes to child development. The author provides easily-digestible information that is backed by good research and evidence-based science. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a read on how to create the best learning environment for their baby, while also promoting emotional intelligence.

Mr. Medina covers a broad range of practical questions about ways that babies learn. My grandson is only two months old and I am already utilizing some ideas I got from the book. There are also very informative chapters on pregnancy and helping people cope with parenthood.

reading parts of this book, having already given birth to my son sure makes you feel guilty. It stresses alot about the effects of well STRESS and the data is frightening BUT enlightening. Having read all the research done and found on the effects of stress on a child, someone clinically depressed before the pregnancy and with postpartum after (like myself) would feel as if u are cheating your child out of a better future. However, some brain rules are ment to be broken, or at least taken with a grain of salt. My little one is one of the happiest babies I know, and im not just saying that because im his mother but because of how he acts. Hes active, bright eyed, giggling most of the time, and always smiling. SO I suggest you dont stress on the stress you may have had during the pregnancy and after and focus on making a happier vantage point for ur little one to observe. Even if its hard (say, your partner is a douche that involves everyone and the kitchen sink in your life, skyrocketing your stress because you very well know hes playing the victim because hes not man enough to take blame,so he throws it on you, AHEM) you HAVE to, for the childs sake, and this book will def. help you along the way and get that point across. I def. think its worth a read or two =]

This book was both interesting and informative. Many other parenting books display a singular perspective, this book details the supporting studies and distills a significant amount of information into relevant key points. Easy to read for even a sleep deprived parent!

I saw John Medina at a conference and was incredibly impressed with him. His book Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School is fabulous. I anticipated this book to be similar, dealing with what happens in infant development. That's what he initially intended to write, but he found that's not what young parents wanted, so he wrote a book that helps them be better parents, which will in turn, help their child mature and increase in intelligence. It's the kind of book that's great for parents of their first child who want to do things "right"; filled with the warm advice of a grandparent or wise pediatrician. I would have appreciated this 30 years ago when my children were toddlers, and suspect young parents today will too.

Great book! This book cites a lot of different brain studies. It gives a nice overview of parenting issues, from pregnancy to child-rearing, all based on actual science. The book is also very easy to read, even if you are not a "neuro-nerd." This is a recommended read for anyone who is pregnant or who already has young children.

Filled with amazing and IMPORTANT information. It is very textbook like, but the writing is well done, and friendly, so you don't get tired of reading. I would recommend this to any parent of babies or toddlers.

I always love Medina and this is no exception. Reads like a friendly dialogue, thoughtfully just sciencey enough, and it makes you think about all the stuff you know but forget with baby brain. This is the only baby book you should bother with.

Medina couples his matter-of-fact style with compelling science and insightful anecdotes to give all parents and prospective parents useful info on brain development in children. As someone who is preparing to start a family, this book has armed my husband and me with some of the critical tools to start us out on the right foot. This is a perfect gift for mothers-to-be!

As always, John Medina is the expert on the topic of the brain and neurology in general. "Brain Rules for Baby" is enlightening and a definitive work - definitely a must read for parents and those who work with kids birth-three. Get it - you will be educated, informed, enlightened and not disappointed.

Admittedly, I'm only a little over halfway through this book... but I can't put it down! This is exactly the type of book I was looking for -- well-researched, citing peer-reviewed, published studies that you can look up to cross-reference if you want to know more. Yet, Dr. Medina tells wonderful anecdotal stories -- from his practice, his personal life, and from other authors as well. There is an in-depth discussion of the nature vs. nurture debate. He cuts through all the B.S. of products that claim to "make your baby smarter" and gets down to the facts that science has proven about the way babies brains develop and operate. In the end, there is an entire section of "practical tips" to help new parents do their best from prenatal to post-natal child rearing. This book continually amazed me and had me telling my friends, family and husband about what I'd read. I highly recommend this book and plan to buy it as a gift for others as they reach this stage of life!

In general I hate parenting books, but many things in this book resonated with me. I thought it was well written and written with the same tone of empathy for parents that he advocates using for your child. No parent is perfect but we are all trying to be better and I think this book will positively affect my parenting.

I wish I would have read this book while expecting. I work with 5 & 6 years old and find this book very interesting. Anyone who has kids or works with them should read his book. There is a lot of research to back his findings, but it is still an easy read.

This is yet another great book by John Medina and I can certainly recommend it to any new or expecting parents. Honestly without this and Margaret Rousseau's 'The Baby Sleep Training Solution' I just don't know how we would have coped.

Dr. Medina's scientific methods and techniques really do strike a balance between encouraging baby's development whilst ensuring that you, the parent's needs are met. The approach is quite different from a lot of the methods I've seen from other books, magazines and even tv shows.

In summary, this book should be a key part of any new parent's arsenal and is one of only two books I've come across that I would describe as 'essential'.

This is a great resource for findings in the latest research in developmental psychology. Medina really breaks it down for you. He discusses, and applies, studies that have monitored how experience in early childhood can affect the latter years of your child. Medina even takes into account studies that are not focused on infants, but in young adults, to prove his points on how the brain absorbs information. An absolutely great read from a pro in the field of developmental molecular biology and researcher specializing in the isolation and characterization of genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders.

Really liked this book... so much practical and just really reasonable advice, with a lot of science and brain theory to back it up. Sure, some of it is common sense, but without knowing why you have to do a thing, most people aren't very diligent, including of course, children. So take it to heart and be ready to explain things to children in a firm, understanding way... and we'll have much better behaved and happier children in society. I'm only 4 months pregnant at the moment, but I certainly plan to implement the advice on the book.

Love this book. Read it multiple times. My kid is now 3 and the technique and advice Mr. Medina provided which i then incorporated into my child rearing has sure had an impact on my child. Definitely a must-read if you have a newborn or one is on its way.

If you have children, or a child, be a responsible parent and read this book. My wife and I followed the "What to Expect..." series and they were good, but they didn't tell me anything about raising kids. This book does. It is the handbook on raising kids to be fully functional humans. That's all.

It is a good book, highlighting both the science and behavioral aspects of child cognitive development.
You'll get good information to plan and sustain a happy marriage and parenthood.
Again, Medina has not disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as a pregnant woman, but I think I would have found it a worthwhile read even if I wasn't pregnant. As others have mentioned, it is organized into three objectives that parents have in raising children: Smart Baby, Happy Baby, and Moral Baby. Each section also is divided into a "seed" section and a "soil" section, essentially describing the elements of nature and nurture that make children (and eventually, adults) who they are. The "soil" sections offer more practical advice on how to help your child be as smart, happy, and moral as he or she can be. The "seed" sections are very interesting, but focus more on genetic factors that are beyond parents' control, so I can see how some people could find these sections tedious. I enjoy information for the sake of information, so I enjoyed the entire book. But as far as "must read" sections I highlighted for my husband, they are almost all in the "soil" sections.

Ultimately, after all the research is considered, the book's refrain seems to be to keep childhood simple. Kids benefit more from human interaction, exercise, empathy, and creativity than from flashy interactive toys or strict flashcard regimens. This is very much in line with other books I've read on the subject, but I think this book does a better job of explaining the research behind this line of thought.

I enjoyed Medina's earlier work Brain Rules and often refer back to it when designing lessons, so I was pleased to find this book evenmore satisfying. It delves into science and studies, then balances them with real-life applications and examples, in an engaging and fascinating read. Highly recommended.

I originally heard of John Medina and the Brain Rules books at an in-service I attended for graduate school. Brain Rules for Baby is an enjoyable, quick-moving read that gives you practical advice, as well as the research behind it. Right now I am working as an after-school aide and each day I find myself applying some info from this book. I also find myself recognizing those parents and children who could definitely benefit from reading this book and applying its principles. I think the info presented is applicable to pretty much anyone in the pediatric field; teachers, therapists, psychologists, day-care workers, etc. Definitely recommend.

Practical, not preachy, ways to improve your parenting style and hopefully improve your child's experience of life. I would recommend it to all those who come into contact with a little one, not just parents.

I saw this author speak at an Early Childhood conference and learned so much about how our brains are affected by all aspects of our diet, exercise and emotional states. He has another book call Brain Rules that I would also recommend highly.