In "The Contented Baby’s First Year," renowned parenting expert Gina Ford unveils her revolutionary approach to nurturing infants, promising peace and routine amid the chaos of newborn life. Through tried-and-tested schedules and soothing techniques, she empowers parents to understand their baby's needs while fostering independence from the very start. With practical advice and empathetic insights, Ford reveals how to cultivate a harmonious household while ensuring your little one thrives. Each chapter offers a treasure trove of tips that make sleepless nights and endless uncertainties a thing of the past. Are you ready to transform the first year of parenthood into a blissful journey of discovery and connection?
By Gina Ford
Published: 2013
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Lucy Atkins
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is an American actress, humanitarian, and author known for her role as Rachel Zane on the television series "Suits." After marrying Prince Harry in 2018, she became a prominent figure in the British royal family and an advocate for social justice and women's rights. In 2021, she published her first children's book, "The Bench," which explores the bond between fathers and sons through a mother's eyes. Markle's literary work reflects her commitment to storytelling and her passion for fostering empathy and understanding. Beyond literature, she co-founded the Archewell Foundation with Prince Harry to promote compassion and well-being globally.
View CollectionDavid Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work
View CollectionIna May Gaskin is a midwife and author renowned for her advocacy of natural childbirth. She is the founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee and the author of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, which has inspired generations of women to embrace natural birth practices. Gaskin’s work focuses on empowering women with knowledge and confidence during childbirth, advocating for a holistic and less medicalized approach to labor and delivery. Her influence in the field of midwifery has been profound, helping to reshape modern perspectives on childbirth.
View CollectionRyan Holiday is a bestselling author and media strategist known for his books on stoicism, including The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy. He is a leading voice in modern stoic philosophy, teaching readers how to apply ancient wisdom to achieve personal and professional success. Holiday’s work emphasizes resilience, discipline, and humility as keys to navigating life’s challenges. He has consulted with major companies and individuals on marketing and strategy, blending stoic principles with contemporary business practices. His books have been translated into over 30 languages.
View CollectionMike Shinoda is a multifaceted artist best known as a founding member of the rock band Linkin Park. While celebrated for his musical talents, Shinoda has made significant contributions to the literary world through his introspective lyrics and storytelling. His work often explores themes of personal struggle, resilience, and social issues, resonating with a global audience. In addition to his musical endeavors, Shinoda has authored and illustrated graphic novels, further showcasing his creative versatility. His ability to blend powerful narratives with visual art has cemented his status as a significant cultural influencer.
View CollectionAna Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.
View CollectionShonda Rhimes is an American television producer, screenwriter, and author, best known for creating hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. As one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, Rhimes has redefined the television landscape with her diverse storytelling and strong female characters. She has built an empire under her production company, Shondaland, and signed a groundbreaking deal with Netflix to produce exclusive content. Rhimes is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, using her platform to push for greater representation on screen and behind the scenes.
View CollectionJocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.
View CollectionCharlize Theron is a South African-American actress, producer, and philanthropist, known for her roles in a wide range of films, from action blockbusters to critically acclaimed dramas. She gained international recognition for her performance in Monster, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Theron’s versatility as an actress is evident in her work in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and Bombshell. Beyond acting, she is a producer through her company, Denver and Delilah Productions, and has been involved in various socially conscious films. Theron is also an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality, using her platform to bring attention to issues such as domestic violence and HIV/AIDS through her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Theron continues to push boundaries as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, often taking on physically demanding roles that challenge traditional gender norms.
View CollectionDr. Harvey Karp is a renowned pediatrician and child development expert, best known for his groundbreaking method for calming infants, as detailed in The Happiest Baby on the Block. He is the creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper, a robotic crib designed to help babies sleep safely and soundly. Dr. Karp has been a leading voice in pediatric health for decades, emphasizing the importance of sleep for both babies and parents. His methods have revolutionized infant care and parenting techniques. He continues to advocate for improved early childhood development practices.
View CollectionSimon Sinek is a motivational speaker, leadership expert, and bestselling author, best known for his book Start with Why, which explores how great leaders inspire action by focusing on purpose. His concept of the “Golden Circle” has been adopted by leaders and organizations worldwide to create more engaged and motivated teams. Sinek’s TED Talk on leadership, How Great Leaders Inspire Action, is one of the most popular of all time. He also authored Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game, focusing on building trust, empathy, and long-term success in leadership. Sinek continues to be a leading voice in leadership and organizational development.
View CollectionNatalie Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress, director, and activist known for her diverse roles in films such as Black Swan, V for Vendetta, and Jackie. Beyond her successful acting career, Portman is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, animal rights, and environmental causes. She has a degree from Harvard University, where she studied psychology, and is known for her intellect as well as her artistic talent. Natalie has also directed and produced films and is a vocal supporter of the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements, advocating for gender equality in the entertainment industry.
View CollectionBrené Brown is a research professor, author, and public speaker known for her work on vulnerability, shame, and leadership. Her TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, has garnered millions of views, and her bestselling books, including Daring Greatly and Rising Strong, explore how embracing vulnerability can lead to personal and professional transformation. Brown’s research has had a profound impact on conversations around leadership, empathy, and emotional intelligence. She continues to advocate for the importance of courage and connection in both personal development and organizational culture.
View CollectionSarah Jessica Parker is an award-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur, best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in the iconic TV series Sex and the City. Her portrayal earned her widespread acclaim and established her as a fashion icon. In addition to acting, she has her own shoe line, SJP Collection, and has produced and starred in HBO’s Divorce. Sarah Jessica is also active in philanthropy, supporting various causes, including arts and education. Her influence spans both entertainment and fashion industries.
View CollectionJessica Biel is an accomplished actress and producer, best known for her work in television and film rather than literature. Rising to fame with her role as Mary Camden on the long-running family drama "7th Heaven," Biel has since demonstrated her versatility in a variety of genres, from romantic comedies to intense thrillers. Her work behind the scenes as a producer, particularly on the critically acclaimed series "The Sinner," has solidified her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. Although not a literary figure, Biel's contributions to storytelling through her acting and production efforts have earned her numerous accolades and a respected place in Hollywood. Her dedication to her craft continues to influence and inspire both audiences and aspiring entertainers alike.
View CollectionHoward Stern is a renowned American radio and television personality, best known for his groundbreaking work on "The Howard Stern Show," which revolutionized the radio industry with its candid and often controversial content. He is also a successful author, with his autobiographical books, "Private Parts" (1993) and "Miss America" (1995), both becoming bestsellers and earning critical acclaim for their raw and humorous insights into his life and career. Stern's literary contributions extend to his 2019 book, "Howard Stern Comes Again," which features a collection of his most compelling interviews and personal reflections. His ability to blend entertainment with deeply personal storytelling has cemented his status as a significant figure in modern media and literature. Stern's influence continues to resonate, reflecting his unique voice and fearless approach to both broadcasting and writing.
View CollectionScott Pape, known as The Barefoot Investor, is an Australian financial advisor and author, best known for his best-selling book The Barefoot Investor: The Only Money Guide You’ll Ever Need. Pape’s simple, no-nonsense approach to personal finance has helped millions of Australians get out of debt, build savings, and invest for the future. His advice is based on practical, straightforward strategies that focus on budgeting, long-term investments, and financial independence. Pape’s work as a financial educator has made him one of the most trusted voices in personal finance, and his book has become one of the most successful financial guides in Australia.
View CollectionSusan Wojcicki is the CEO of YouTube and one of the most powerful women in technology. Before leading YouTube, she played a key role in the development of Google, where she was responsible for the acquisition of YouTube in 2006. Under her leadership, YouTube has grown into the world’s largest video platform, serving billions of users globally. Wojcicki is known for championing diversity in tech and advocating for responsible content management on the platform. She has been a long-time advocate for increasing the representation of women in the tech industry. Susan continues to lead YouTube’s evolution, focusing on both creator empowerment and addressing the challenges of content moderation and misinformation.
View CollectionRobin Sharma is a leadership expert, motivational speaker, and bestselling author known for his books The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The 5 AM Club. His work focuses on personal mastery, leadership, and creating a fulfilling life through discipline and self-reflection. Sharma has coached Fortune 500 executives and world-class organizations on leadership and performance. His message emphasizes the importance of daily habits and routines to achieve success and make a positive impact on the world. He continues to inspire millions globally through his books, speaking engagements, and online programs.
View CollectionJordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.
View CollectionArianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View CollectionDiscover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.