Also goodBooks for parentsBirth to 12 months
Robin Barker (Pan Macmillan) Baby Love (6th edition)
The Australian first-year reference, by a nurse and midwife — practical and calm, but last revised in 2013.
MamaLoop mums pickWe researched this — not used by usNot sponsored
Baby Love is the book many Australian parents keep by the change table. Robin Barker is a nurse, midwife and early childhood nurse, and the book is a practical first-year reference on feeding, sleep, crying and everyday worries, with a good index and a non-judgemental tone that offers options rather than one right way. The big caveat is age: the current edition is from 2013, so for safe sleep, car seats and solids timing, check today's Red Nose and health-authority advice. Buy the Australian sixth edition — owners warn that an older US edition differs. Caution: the sleep chapter includes controlled-crying techniques, which some parents will not want to use.
Researched, not used by us · Not sponsored
Pros
- Australian, by a child health nurse and midwife
- Excellent index for 3 am lookups
- Offers options rather than one method
Cons
- Last revised in 2013 — check current safety guidance
- Heavy and dense
- Includes controlled crying, which some parents avoid
Who it suits
- A first-year reference on the shelf
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone wanting current safe-sleep detail from a book alone
Price
$30–40
Typically $32–$40 at our last check (8 Nov 2026). Prices change — check the retailer.
Specs
| Author | Robin Barker |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Pan Macmillan Australia |
| Edition | 6th, revised (2013) |
| Isbn | 9781742613307 |
| Pages | 608 |
| Format | paperback |
| Who its for | Parents who want an Australian A-to-Z reference for the first year |
| Caution | Discusses controlled crying; dated 2013 — cross-check sleep and safety with current Red Nose guidance. |
What to look for
- ISBN 9781742613307 (Australian 6th edition)
Where to buy in Australia
Shop links may earn us a small commission, at no cost to you. How this works
As an Amazon Associate, MamaLoop earns from qualifying purchases.
Other books for parents picks
Also goodLate pregnancy to ~6 months
Dr Pamela Douglas (UQP) The Discontented Little Baby Book (2nd edition)
An Australian GP's gentle, research-based approach to crying, feeding and sleep in the early months.
Our pick for most familiesPregnancy to early weeks
Kaz Cooke (Viking/Penguin) Up the Duff: The Real Guide to Pregnancy (2019 edition)
The Australian week-by-week pregnancy guide — funny, frank and written for Australian care.
Sources
Last checked 8 Nov 2026 · Report a problem with this pick