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Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom
This straight-talking and wickedly funny parenting guide is a must-have for new moms trying to weed through all that other “expert� advice.
The moment the second line on the pee stick turns pink, women discover they've entered a world of parenting experts.
Friends, family, colleagues, the UPS delivery guy—suddenly everybody is a trove of advice, much of it contradictory and confusing. With dire warnings of what will happen if baby is fed on demand and even direr warnings of what will happen if he isn't, not to mention hordes of militant “lactivists,� cosleeping advocates, and books on what to worry about next, modern parenthood can seem like a minefield.
In busy Mom-friendly short essays, Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay delivers the empathetic straight dirt on parenting, tackling everything from Mommy & Me classes (“Your baby doesn't need to be making friends at three months old—you do! But not with people you'll meet at Mommy & Me�) to attachment parenting (“If you're holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor�). Stefanie Wilder-Taylor combines practical tips with sidesplitting humor and refreshing honesty, assuring women that they can be good mothers and responsibly make their own choices. A witty and welcome antidote to trendy parenting texts and scarifying case studies, Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay provides genuine support, encouragement, and indispensable common-sense advice.
The moment the second line on the pee stick turns pink, women discover they've entered a world of parenting experts.
Friends, family, colleagues, the UPS delivery guy—suddenly everybody is a trove of advice, much of it contradictory and confusing. With dire warnings of what will happen if baby is fed on demand and even direr warnings of what will happen if he isn't, not to mention hordes of militant “lactivists,� cosleeping advocates, and books on what to worry about next, modern parenthood can seem like a minefield.
In busy Mom-friendly short essays, Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay delivers the empathetic straight dirt on parenting, tackling everything from Mommy & Me classes (“Your baby doesn't need to be making friends at three months old—you do! But not with people you'll meet at Mommy & Me�) to attachment parenting (“If you're holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor�). Stefanie Wilder-Taylor combines practical tips with sidesplitting humor and refreshing honesty, assuring women that they can be good mothers and responsibly make their own choices. A witty and welcome antidote to trendy parenting texts and scarifying case studies, Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay provides genuine support, encouragement, and indispensable common-sense advice.
218 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2006
66 people are currently reading
1,722 people want to read
About the author
Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
8Ìýbooks190ÌýfollowersStefanie Wilder-Taylor is the author of six books including Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay, Gummi Bears Should Not be Organic and her latest, Drunk-ish. She also co-hosts the hit podcast For Crying Out Loud as well as Rose Pricks and Bored AF. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three teenagers and her dog, Penelope. She no longer drinks but she may have a serious problem with sugar-free popsicles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
December 12, 2008
I couldn't even finish this one. Probably only the second book of my life I didn't finish. I just couldn't relate to the lady so it wasn't funny to me.
She kept saying she was all for moms doing their own thing but then called them names and insulted them for their choices.
The one that especially irritated me (and I only got through chapter 3) was breastfeeding- she basically says good for you if you could do it- but you're an idiot- because it's not what I would do. She makes it sound like anyone that breastfed is a bossy know it all that wants to dish out unwanted advice... when really I couldn't care less if people want to breastfeed or use formula!
The other thing that really annoyed me is when she makes a comment to the effect that people who say they fall in love with their baby the minute they lay eyes on it are either liars or nuts. I am one of those moms that was instantly in love with my little guy!
She just comes across as judgmental, selfish and defensive!
Plus she has a potty mouth.
Someone I know read it and raved over it- when we discussed that I couldn't even finish it, she said it's only funny if you relate so if you think breastfeeding is ridiculous, didn't bond with your child, or could never make a decision about anything... the first three chapters will be a laugh and a half for you... otherwise- you may want to pass on this one.
She kept saying she was all for moms doing their own thing but then called them names and insulted them for their choices.
The one that especially irritated me (and I only got through chapter 3) was breastfeeding- she basically says good for you if you could do it- but you're an idiot- because it's not what I would do. She makes it sound like anyone that breastfed is a bossy know it all that wants to dish out unwanted advice... when really I couldn't care less if people want to breastfeed or use formula!
The other thing that really annoyed me is when she makes a comment to the effect that people who say they fall in love with their baby the minute they lay eyes on it are either liars or nuts. I am one of those moms that was instantly in love with my little guy!
She just comes across as judgmental, selfish and defensive!
Plus she has a potty mouth.
Someone I know read it and raved over it- when we discussed that I couldn't even finish it, she said it's only funny if you relate so if you think breastfeeding is ridiculous, didn't bond with your child, or could never make a decision about anything... the first three chapters will be a laugh and a half for you... otherwise- you may want to pass on this one.
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September 10, 2010So far, it feels like she tries too hard and I find her to be as insulting towards those people to whom she claims were so insensitive to her. I should have known not to pick up a book with a title like this one. It just screams, "I will insult your intelligence at every turn."
UPDATE: I can't read another page of this book. It's quite possibly one of the worst books I've ever picked up. Avoid at all possible costs. Though I share the sentiment of some of her topics, she rants and rages as though she's personally being accosted, and it's so, so poorly written that I can't even give it another try. She substitutes anger for wit and humor, which is sad because all she's done is contribute to the Mommy War culture she claims to despise.
UPDATE: I can't read another page of this book. It's quite possibly one of the worst books I've ever picked up. Avoid at all possible costs. Though I share the sentiment of some of her topics, she rants and rages as though she's personally being accosted, and it's so, so poorly written that I can't even give it another try. She substitutes anger for wit and humor, which is sad because all she's done is contribute to the Mommy War culture she claims to despise.
October 24, 2008
Cute, easy read. Entertaining and in parts I laughed out loud. Not mind boggling or earth shattering but I doubt that's what Wilder-Taylor was going for.
One part I have to laugh about though is the chapter on what NOT to name your baby. She talks about not giving your child a weird name yet her daughter's name is Elby....
One part I have to laugh about though is the chapter on what NOT to name your baby. She talks about not giving your child a weird name yet her daughter's name is Elby....
May 7, 2008
This book was so hilarious I wished it was 100 pages longer! It's the perfect new parent book and is a nice break from all the serious new baby information books.
January 2, 2016
3.5 stars. Very easy read that quelled some fears and concerns of this first-time mother-to-be. Entertaining with funny bits sprinkled throughout the entire book. Like others have said, some parts get slightly offensive, which I suppose adds to the humorous tone of the author. (Note: I'm not easily insulted and enjoy crude jokes executed without truly malicious intent.)
The book isn't life-changing but is just plain fun to get through in a few days for laughs.
The book isn't life-changing but is just plain fun to get through in a few days for laughs.
March 29, 2016
A good (and very pregnant) friend recommended this book as the "funniest book she has ever read" so this review is in light of my high expectations.
Am I pregnant? No, but with every single other friend pregnant or with a newborn, I thought it would be an interesting read. (Who knew 28 was synonymous with "your biological clock had better be ticking because you'll be attending a million baby showers and be bombarded with the 'when will you be having a baby?' inquiry which the only adequate response is 'oh, we're taking our time' because the question is ENTIRELY to personal to talk about with anyone stupid enough to ask the question...hint...if you have to ask...you aren't close enough to the person to know the real answer) Does that qualify me to read this book even though I am not pregnant? I vote yes.
Is the book funny? Yes. And from speaking with close friends who struggle with the fears of raising a newborn baby, it really is a great lighthearted way to address some serious concerns. Whether it is "baby blues", breastfeeding v. bottle feeding, or how long to let your baby cry at night before you comfort them...the author consistently reassures you that this is YOUR BABY, and you will know him/her best and there is no one right way of doing things.
Is the book hilarious....sadly...no. A short entertaining read, and possibly a true lifesaver for a woman who really is struggling with all the material out there on how to raise a baby the "right way" and has no one else to talk to about it (or no one that will be real with the pregnant mamma-to-be and tell her it will be okay). Perhaps my expectations were simply too high, but if you've interacted with babies before (babysitting or otherwise) you probably already know the crux of the book...there is no right way to raise a baby.
Am I pregnant? No, but with every single other friend pregnant or with a newborn, I thought it would be an interesting read. (Who knew 28 was synonymous with "your biological clock had better be ticking because you'll be attending a million baby showers and be bombarded with the 'when will you be having a baby?' inquiry which the only adequate response is 'oh, we're taking our time' because the question is ENTIRELY to personal to talk about with anyone stupid enough to ask the question...hint...if you have to ask...you aren't close enough to the person to know the real answer) Does that qualify me to read this book even though I am not pregnant? I vote yes.
Is the book funny? Yes. And from speaking with close friends who struggle with the fears of raising a newborn baby, it really is a great lighthearted way to address some serious concerns. Whether it is "baby blues", breastfeeding v. bottle feeding, or how long to let your baby cry at night before you comfort them...the author consistently reassures you that this is YOUR BABY, and you will know him/her best and there is no one right way of doing things.
Is the book hilarious....sadly...no. A short entertaining read, and possibly a true lifesaver for a woman who really is struggling with all the material out there on how to raise a baby the "right way" and has no one else to talk to about it (or no one that will be real with the pregnant mamma-to-be and tell her it will be okay). Perhaps my expectations were simply too high, but if you've interacted with babies before (babysitting or otherwise) you probably already know the crux of the book...there is no right way to raise a baby.
May 12, 2013
This is not a parenting book. Do not buy or read this book if you are looking to get tips on how to feed, bathe or do tummy time with little Bobby or Petra.
This is a book for parents or parents-to-be that have irreverent senses of humor, slightly terrified and just a little judgmental of all of the parenting shenanigans that have been going around.
I'm a first time mom (due very soon) but I'm also the oldest of five girls. With BIG age gaps, so I've done Mommy Jr. before and some stuff I can agree with. Others, I have no experience.
You take this book with a grain of salt (even knowing she's friends with Chelsea Handler which was a big -1000 for me at the beginning) and you'll find yourself laughing at yourself, at others and at her.
I will admit that, while I have no love for attachment parenting or the discipline your child until she/he hates you, Wilder's tone is a bit harsh about those forms of parenting. What she's trying to present is a bit of balance and instinct.
Hey, to each their own.
However, there are definitely some parts of the book that I can relate to already and for that, I can forget who she's friends with.
This is a book for parents or parents-to-be that have irreverent senses of humor, slightly terrified and just a little judgmental of all of the parenting shenanigans that have been going around.
I'm a first time mom (due very soon) but I'm also the oldest of five girls. With BIG age gaps, so I've done Mommy Jr. before and some stuff I can agree with. Others, I have no experience.
You take this book with a grain of salt (even knowing she's friends with Chelsea Handler which was a big -1000 for me at the beginning) and you'll find yourself laughing at yourself, at others and at her.
I will admit that, while I have no love for attachment parenting or the discipline your child until she/he hates you, Wilder's tone is a bit harsh about those forms of parenting. What she's trying to present is a bit of balance and instinct.
Hey, to each their own.
However, there are definitely some parts of the book that I can relate to already and for that, I can forget who she's friends with.
December 4, 2012
You don't have to be a new mom, or even have the twinkle of a baby in your eye, to enjoy this book - trust me! I'm a hardcore fan of "For Crying Out Loud," the podcast Stefani Wilder-Taylor does with Lynette Carolla, Both women have radically changed my opinion of what a "mom" is (in the best way), but that is a ramble for another time. Both women are utterly hilarious, so once I realized Wilder-Taylor has written some books, I knew I had to get my hands on them. This book doesn't disappoint. It's incredibly funny while still actually giving good advice on how to cope after having a baby - most importantly, to raise your child as you see fit, not to fall into any fad like attachment parenting, etc etc. There are short little sections with checklists mocking how far your child should be, developmentally, and pick-up lines to use on other new moms who look sane enough to be your friend. Many parts of this book will have you laughing out loud.
April 14, 2010
With such an awesome title, I really wanted to dive into this book. However, she is so utterly disrespectful of mothers who make choices that differ from her own (i.e., making one's own baby food, supporting La Leche League, staying home) that I only made it through three-fourths of it with A LOT of effort. I expected her to poke fun at judgmental mothers, not be one. The only good chapter was on how to treat a babysitter. The advice given in this book is ridiculous. To have a support group for women who find it too painful to breastfeed, that's great. What the author suggests is advocating formula, which is bad for the environment and economy and not best for infant development. Additionally, the STI and drug references become unfunny fast. So on top of being misinformed, this writer isn't funny! I honestly regret the time I spent reading this.
June 3, 2010
I recommend this book for women (or men, for that matter) who are not uptight and have a sense of humor. This quick read is not for the easily offended type.
If you're an expecting or new mother, and tired of the 'hum drum, dry as a text book' baby reads that are oh so common, then you definetly should read this book.
As a new mom, I've read my fair share of baby books. Probably more than neccessary, but I have never experienced one like Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay.
It was humorously written, and every bit enjoyable. The author is a brilliantly sarcastic woman with comical views on becoming a new parent.
The "chapters" are short, so it's a quick read and well worth it!
If you're an expecting or new mother, and tired of the 'hum drum, dry as a text book' baby reads that are oh so common, then you definetly should read this book.
As a new mom, I've read my fair share of baby books. Probably more than neccessary, but I have never experienced one like Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay.
It was humorously written, and every bit enjoyable. The author is a brilliantly sarcastic woman with comical views on becoming a new parent.
The "chapters" are short, so it's a quick read and well worth it!
Want to read
October 1, 2008I may have liked this book at one time but at this point in my life after reading the first couple pages I simply can't waste my time reading it, there are far too many other books that I want to read.
I thought it would be a welcomed break from the more serious things I've been reading lately but not so. She has a mouth like a sailor which at one point in my life would have made me relate to her more but today it only repulsed me. To each his own but this is not my cup of tea.
I thought it would be a welcomed break from the more serious things I've been reading lately but not so. She has a mouth like a sailor which at one point in my life would have made me relate to her more but today it only repulsed me. To each his own but this is not my cup of tea.
December 10, 2013
This was a gift from a friend during my first pregnancy and was just what the doctor ordered. I found it relevant and very funny!
Read
October 22, 2023I'm not going to rate this. The insights are probably great for the target audience (soon to be and brand new moms) but....this was written in 2006 and it did NOT age well. I made it a whole chapter in before DNFing after she calls women marching for breast feeding rights "tit terrorists." 😅
The jokes are super edgy nlog mid2000s, exactly what you'd expect, but if this was ever revised with all the insights and sans the awful unfunny humor, I might try it again.
The jokes are super edgy nlog mid2000s, exactly what you'd expect, but if this was ever revised with all the insights and sans the awful unfunny humor, I might try it again.
June 5, 2019
Advise tidbits for new moms that are written with a good sense of humor.
Quick read, short chapters and totally relatable.
Quick read, short chapters and totally relatable.
September 18, 2010
If you're an expecting or new mother, and tired of the 'hum drum, dry as a text book' baby reads that are oh so common, then you definetly should read this book. As a new mom, I've read my fair share of baby books. Probably more than neccessary, but I have never experienced one like Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay. I have read many textbooks that tell me I will have the "happiest baby on the block", how to help my child sleep through the night, etc. etc. etc., I tried and failed over and over again to get my son to sleep through the night following their "plans". Guess what, he slept through the night when he was good and ready. Reading all these other books made me feel like a failure, like a complete incompetent idiot, and a very bad mother at times. I finally decided to do what I want to do, when I want to do it, follow my instincts, and guess what, I was HAPPIER. Then I decided to read this book because the title simply made me curious and sounded entertaining... and guess what, I was entertained!
I recommend this book for women who are not uptight and have a sense of humor or who do not follow any sort of "extreme" parenting. This quick read is not for the easily offended type. There were many parts of the book that made me laugh out loud, and actually highlight (on my kindle) so that I could share the funny quips with you!
This quote talks about "mommy fever" -- the extreme mother who dresses herself identical to her daughter, etc. . "They spend so much time focused on their kids that they couldn't pick their husband's penis out of a police line up!" HA! LOL.
or...
"I'm sorry, if you are holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor!"
and lastly,
"If you want to hold your baby, hold your baby, if you want to put your baby down, put your baby down for a nap and she cries a little, so what? She'll stop. IF your baby is hungry feed your baby. You know what's best.
I was entertained!
I recommend this book for women who are not uptight and have a sense of humor or who do not follow any sort of "extreme" parenting. This quick read is not for the easily offended type. There were many parts of the book that made me laugh out loud, and actually highlight (on my kindle) so that I could share the funny quips with you!
This quote talks about "mommy fever" -- the extreme mother who dresses herself identical to her daughter, etc. . "They spend so much time focused on their kids that they couldn't pick their husband's penis out of a police line up!" HA! LOL.
or...
"I'm sorry, if you are holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor!"
and lastly,
"If you want to hold your baby, hold your baby, if you want to put your baby down, put your baby down for a nap and she cries a little, so what? She'll stop. IF your baby is hungry feed your baby. You know what's best.
I was entertained!
April 17, 2008
This was the most incredible book I've ever read on being a mom! Even though my daughter is already two years old, it was still relevant and hilarious. I haven't laughed this hard from a book in a long time. This is the answer guide for all mom's. Realistic, funny, and makes you feel like you are doing a good job, despite what that alpha mom down the street says. Below is are some quotes from the book
"According to the paranoia-inducing early child development books that we moms seem to pore over obsessively, by the time our babies are a few weeks old, we should be able to read their cues and discern their needs from the sound of their cries. This is a load of Crap!"
"If you're holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor."
"Your baby doesn't need to be making friends at 3 months - You Do!"
"According to the paranoia-inducing early child development books that we moms seem to pore over obsessively, by the time our babies are a few weeks old, we should be able to read their cues and discern their needs from the sound of their cries. This is a load of Crap!"
"If you're holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor."
"Your baby doesn't need to be making friends at 3 months - You Do!"
July 13, 2008
I'm throwing out all my old parenting books! I feel like I've just witnessed "Sex in the City: The Parenting Years."
The author made me feel better about my child throwing a screaming fit at the store, his addiction to Baby Einstein (the reason for his screaming fit), and my need for a sitter, or a drink, every once and a while. She also opened my eyes to the fact that not all of the fabulous people who dare to be around me need to hear all about my child all the time. SORRY GIRLS..I'll work on it.
BOTTOM LINE: Love your child and yourself and do what's right for both. AH-HA!
May 10, 2009
A quick easy read for any new mom with a sense of humor. I see that it got really mixed reviews, and I see why, but no new mom experiences things exactly alike, that's the whole point of the book. There were some chapters I couldn't relate to, but I still found them funny, and the ones I did relate to had me rolling on the floor laughing. Motherhood is the most amazing experience, but you have to be able to laugh at yourself through the process. This book was a great reminder to me that it's ok to let myself off the hook for not being perfect. My little one still things I hung the moon....
October 5, 2007
I absolutely loved this book and saw a lot of myself in it. Truly hilarious! The basic message is that even though pregnancy and the early days of motherhood are filled with the most terrifying and life-changing moments a woman can experience (being ultimately responsible for another tiny being's very existence), it's okay to trust your instincts and to rely on your common sense...instead of driving yourself nuts with information overload and competing with all the crazy Supermoms out there. We all need to relax, admit that we are not perfect and give pragmatism a go.
January 11, 2009
This is a fun, quick read for a new mom. Much like Jenny McCarthy's books, Sippy Cups... talks to new moms with that same in your face snark, with much less talk about poop (although no book about a new baby would be complete without SOME poop talk, let's get real.)
Wilder-Taylor seems like a mom right up my alley. She recognizes that the What to Expect books are more helpful than scary, that mom competition can drive anyone (but particularly a brand new mom) insane, and that it's HARD to get back to your old body, your old friends, and your old life after having a baby.
Thumbs up!
Wilder-Taylor seems like a mom right up my alley. She recognizes that the What to Expect books are more helpful than scary, that mom competition can drive anyone (but particularly a brand new mom) insane, and that it's HARD to get back to your old body, your old friends, and your old life after having a baby.
Thumbs up!
July 22, 2008
As a natural childbirth advocate ~ i found this book disheartening. It was given as a gift to be light hearted and silly (which on occassion it was) but unfortuantely not even in the same realm of silly as "Belly Laughs" ~ and far too much give me the drugs / breastfeeding nazi's are stupid for me to ever enjoy.
July 3, 2011
Not my cup of tea (or sippy of chardonnay as the case may be!). The author seems so judgmental of moms who don't parent as she does and then rails on other moms for being judgmental! What is right for one family certainly isn't right for every family. I was hoping for a little humor, not wise words on parenting, but found neither.
July 24, 2012
After dealing with all of the anxiety of being a new mom and trying to get everything "right" this was a welcome change of pace. I appreciated all of the light-hearted jabs and references to all of the new mom stuff, and it made it easier for me to approach mommy-hood with a sense of levity and fun. Definitely needed this when I read it.
May 30, 2016
I feel awful for this rating as this book was given as a gift and I so wanted to like it. Instead, I avoided reading it once i started and when I did read it, I felt so nervous and scared. I think the writer was going for funny and sarcastic, but she mostly made it seem like she mostly tolerated motherhood
January 19, 2014
3.5 stars. Easy read. Many reviewers were offended, but I laughed out loud several times and that rarely happens! This was given to me as a baby shower gift and I plan to pass it along to my other mom friends. If you find humor in sarcasm, you'll like this one.
January 22, 2014
I guess I was hoping for funny "new mom" stories, but the chapters were pretty unoriginal. It was a struggle to finish the book.
Honestly, I only got it because I read somewhere online that the author had a major drinking problem. That intrigued me.
Honestly, I only got it because I read somewhere online that the author had a major drinking problem. That intrigued me.
May 27, 2008
This book is hilarious! The things Stephanie writes about are just so true and it is a must read for anyone who is a mom or who is a mom-to-be.
November 7, 2013
I thought this was very funny. Made for good reading during the 3 am feedings.
January 8, 2014
Easy read, very comical!
February 11, 2014
My favorite parenting book so far. It reminds you not to take yourself too seriously. I laughed out loud many times and I'm kind of sad that my book is over.
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