Pamela wasn’t expecting such strong reception for her book, but she didn’t find the criticisms (like that she over-glorified French parenting) a surprise. Some readers were offended, but others appreciated the alternative approach and requested a condensed version that just dispenses advice. Pamela notes that the 100 pieces of advice contained in Bébé Day by Day are not her own, and not everything works for every parent. Still, much of the French parenting approach is backed by current research; she looks forward to seeing how parenting will evolve with all of this new information.

Pamela points out the importance of word choice. When describing pregnancy, she encourages readers to shift their thinking away from anxiety and toward “serenity, balance, and Zen” (275). The first nine points of advice are about the importance of not overanalyzing pregnancy but rather enjoying it: A calm mother is said to produce a calmer child. Expectant mothers should be careful about eating but not panic for overindulging. Dressing in ways that boost self-esteem and remaining sexual are also important. Women shouldn’t berate themselves for having an epidural during childbirth. Finally, fathers should avoid viewing the moment of childbirth directly, to preserve the “feminine mystique.”