Baby Steps, Second Edition: A Guide to Your Child's Social, Physical, Mental and Emotional Development in the First Two Years (Owl Book) [Paperback]

Claire B. Kopp (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0805072438 | ISBN-13: 978-0805072433 | Publication Date: February 1, 2003 | Edition: Second Edition

A revised and updated edition of this popular
step-by-step guide to baby development
When Baby Steps was first published in 1993, it was named one of the 10 Best Parenting Books by Child magazine. Now, this popular guide to baby's first two years has been completely revised to incorporate the latest research on the young child's developing brain and behavior, including brand-new material on temperament, language, and memory.
Baby Steps pinpoints the important events in an infant's life, examining them month by month for the first year, and in three-month intervals during the second year. Beginning with a "miniguide" to early development, the book goes on to a cover such important subjects as sleep, crying, colic, motor development, social play, and toilet training. Developmental hints and alerts throughout the book provide parents with a clear understanding of the full range of "normal" behaviors for each phase, helping to allay common anxieties.
An accessible, concrete guide to infant and toddler behavior, Baby Steps takes much of the guesswork out of parenting.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In contrast to all the 'how to' guides, this book provides readers with the in-depth developmental understanding they need to cultivate parenting techniques that work best for them and their toddler."-Child magazine

About the Author

Claire B. Kopp, Ph.D., is an acclaimed developmental psychologist. She has been a professor at Claremont Graduate University and was also an adjunct professor at UCLA for more than twenty years. Baby Steps is the result of over three decades of her work with children and parents, as well as her own experiences as a mother and grandmother. She lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks; Second Edition edition (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805072438
• ISBN-13: 978-0805072433
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating 'guidebook' for your babies develpment., December 19, 2005

By 

Sam (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baby Steps, Second Edition: A Guide to Your Child's Social, Physical, Mental and Emotional Development in the First Two Years (Owl Book) (Paperback)

The book covers child development from birth to 24 months, with a chapter corresponding to a month of the childs life. Each chapter covers Motor Control, Perception, Vocalizations, Cognition, Social Development and one or two other topics such as crying, physical development milestones, socializing etc.
I've found it fascinating to watch our twin boys develop and read about their developmental progress in this book. It's very easy to read, gives a lot of information without delving too much into actual physiological reasons for behaviours/abilities like a lot of other Developmental guides.
My only complaint is that the print quality of the book is very poor, and my copy also had sections of text actually missing due to printing errors. Hopefully these problems will be rectified, as it really is an excellent read and I'd highly recommend it for new parents!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise and Worthwhile for new parents on Child Development, August 12, 2007

By 

Christa N. Rosas (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Baby Steps, Second Edition: A Guide to Your Child's Social, Physical, Mental and Emotional Development in the First Two Years (Owl Book) (Paperback)

I purchased this book because I want to make sure that I keep a keen eye on my child's development the first year. This includes, knowing when something is wrong, knowing when he is behind in developing and normal activities that my child enjoys each month as they progress. This book provides all of that in a concise month to month format. Each chapter is broken down into the following sections: Overview, Images in Development (includes, to name a few: Motor Control, Perception, hearing, cognition, vocalization), Developmental Close-up (includes, to name a few: sleep/wakefullness, motor reflexes,crying, colic).
I don't have a lot of time to read about these things and don't want a book that talks over my head and this book is perfect for this requirements. For example, one of the things my infant does is to bend his arm at the elbow and place his palm nex to his head while the other arm is straight at his side. I thought this was just a cute thing he did but upon reading the book realized this a reflex called "tonic neck reflex" and should disappear by month six. If it has not then my child needs to be tested for a neurological disorder.
As a parent, it is imperative to know what to look for as your child develops. A pediatrician can only diagnose what he sees or what you tell him about. I would not have known to look for this reflex and its continued existence past 6 months without this book. This is just one example of how this book has helped me.
I recommed this book over the Dr Spock books anytime. If you want a book on how to calm your baby in the first three months of life you HAVE to get the book and DVD called" The happies baby on the block".
Happy hunting for the perfect book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars helpful, February 24, 2006

By 

Heather E. Schardan "HeatherS" (the ATL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baby Steps, Second Edition: A Guide to Your Child's Social, Physical, Mental and Emotional Development in the First Two Years (Owl Book) (Paperback)

I think this book is a helpful guide. It is a quick, easy read when you are using it by the month. "Baby Steps" gives an accurate overview of where your child is at physically and emotionally--just as the title says. I feel like it sheds light on the mystery and subtlety of a new baby for a first time parent.