Babyhood [Paperback]

Penelope Leach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 1983

Leach show us, almost month by month, what your baby will do so that you can understand and anticipate your child's development and behavior. She explains what is happening to the child - physically, mentally and emotionally - from newborn to 2 years old

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Leach show us, almost month by month, what your baby will do so that you can understand and anticipate your child's development and behavior. She explains what is happening to the child - physically, mentally and emotionally - from newborn to 2 years old

Product Details

• Paperback: 413 pages
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf; 2 Rev Exp edition (June 12, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394714369
• ISBN-13: 978-0394714363
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #597,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Babies haven't changed - still a relevant resource!, May 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Babyhood (Paperback)

While I share the disappointment that this book has not been updated, I disagree wholeheartedly with the charge that this book has little relevance for the contemporary parent. I presume most people who are reading 'baby' books are using several resources, and if you couple what you know from the more contemporary resources with this book, I think you'll not only come away with an understanding of early child development, but perhaps a new respect for Penelope Leach as an expert in the field.

As for her advice on feeding prior to 1 year, she advocates the breast for at least 6 months which consistent with contemporary thinking. But beyond that, she's practical in that she understands that breast feeding isn't always possible and without the guilt trips of so many writers with a mission, she lets the mother off the hook and in fact, provides some real comfort.

I read this book with my first child over 6 years ago, and I'm reading it again as we've a baby due next month. And yes, I'm reading several other "how to" and "what to expect" books yet I'm still enamored with this book.

If you have an academic bent, this book will not only provide you with solid information, it will provide you with an enjoyable read.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dated, but a fascinating read, January 14, 2001

By 

Joan "joan2742" (Edgewater, MD, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Babyhood (Paperback)

I honestly enjoyed reading this book. Unlike the majority of books about babies, this one is written for those who enjoy understanding the research behind the advice. It also contained many ideas and pieces of information that I doubt I would have found elsewhere. But be forewarned that the book is by no means "unbiased". This author has as many opinions as any other- the difference is that she frequently cites the studies that influenced her opinion, which give the reader a better understanding of where she's coming from.

On the negative side, this book is older, and not much effort has been made to update it. For example, I would definitely *not* follow any of the feeding advice, with the possible exception of that pertaining to infants over one year of age. In addition, the book is written with relatively dense language, that some may find hard to read and fairly dry.

To sum up, I used this book mostly for its extensive information on the progress of child development from birth to age two. I definitely did not agree with all of the author's ideas about child raising, and would recommend it only as a supplemental resource.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best "baby book" that I read!, October 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Babyhood (Paperback)

Seemed as though Dr. Leach spoke to me, in her manner of writing. There's a tremendous amount of information in this text. Dr. Leach provides insight as to the emotional maturity of both the infant AND the parent, which many other resources did not. Many people told me to read "What to Expect When You're Expecting", and I did. Where that book just grazed certain topics, Babyhood explored them fully and provided various methods of approaching developmental milestones or the lack thereof. I'm a very thorough person - into detail - and loved it!!