Customer Reviews

Entertaining and Educating Babies and Toddlers (Usborne Parents' Guides)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the best book I've found with activities for babies. It's simple, to the point, and a quick read. I'm a nanny for one little girl--this book helped pass the long days when she was very small. I really liked the ideas that didn't require money--babies love household items. They learn so much from everyday objects. If you're looking for some different activities--this is the book to get.

As the mother of a 5 month old and a 23 month old, I thought this book might be a good mix of ideas for both my girls. The few SAFE ideas presented are things my 23 month old did in her first year. There was nothing new presented and nothing that seemed applicable to her now at almost 2. That said, the baby ideas were a bit on the dangerous side. The book suggests tying toys in the babies crib which seems to create a choking hazard. It also reccommends walkers for babies. Walkers have been strongly advised against by the AAP for years now. Lastly, the book suggests using planks of wood to create a gym in your living room. I don't keep planks of wood around, let along ones that are sanded & varnished with rounded corners. Overall this book was a complete waste of money.

This is the best book I have come accross on the subject, and the only one i ended up using since the birth of my son. Its jam packed with great ideas on childrens activities- which are at the same time educational.
Makes a great present to new parents!
buy it!

First the good:

I think this book has some interesting and imaginative ideas and I think it is worth reading (for what it's worth, you can buy sanded planks with rounded corners in the fittings department of your local lumberyard and if not, it is not that hard to sand corners down, etc). Many other ideas may be inspiring to many new parents.

Now the negative:

There are many ideas in this book which are useful but require close supervision. I didn't feel like the book discussed safety measures enough. For example, I personally think that toys like walkers are ok as long as one is closely supervising the infant (whether they provide enough value is another question), and many of the toys seemed to me to be possible choking hazards if used without proper supervision

All in all, I would recommend the book. I would however suggest reading up on infant safety from other sources and reading this book afterwards.