Customer Reviews

Little Steps for New Parents: Birth to One Year

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Of all the dozens and dozens of books on the market, this should be required reading for new parents. First of all, it's quick and easy to read, which is crucial for people with a baby. Who has time to slog throught thousands of pages of advice when you're sleep deprived? I like the way the information is presented, too. I learned a lot about infant brain development, and the simple things that parents can do to help their child grow. Most of all, I felt like I was treated like an adult, who already knows some of the most important things to do, like holding and playing and singing. There's also a place to write a weekly update, so it makes this a journal as well as an information book. This will be around long after all the other baby books are collecting dust on the shelf.

I love this book and I religiously do all of the exercises and write in the journal every week. It will be a nice keepsake when my daughter is older and makes for a unique way of remembering her first year (as compared to a typical baby book which records the same old stuff -- baby shower gifts, date of first tooth, etc.) My only criticism of this book is that it tends to be unrealistic at times and I sometimes wonder if the person who wrote it is actually a parent. For example, at seven months or so it starts talking about what to do when your baby points at something -- but most of my parenting books tell you not to expect your baby to use gestures until at least 10 months. It also talks about giving solids at four months though most pediatricians recommend waiting until six months. And some of the exercises are a little too time consuming for the average new mom; for example, who has time to sew velcro all over an apron and attach toys to it? A cute idea, but not very practical. Other than that, I do really like this book and look forward to doing the activities with my baby every week.