What are some good books to learn about babies?
I am planning on trying to get pregnant soon but I know nothing about babies. I was an only child and have never been close to anyone with a child so I am completely clueless. I understand the basics obviously but I do realize that there are many dos and donts. I need all the help I can get!!
By: payton23
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February 29th, 2008 at 5:09 am
‘What to expect when you are expecting’ is the best EVER. It saved me when i had mine.
March 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
Desmond Morris’ “Babywatching” is quite interesting, the Dr Sears books are pretty much beyond reproach, Penelope Leach’s “Your Baby and Child” is a good basic manual…
The “What to Expect” series is full of misinformation and bad parenting advice — skip them! Science-free garbage with an agenda (part of which is “You know nothing, Mom — don’t trust yourself, and ignore your instincts”). The info on breastfeeding is particularly ridiculous and error-riddled. “Dr Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding,” which I think is called “The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers” in the States, is excellent, a must-read. For pregnancy/birth matters, apart from the Dr Sears books, Sheila Kitzinger is good, and Henci Goer’s “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” is another must-read.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:29 am
The “what to expect” series is good for general information (what to expect when you’re expecting, first year and toddler years). It isn’t child specific and gives you basic info. Something else you may try is volunteering at a daycare (church or civic group, etc) for interaction with small children. Check your local library for different books in the child care section. I’m not sure if they have one for parenting (probably not, but it’s worth a look) but the “Dummy” books like the ones they have for finance, computers, do-it-yourselfers, etc.
Honestly though, parenting and babies are more of a hands on/in the moment type situation. Biggest piece of advice I can give you in the “parenting” department is Don’t take things too seriously and don’t over react to bumps and bruises. Kids are going to fall and get bumps. They look to you first for a reaction to see if you freak out. If you do, then they will.
Good luck and hope I helped
March 7th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
You are so wise to want to look into this now before you even get pregnant. There are lots and lots of books out there. Many are awful and many are wonderful. You will have to decide how you want to take care of your baby and to whom you want to listen and learn from. The best way is to start with a few writers and see what sounds “right” to you and what sounds ridiculous or wrong to you. You will be able to find support for whatever you end up believing! A few good resources to start with are:
“What to Expect the First Year.”
“Your Baby and Child” by Penelope Leach (anything written by her is worth looking at and seeing what you think about her style and philosophy of child rearing)
“TouchPoints” by T.Berry Brazelton — same with him. He is a developmental pediatrician with strong views about how to treat babies. He has written many books and has his own beliefs and reasons for how he thinks babies should be treated. If what he says makes sense to you, keep reading his books.
“Baby and Child Care” by Benjamin Spock is the “Bible” for parents from the 1950′s. It will answer a lot of questions about general baby care and is a good resource to have. It is available in paperback (as they all are but this one should be under $10) and can really enlighten you as to how the passed few generations of children were raised.
As I said, this is a beginning and if you read a few of these, you will get a general sense of the different ways to approach parenting.
Good luck!
March 10th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I will have to disagree with answer #2. “what to expect when you are expecting” is a great book- it is not misleading and it actually provides very helpful information. The book has been around for many years and it has been updated accordingly. It was really helpful to me when I got pregnant. I also got “what to expect the first year” and it has been really helpful also; As with ANY book, you should use them as a reference and as a help tool not as the ultimate last word. I was never really around kids until I had my baby girl 4 months ago and let me tell you that, you have nothing to worry about! your mom instinct will help you a lot and just by spending time with your baby you will get to know him very well w/o any books. Sure the first month will be scary and tough but your baby alone will let you know and give you hints of what it needs! more than anything just love your baby, they can pick up on your emotions~ when you are upset, stressed or just plain happy.
Good Luck!