Infant-and-Toddler-Development Books

I love this baby book because it allows you to record milestones and memories without asking for every little minute detail that you really wouldn't want to know 20 years from now (what time and date was baby's first B.M....stuff like that) that some baby books ask. It is good for either a girl or a boy and since we didn't know until our son was born that he was a boy this was key for me. There are pockets to put in all the stuff you want to save (hospital bracelet, ultrasound picture..etc) and it also goes up to 5 years instead of stopping at just 1. It does not have a month to month picture and update section so if that is what you are looking for this is not the baby book for you.

I spent a LOT of time looking for the right memory book for my daughter when she was born. I started to look around for a different one for the son I am expecting next month, and decided to go with this one again. The second one will feel cheated out of enough as it is; but at least I can give him the same quality memory book - provided I keep up with it! But as my daughter approaches 5, I'm so glad that I did continue to fill in hers. It is a wonderful keepsake - and incentive to print out at least a few of the 1000s of digital photos.

I was delighted with all the different pages. Seems to have a place for almost everything. The monthly photo section is my favorite I think. The book is made very well and should hold up for years and years. My only complaint is that I wish it had more envelopes to tuck small keepsakes in. But it shouldn't be a problems for me to add more in. This is still the best Baby's book you can get for this price. And I spent long hours hunting for the perfect one.

I am happy with this book. It has dividers for each section, it has pockets for storing things. It really is detailed for recording all the "firsts". It has a page for each month and then 'milestones and achievements' for 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5. It has milestones such as first scribbles, uses own name, turns pages one by one, points to pictures in a book. For having our first child it has covered practically everything that I wouldn't know to record. I have two books (this one I bought and the other was a gift). This is much more detailed than the other so it depends on what you are looking for. Also, the other book I have is more cute-sy and refers to parents as Mommy and Daddy. This book refers to parents as Mother & Father as well as Mommy and Daddy, Mom and Dad. For instance it says "Mom's Page" but then it says "Mother's full name." I like it better in that regard. Bottom line, I'd buy it again.

I really like it, I had looked around for a while. Easy to fill out, asks alot of questions that I wouldn't even think of. Only things I don't like are there are no "teeth charts" to chart which of the baby's teeth came in first, and theres not a whole 'lotta room to write notes on the pages if you decide to put their monthly pics. Overall I think it's fine and will probably buy a couple more for my expectant friends.

I liked this book, it has some valuable perspectives on helping your kids learn to express themselves and handle their emotions. It provided me useful insights into how some typical parent behaviors can have unexpected undesirable side effects on the child's development.

I found the cover and title misleading, I think I was expecting something about the secret language of babies that might be helpful in the first year or two. This is more of a methodology of child rearing in the attachment parenting vein. On the plus side I think the techniques would continue to be useful long after your child learns to talk.

This is a very interesting and informative book.Its a good guide book to deal with a infant. I am parent for the first time and its helping me a lot to reshape my behaviour towards my baby. I am more calm, focused and less irritated when my baby is fussy or angry. Its because the books gives you insight about the infant mind which is otherwise difficult to read for ordinary people. So this is a must buy book for parents.

I am not the most perceptive person when it comes to understanding my baby's emotions, so this book was very helpful to me. I often mistook fear for surprise, or didn't always notice disgust or shame, etc. This book describes the actual physical facial characteristics so that I can easily understand which emotion he is displaying. It also has great information on relating to your baby in general.

On the last day of my developmental psychology class, just before I completed my degree, my professor ended the class with one sentence: "I know all of you have wondered at some point during the semester what you will some day do as parents. My advice is simple. Read What Babies Say Before They Can Talk." I frantically jotted this down in my planner and went on with life. A while later when we were expecting our son, I gladly ordered this book and was blown away at how far above and beyond it exceeded my expectations.

I must admit after completing the book I am very jealous. I worked extremely hard on my school's pre-medical psychology degree track to obtain pieces of the knowledge presented in this book. While I had to also learn names, theory and cite endless laboratory proof just to come away with the "good stuff", like how to be a thoughtful and effective parent, it seems a teensy bit unfair that this one small book could give parents the same arsenal of knowledge I am coming into parenthood with after years of extensive study. Nevertheless, I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who is wanting to break the bonds of over-protective, bossy, traditional parenthood roles and allow their children to truly grow with wise and empowering guidance. If I had to pick only one parenting book to read, this would be it. I think you'll find your fears of turining into your parents (or having out-of-control toddlers) melt away with each page that you turn.

(For anyone, psychology-degreed or not, who is interested in reading further on the subject of non-judgemental parenting, may I also recommend "Redirecting Children's Behavior" by Kathryn J. Kvols. This gives you the skills to parent beyond the baby years into the toddler and teenage years with wisdom that could not be learned by yourself in a thousand lifetimes of raising children.)

The saying "a picture is worth a thousand words," is very true...especially when it comes to facial expressions. How many times have you looked at a baby's face and wondered what they were thinking? How frustrating it must be for them to want to verbally communicate with others, but being too young to know how. What if you could "read" a baby's cues, and know exactly what they were feeling?

In the book, "What Babies Say Before They Can Talk: The Nine Signals Infants Use to Express Their Feelings," Paul C. Holinger, M.D., M.P.H., discusses nine simple "signals" that babies use to express their feelings: These signals are: interest, enjoyment, surprise, distress, anger, fear, shame, disgust, and dissmell. The author explains how children are born knowing how to communicate their feelings with these symbols, and that adults need to take the time to understand and learn how their child communicates using these symbols.

This book also includes much information about parenting, helping your children develop high self-esteem, and explains the nine signals in detail.

MyParenTime.com highly recommends this book -- learning how a baby communicates creates better understanding, better interaction, and a better relationship between parent and child. In addition, responding to a child's needs early on, makes happier and healthier parents and children.

I just had triplets in November and this book was a gift. I took a lot of the advice and tips Blythe had in this book and applied it with my babies. I suggest if you have a baby that is fussy or colic, this book will help you out!

Common sense advice that we sometimes need in the middle of a crisis!

I enjoyed the easy to read tips and cute photos through-out the book. "Help, My Baby Came without Instructions" has good advice for your marriage and reminders to take care of yourself -- something we often forget to do when we're taking care of our new babies.

I wish I had this book around when I brought my twin daughters home. They were difficult to get to sleep and if I had used some of Blythe's advice they would probably be better sleepers today!

I thought most of the info in this book was pretty common sense. Its sort of a cute little book which is why I gave it two stars, but I didn't learn anything from it.

I bought this for a present and found myself reading it before I gift wrapped it. Sure wish this book had been around when my kids were babies. Great tips, and very easy to read! Can pick it up on the spot during a "crisis" and get immediate advise! Just right for those times when you don't want to bother the pediatrician, but could use some really good suggestions. Great for new mom's groups to use for discussions as well...hurry up with the sequel Blythe!!!

I was out for the first time with a friend after having my little girl and I saw the book, "Help, My Baby Came Without Instructions." That's exactly what I was thinking at the time so I bought it. My friend was in town to help out with the baby for the weekend so while I took a much needed rest, she read a couple of the tips in the book. Viola, when I got up I did't hear crying and the baby was asleep in the crib... for the first time! The warm blanket comforted her and putting her in the corner of the crib instead of the middle was perfect. So many of Blythe's tips have helped us. I don't know where we'd be today without knowing these valuable bits of helpful information!

Maybe I just have a lot of common mother's sense, but this book really hasn't helped me figure much of anything out. I read through it while breastfeeding in the early days and enjoyed the author's humor most of the time. I learned some interesting information from it, but honestly have never picked it up for reference since. Certainly it can't hurt to have the book on hand, but I wouldn't call it a "must-have".

I'm a first time Dad of twins, and a book worm, so of course before the kids came I sampled many of the latest resources out there. While many were pretty good, this was definitely my favorite. Very concise, pragmatic, and most importantly entertaining. I especially love the little "baby myths" sprinkled throughout the book.

The book is very easy to read, accurate and practical [down to earth]. A MUST have!

As a grandfather to be, this book really caught my attention. After browsing through it, and then reading some of the chapters, I immediately bought books for my wife and I and my expectant daughter (an OB-GYN). My daughter then bought and sent copies to all her expectant friends and now recommends this book to her newly pregnant patients! Dr. Altman is insightful, sensitive, and covers every topic in a caring, easy to understand, and informative manner. A MUST!!!

Move over Dr. Spock!!! There is a new expert in town--Dr. Stuart Altman has written a most useful, informative and insightful book for your baby's first year. As a mother of three daughters and now a grandmother, I only wish I had this easy to read book of medical knowledge and advice many years ago. I know you will love it and will recommend it to all your friends.

As both an educator serving hundreds of children over the past 12 years, and a mother of three I have found this sensational, practical book a wonderful resource. Parents, teachers and caregivers will find in this well organized, clearly written book a wealth of information for situations that all of us who nurture children encounter throughout our daily interactions. A true, sensitive delight filled with hundreds of user friendly exercises, fresh ideas and insights into how the world sounds to children today. Helen Shaw, secondary school teacher

This book is an excellent resource for both parents and educators who deal with both mainstream and challenged populations. For those of us interested in gaining from the benefits of the latest brain research, or "brain-compatible strategies," without having to sort through the theoretical concepts or scientific research that often make these books cumbersome this book is the answer. The author--a clinical psychologist with actual experience in these matters--shares with us his years of research and professional experience in a very handy, ready to use volume that provides hundreds of fun, useful, hands-on exercises. Each chapter also thoughtfully provides dozens of musical suggestions based on songs that our kids actually listen to and recognize. The amount of research that must have gone into this book boggles the mind. This is an offering from someone who not only KNOWS children, but also loves and cherishes them. If you are fortunate enough to attend one of Dr. Ortiz's workshops on this topic you will be further enriched and enchanted by his charm, knowledge and humor. Mindy Mother of two, educator

This is an exceptional guide for teachers and parents
alike. Well written, filled with creative exercises
and handy resources. Brings color to any environment!

As both a parent and an educator I find this simple to read, highly accessible tool is a "must read" for all of us whose primary emphasis is to raise children to be happy, responsible individuals. Sections on developing positive self-esteem, dealing with hyperactive children and developing creativity are among the best.

A dream tool!

I bought this highly recommended book to assist me with the many practical ideas that all caregivers crave. The book has easily surpassed my expectations and lived up to all the high praise and accolades from my friends. As a mother who also home schools two children, however, this book is a rich source of hands-on activities as well as inspiration for enriching family bonds. For parents-or nursery home workers-in search of very effective solutions for nap-time, or sleepy-time resources Dr. Ortiz's charming CDs: "It's Sleepy Time!" (for younger children), or "Daydreams to Dreams" (for older children)are HIGHLY recommended!!

What belongs in a diaper bag? What is the best way to let other children be affectionate towards your new baby? How do you hydrate a vomiting baby? Dr. Tanya's tips answer these questions and many more. Mommy Calls is a gift to parents and doctors alike, with quick access to the most common concerns arise with young children. The only advice Dr. Tanya left out is to make sure you have an extra copy of Mommy Calls to pack in that diaper bag!

As a first time mother I have made a point to find the best resources when it comes to carring for my daughter. A friend told me about Dr. Tanya's book THE WONDER YEARS which has been so informative to me. Then I happened to see her on The Today Show so I couldn't help but get her most recent book MOMMY CALLS. I consider these books my all in one resource for child rearing!

This book actually answered my questions with practical information and helpful "real world" tips.

My criticism of many of the parenting books I read before this one is that the info I wanted got lost in the minutia and I still wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. Here, everything is right there. And best of all, the answers helped keep me sane on those sleepless nights...

An excellent resource for all parents that will save you calls to the pediatrician and late night visits to the urgent care.

My friend bought me this book as a gift for my shower and I started using it as soon as we came home from the hospital. I am so grateful to my friend for getting me this book. It's such a great find. I totally recommend it to anyone having a baby! Thanks Dr. Tanya!

A great book from a great writer. Jenna has a knack of putting the reader in the moment, and allows any parent--to-be or tentured-- to INSTANTLY identify with the challenges she went/is going through. I'm a few years ahead of her (my kids are 13 and 10), but it was amazing to relive the challenges we as a couple faced with a newborn.

I'm looking forward to her next books on toddler years and... teen years

LOL... good luck, Jenna! Loved every word!

Jenna is hilarious, whether she's writing about the unbelievably gruesome nature of the fairy tales she's supposed to read to her kid or about the oddities of milk production and pumping technology. Reading this is like getting together for coffee with your best friend -- the one who can make you laugh till you cry or choke or snort until latte comes out of your nose.

It is so refreshing to FINALLY read a book about being a mother that doesn't imply you don't love your kids if they drive you nuts once in a while. The author balances her absolute adoration and awe at the miracle she has made with the honesty of (one of my favorite parts) being up at 2am nursing and watching info-mercials... and actually PURCHASING those crazy thigh-master-cookware-HSN-shopping frenzies! A must for every mother!!

I am nowhere near the stage in my life where having a child would make sense, but I still found this book educational, insightful and most of all hilarious. Jenna writes this book as if she's having a conversation with a close friend, and leaves no uncomfortable subject untouched. After reading the book, I wanted to have a baby, even though I know Jenna would tell me I am SO not ready. :)

This is one of the funniest books that I have read in a long time. I absolutely could not put it down and I don't think that I have laughed this hard in years.

The Parent Trip is insightful, humorous and most of all just tells it like it is. Seriously this has become my new favorite baby shower gift and I cannot wait to share it with others.

If you have a child, are having a child or have ever seen a child, this is a book for you. I have caught my husband reading over my shoulder three or four times nodding his head saying, "Yep, you were exactly like that."

Run, don't walk to the store and get this book. Share it with others, too!

I have given this book to new Moms and experienced Moms and all have enjoyed the book.I read it and learned a few things after being the Mom of three and Grandmother of 10.

I recently sent this to two first-time mothers who found the book both interesting and useful. I've ordered extra copies as future gifts.

I bought this as a gift for a co-worker, but it looked so interesting I couldn't help leafing thru it. Lots of good information.

I always lamented the fact that babies don't come with operating instructions. I knew What to Expect When I was Expecting, but not after. With little baby experience, and even less baby BOY experience, when my babies were born I was forced to trust my instincts and absorbed advice from friends, hoping that I was somewhere in the ballpark of "doing it right". And now, here's exactly the book that would have helped.

The book is beautifully done and answers mysterious questions like WHY baby sucks her thumb, or bangs her head or plays with her poop. Each page of text is balanced by a photograph of a beautiful baby - some featuring acne, even, when we're wondering Why Babies Have Acne. This is a great book for parents of young babies - I've already given it as a baby shower gift to great reviews.

Full disclosure: I am a new parent. And, despite the volumes of information from books and advice from other parents, I have found the experience to be often baffling. (And I consider myself to be educated and reasonably intelligent.)

Perhaps it is the avalanche of information and advice under which I've been suffocating that makes this book so pleasant. The pictures are appropriate and cute (though none of these babies are as cute as my daughter) and the brief answers to questions like "why do some newborns open only one eye at a time, cross their eyes, or roll their eyes back" (all of which my daughter does) offer jolts of relief when needed.

OK, this book is no Dr. Spock or What to Expect in the First Year; still, it's a fun little book that I've found offers relief when your child really does seem a cipher.

Virtually everyone, at some time or other, has influence upon the speech and language development of the very young. Understandably, parents and grandparents are in the best position to guide and motivate their offspring as they learn to communicate. While well intentioned, most parents do what comes naturally. Of course, children will learn language and communication skills as a natural part of growing up, but you can have a dramatic impact on how the baby, toddler or young child in your life learns to communicate. In fact, you will, whether intelligently planned and executed, or not.

Laura Dyer's remarkable book, Look Who's Talking!, covers all the bases regarding language and speech development among children, from birth to age seven. Though rich with references to current research explaining how children learn to talk and the potential problems your child may have along the way, and what to do about them, Dyer has beautifully cut through the scientific jargon. Her language is clear, informative and easy to understand.

A Certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Laura Dyer, MCD, CCC-SLP, is well qualified to write comprehensively on her subject. While working with researchers at Florida State University, Mrs. Dyer studied the early detection of communication problems in infants. After earning a master in communication disorders from Auburn University, she worked with children as a speech-language therapist.

If you are concerned about the language development of your child, Look Who's Talking!, will become the most dog-eared book in your library. And for good reason! You'll learn how to enhance your child's language development and communication skills beginning at birth, including significant influences and common concerns about their development. You'll be able to spot warning signs and head off potential problems with sound production, vocabulary, and overall language ability. Dyer thoroughly equips caregivers in such important matters as nurturing pre-literacy skills, sign language, multi-language learning, and using musical activities and imaginary play to enhance language skills.

I had my copy of Look Who's Talking! several months before reading it. My children are grown, so I didn't feel a pressing need. Now, I regret the delay. Reading it has opened my eyes to its value, not only for parents, but for grandparents and anyone interacting with children. Everyone who works with little ones in any capacity needs a copy of Look Who's Talking!

Look Who's Talking is an excellent book. Ms. Dyer has obviously reviewed a large volume of research (see the notes section for many helpoful resources)and has covered many topics. Yet, she has managed to write in terms that are easily understood and helpful to parents and others. She has included specific examples to illustrate important points. Her book is filled with helpful and encouraging statements like these.

- You are your child's first and most important language model.
- Language is best learned by doing.
- Talking about a child's interests helps language development.
- Active learning is better than passive learning.

The author describes scaffolding as it relates to speech and language development. She includes helpful charts which provide information about a wide variety of topics including the following.

- Sound Acquisition
- Consonant Cluster Acquisition
- Recommended Staff-Child Ratios (childcare centers)
- Signs of Hearing Impairment

I have a copy of this book myself, and I have given the book as a baby shower gift. I also have the author's Little Language Songs for Little Ones tape, which my children and I enjoy listening to in the car.

You'll be glad you added this book to your personal or professional library.

Knowledgeably written by Laura Dyer (a speech-language therapist especially skilled in working with children), Look Who's Talking! How To Enhance Your Child's Language Development, Starting At Birth draws upon academic research and field work alike in order to show how parents just how they can help stimulate their children's ability to use language. Individual chapters address such topics as proverbial signs and gestures; common language development concerns and warning signs; steps for successful sign language usage; bilingualism and second-language learning; the unique challenges of international adoptions; using music to enhance language development, and so much more, Look Who's Talking! offers straight answers to common questions and is highly recommended reading for the parents of bubbling young personalities wanting to express themselves with an articulation suitable to their age.

I purchased this book several months ago seeking advice and tools to help my daughter who is developmentally delayed. I found this book to be filled with very practical advice and tools that a parent can use to help their child to develop great language skills. I highly recommend this book.

Look Who's Talking is a wonderful resource for parents who have questions about their child's speech. Laura Dyer, a speech-language therapist with a master's degree in communications disorders, has written a book that is well researched, easy to use and full of practical advice.

Look Who's Talking begins with an overview of speech and language development, including influences, potential problems and causes. Complicating issues such as auditory processing, hearing, language delays, and developmental delays are discussed. One of the key features of this book is the very detailed descriptions provided for each age and developmental stage; parents of babies and older children will find this a helpful resource.

My daughter recently had twin premature baby boys--sadly one died--fortunately other twin boy very healthy survivor--and in neo natal unit for a month to gain weight and be sure okay--we needed a book on Preemies-I checked new bookstore and nothing good there--checked Amazon.com-and although this book is 9 yrs old--has everything our neo natal hospital was teaching my daughter and son in law --same neo natal basics and in a book they can use for reference during the busy times of having baby in the home finally--great book--I got an older copy too for Grandma-myself- to read at my home-0-so I can back up my daughter and son in law when they are tired--BEST PREEMIE BOOK YET AND EASILY READ.

This was the best book I have seen for premature babies. When our twin boys were born at 29 weeks, the hospital gave us a book that we could refer to. Everytime you would look at the book it scared you to death. I found this book and I kept it with me at all times. When ever anything came up I would refer to it. The book is very realistic but also very positive. I still refer to it even though our boys are 2. The book is very helpful. I would recomend this book to everyone. It really helped us out through this difficult time.

I did not use this book much at all. I thought books by Joseph A. Garcia-Prats and Dana Wechsler Linden were much more helpful.

I purchased this book after the premature birth of our son. He was considered a "micro preemie" being born at 1 lb 14 oz. We were told in the NICU that many preemies have challenges that were unlike "typical" children, and we thought it would be helpful to refer to this book and to educate ourselves so that we could help identify problems that many pediatricians overlook in preemies.

This book is an absolute must-have for any parent of a preemie. I know that weight is always a concern, and the book included boy and girl weight charts and seperated it even further to their birth weight (born less than/greater than 1500 grams.) We still use the weight chart today (our son is 2 1/2 years old)
and it can be used up to age 3.

Nothing can prepare you for the experience of having a premature baby. Often, once home with baby, parents are confronted with a child who is obviously different from the typical infant. Finding information and support is difficult, because of the very isolating nature of the experience- a tiny, often ill baby isn't able to cope with being carried to environments where parents could find support. In addition, outcomes are difficult to predict and preemies' issues can be as diverse as their personalities. Fortunately, Amy Tracy and Dianne Maroney's Your Premature Baby and Child provides insight and information in a practical guide that should reside on every preemie parent's bookshelf. Each chapter offers honest assurances about the emotional aspects of caring for a preemie, as well as accurate and detailed information about everything ranging from the homecoming experience, medical concerns, development and early intervention all the way through to beginning school. The epilogue is especially helpful; it validates the emotional effects of prematurity and offers insights from other parents, whose hope and understanding encourage those new to the roller coaster of prematurity. This book is one of the best resources written yet for parents of children born prematurely.