Infant-and-Toddler-Health Books

Great book for nonjudgemental help in the decision whether to wean a child during pregnancy or not. I learned so much about nursing aside from just tandem nursing.

I bought this book because I am keenly interested in all things breastfeeding. However, despite loving books on breastfeeding, I often find that many books that advocate prolonged nursing are very 'hippy-flowery' in their language and prescribe breastfeeding advice that gives you an impression that if you don't do things as the book says, you are a less than perfect mother.
This book couldn't be farther from that stereotype. It approaches the situation where a nursing mother finds herself pregnant, and unsure of how to proceed. In our current society, a woman who finds herself in this situation is encouraged to wean, and told that this must be so, for the health of all concerned. This book challenges that assumption, and provides a great amount of resources for the woman that wants to continue nursing, based on sound scientific research. (The lists of references at the end of each chapter are quite long). It does so in a clear, friendly, and most impressively, non-judgemental way.
I loved that this book didn't romanticise tandem nursing at all, being very upfront and realistic about the challenges that can be faced by the mother. It also gives the mother encouragement, empowering her to make decisions for her own family. If she decides to wean, this book helps and encourages with that decision. If she decides to unwean, the author provides advice for this too. I finished this book, a newly pregnant young mother of a 12 month old nursling, and feel encouraged that I can make choices for my own family with great self-confidence, because I know them and myself best. And I have a wonderful resource for all of the questions that I will have over the coming months.
Even if you never plan to tandem nurse, this book is a highly enjoyable read and a great book to have in your personal library to be able to lend to other women.

I am not surprised to see the glowing user reviews on this book. It is sheds light on a subject so dear to many of us. I bought this book when I became pregnant and was not ready to wean my toddler, but I also wanted to make sure that it was not unsafe to continue nursing during pregnancy. I had done some internet research, and I did not personally know anyone who nursed through pregnancy or has tandem nursed. What I found was confusing and upsetting, but I still did not want to wean my toddler before we were both ready. This book is informative while being honest and upfront about the lack of studies on breastfeeding in general, which I find refreshing. At the same time, it sites studies in a clear, organized way. There has to be support from studies or it would just be opinions. This book also addresses a range of feelings and emotions associated with nursing, including feeling frustrated. I found this tremendously helpful and timely, as I was starting to feel an occasional, inexplicable irritation that really surprised me. What was I expecting with my raging hormones!
Personally, I feel reassured that I am not doing something irresponsible in continuing to nurse my toddler. I am a few months from delivery now, and I do not know what our path will be. However, I feel validated in whatever way things go for us.
If it helps anyone out there, I am happy to say that my doctor, who is a professor at a major medical university, is supportive of my decision. His ideal was for me to wean by about 28 weeks, but he is definitely not against my continuing to nurse. He considers it my decision, and there has been absolutely no attempt to make me feel weird about it.

I want to thank you for your fast service... I got the book before I expected! =) I appreciate it!

This is NOT just for moms who plan to breastfeed two, but ALSO for breastfeeding moms who might get pregnant while breastfeeding. I could have used it earlier in my 2nd pregnancy, but I waited until I couldn't wean my first. Great information on how it affects contractions and it helps to affirm that breastfeeding while you're pregnant is just fine. A few tips for positioning and lots of stories so you know you are not alone. I'm still tandem nursing after 14 months at it! Plus nine if you count in-utero time. Might sound strange to some, but you find yourself doing things different than you might think once you're the mom.

This book was easy to use, even for a sleep deprived, new mom. The moves really helped my son.

This book gave me several yoga sequences to use with my baby right away! He loves the sequences and has fun with it. I feel the book is easy to use and straight forward with the approach. It gives good pictures to guide you as well as written directions for each pose. My baby was premature and the postures have really helped him with core strength, coordination and body orientation. I noticed right away that he would mimic the postures on his own. The physician says that my baby doesn't look premature in his posture or development, I'm sure the sequences in Itsy Bitsy Yoga have helped him. As a yoga teacher for 10 years I highly recommend this book to get your little yogi started.

This book has great ideas to play and interact with your baby. I really love the special section that has recommendations for Dad's to bond with the baby. This book helped me comfort my baby while she was suffering from digestion issues.

The divine drops, are true "magic" pose as the book suggests! This book is a must for parents of infants, especially if they have colic.

Okay, when I picked this book up, I rolled my eyes and thought, "oh brother." As if there aren't enough things for a baby to learn. But I was curious about the activities that the book would provide so I read through it anyway. I admit I was skeptical from the start. I'll tell you that this book is chock FULL of self promotion and I found that incredibly irritating. More than half of this book is just trying to convince the reader how wonderful yoga is, especially itsy bitsy yoga. Fine. I got it. Yoga is good. Itsy Bitsy Yoga is better. I do understand alot of yoga is the mind set (which is a topic beaten like a dead horse in this book), but I'm gonna tell you, I'm a mom of a toddler and a baby, and I just don't have time for the "tranquility" of yoga. I wish I did, but I don't. I have to be a pretty flexible lady. (no pun intended) I just want some activities I could personally do with my 9 month old and my 2 year old. When you get past all the cheerleading in the book, the activities are terrific. They are personal, and simple, and fun to do. And like the book states (over and over) you can spend as much time as you can afford with the "poses." The book itself is easy to follow and have some terrific tips to add along with the poses (like songs and variations, etc) They have plenty of photos, and the book is divided by major milestones instead of ages. At the end of each chapter is a quick reference of what poses work for whatever situation you are in. That is so handy. I really like this book as a reference guide. This book is meant for children from birth to 24 months, so I took a quick glance into the older tot chapters to see what they were like. When my oldest was between 1 and 2 years I don't think she would've copied what I did, nor would she have done any poses with encouragement, so I checked out how you were supposed to interact with the older set. Alot of the poses for the older kids still have parental interaction (which I think she would've liked) so I think this is a pretty realistic guide on what your child can and would want to do (since kids can be so different). There is nothing extreme (yoga-wise) in this book, and if you can't make your home have a nice tranquil atmosphere, alot of the poses can be done in a playful way. So as much as I don't like the writing in the book, I really liked the poses.

so far, so good. currently reading this book and so far everything i have read has been helful. glad i bought it.

Have you noticed most other pregnancy and baby care books are completely confusing, like the author's don't know what they are talking about. This one was a relief to read, because I could understand what the author was saying. Not that I agreed with everything, but just understanding what the author was saying is a huge step, as other baby books are mostly unintelligible.

The main focus on this book is homeopathy. The author says they did not vaccinate their children but then claimed it was the parents choice. Yet vaccines clearly don't work, and the author could not stand strong on that point. There is a holistic guide to treating many childhood conditions. There is a small but serious flaw, which is to suggest that xylitol should be consumed as a sugar replacement. Xylitol is a processed sugar alcohol and is NOT LEGALLY DECLARED SAFE for consumption. It is only supposed to be used as a cosmetic product, like tooth paste, soap, ect.

You'll probably be satisfied with this book.
Review is by Ramiel Nagel, author of Healing Our Children: Because Your New Baby Matters! Sacred Wisdom for Preconception, Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting (ages 0-6) & Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition (First Edition).

All I can say is WOW. I feel like this book has helped me to be a better parent, and I can say...that my daughter has never had and anti-biotic as a result of following this book and visiting Dr. Feder. I have loaned this book to neighbors, family and friends...It is a life saver!

This book is the best book on natural health care for children I've bought and I've bought several. I am really impressed with the "When to call a Doctor Chart". It is easy reading and easy to understand.

Great book filled with wonderful and useful info. For those looking to parent their children in a naturally minded informed way this is THE book.

As a massage educator teaching Infant Massage, I use "Infant Massage" as the textbook for this continuing education course. The book gives a summary of the research supporting infant massage and it's efficacy. It also details how to do a infant massage with photos depicting the actual techniques that even parents could understand on their own. The last part of the book is dedicated to handling special cases [preemies, sick babies, etc].

Highly recommended for Massage Therapists wanting to teaching Infant Massage to their clients as well as parents trying it at home.

Vimala McClure's book on Infant Massage gives you all the information that you need to start massaging your child, no matter what your baby is like. She gives pointers for massaging colicky children, those with special needs and children as they grow and are no longer little babies. I have given/give this with Suzanne P. Reese's spiral bound, more visual, massage book to all my friends when they have babies as I think they are wonderful. Everyone agrees!

I loved this book -

I am a first time mom and started using this book with my baby girl when she was 4 weeks old. At first she did not like the massage - but I found that if I plugged in my space heater nearby and started slowly she really learned to relax. I especially liked the stomach massage techniques to help relieve gas - I really could hear those gas bubbles moving down and it was great to feel like I could do something to help her besides giving mylecon. No need to be a massage therapist - I just used the illustrations as a guide and created my own daily "routine" massage - it really does help them learn how to relax. Best tip - just use what works for you and your baby - this is just a guide to help you learn how to touch your baby in a soothing way that both of you can enjoy - also - I love the tip at the end of the book that suggests teaching older children massage techniques so that they also can start to participate in the care and soothing of their younger siblings - I will definately use this book for a log time.

I ordered this book to accompany personal instruction I received on infant massage, after my son was born and we realized he was colicky. Infant massage immediately did several things:
- it helped sooth him through his discomfort
- it gave him a pleasant association with bath time (we massaged after bath)
- it gave me a wonderful opportunity to bond with my son (as Daddies can't breast feed )

I heartily recommend the book and the technique to any parent.

when I ve first seen this book on amazon I thought it is only about how to massage your baby, I thought it is just strokes and no more, and I wasn't 100% content about it. Now after reading it I found every thing about infant massage; the benefit of massage with scientific proof, the strokes, which strok is first and which is last, what about babies who doesn't like massage(like my own boys when they were infants), the effect of it on colicky baby, how massage reshape hte relation with mother and baby. Last but not least, I also like how this book helps big sister/brother to set a strong relation with his/her new sibling.

I absolutely love this book. It is my new favorite in my child/parenting collection. I was astounded to see the amount of research that has been done which validates the principles of attachment parenting and provides valuable information about allergens. The material about dairy is priceless - it's made me decide to go dairy free, especially since I am currently nursing. I'll be getting a copy of this book for any friends and family who get pregnant! I can't recommend it enough. I wish every single parent in the country had a copy.

This book is great, I find it to be a very very useful addition to my baby "how-to-parent" library.

I read an interview with the author in Mothering Magazine that I really enjoyed and decided to look for the book. I was especially hoping for some more information about starting solid foods and using formula until 18 months in children weaned before then that the author spoke about in the interview. However, I found this book to be more of an academic explanation of attachment parenting. It actually seemed more geared towards medical professionals (ironic considering the title, I know) than parents. Well written and from the attachment parenting perspective I sought--just a bit too hefty for me.

This has become my parenting bible. When nothing worked to cure my baby of his colic and his reduced nursing, pulling at the breast and coming off constantly while screaming and crying, this book helped me get to the ROOT of the problem and not just cover up the symptoms. It CURED his colic! My doctor once told me if I gave her the cure for colic, she'd be a millionaire and if I had a million dollars, I would have given it up for the information contained in this book!

Not only did it contain information that I had never read in any of the other great AP books that I have, but it pointed me in the direction of other under-recognized topics and a glossary of AMAZING books that opened my eyes to the world.

I actually purchased a bunch of these books out of my own pocket, and I'm on social assistance, and gave them away to women whom I saw had children with colic and other symptoms of food allergies. I also gave some away to parents who were letting their newborns cry their poor little hearts out in strollers and car seats while shopping at the mall.

I know this book will help anyone who has enough sense to read it!

Before I ever had a baby, I wondered why the US has such an abysmal infant mortality rate. According to the CIA factbook, the US ranked 42 worldwide in 2008, with a rate three times higher than the lowest countries. The US also has some of the highest rates of adult psychological disorders like sleep problems, ADHD, depression and PTSD.

This book reviews the vast amount of research suggesting that much of the problem is attributable to "unnatural" infant care practices promoted by US pediatricians in the 20th century. These include formula feeding, scheduled feeding, placing the infant prone in a crib in a separate room at night, removing infants from their mothers shortly after birth, and many more.

I almost never recommend a book without any reservations, and in this case I have to say that I think she overstates the case slightly in a few places. That is to say, although I agree with 98% of her conclusions, only 90% of them are actually proved by the studies she discusses. Nevertheless, if read with a tiny grain of salt, there is no other book that gives the argument so well, so I am comfortable rating it five stars.

Despite the quote on the cover, this not a book about Attachment Parenting but rather (we might say) "Natural Parenting". There is a lot of overlap in the two philosophies, but attachment is just one aspect of Natural Parenting.

The practical message of the book is that it is almost always best for your baby (and you) to follow your instincts and thousands of years of history, and care for your baby the way nature intended.

Dr. Greene's book is an easy read and is full of very useful information for the entire pregnancy and the baby's first year. It makes a great gift for expectant mothers.

All I can say is that I am disappointed with this book.

We're expecting our third child and I picked up this book because I liked the title. I figured almost two years worth of information in one book would be nice since we already kind of know about preganacy and the baby's first year. I wouldn't have to read too much with my busy schedule and maybe get one or two good tips I didn't get before. Was I wrong!

This book is not thin, total 317 pages. And yet, it reads so easy and fast (even considering my first language is not English). As I was reading this book, I was amazed how much information this book is packed with! This book covers not only the generic facts on how your baby grows, but also suggests what you can do as parent(s). It also has many wonderful photos.

Dr. Greene covers physical stuff such as nutrition, but also covers how you act and think may affect your baby. He also covers in detail how the baby develops - very informative and I had to read several passages to my husband. His respect and love for the life also can be felt throughout the book which also increased my own respect, awe, wonder, and love for our third baby.

I love to read and I've skimmed through many books on pregnancy, but this one is the best one and I am reading this thoroughly. This is like an all the best books on pregnancy and first year combined in one!

Although I read this book late in my pregnancy, I would recommend it to any expecting parents! I thought that his insight was more direct (and aligned to my own personal philosophies) than most expectant 'mom' books. Dr. Greene's other book, Raising Baby Green (my personal favorite), encouraged me to pick up this one, and I feel as though many moms and dads have a lot to learn from his experience as both father and pediatrician. Every question from should I eat organic to which diapers to use are covered- don't miss out on this book (it would also make a great shower or congratulations gift!)

My wife and I recently were blessed with the birth of our first child. Being new parents we often have felt overwhelmed and extremely inexperienced. Dr. Greene's book has proven informative and comforting in those moments when we needed a little helpful advice. "From First Kicks to First Steps" is easy and fun to read, and is a great resource for anyone with a little one at home or on the way.

I loved this book. We will be traveling to England and Ireland when our daughter is 8 1/2 months and then on a cruise when she is a year and 2 months so this book was very helpful in preparing us for things I had not thought of. There were also a lot of resources to websites I wouldn't have known about.

A must-have resource for families on the go. Interesting reading and packed with helpful tips. Easy-to-use charts to help families find the best airlines, ships, etc. for their specific needs. Perfect gift for parents of young children!

This book is a gold mine! Do your self a favor and buy one for yourself and a few more to have on hand for gifts in the future!!! I consider myself pretty well organized when it comes to travel with our son, but this book gave me so many more ideas and tips. Well worth it, and enjoyable to read!

I recently purchased several books on traveling with children, and this was by far the best. By the time I finished the book, I had several pages of notes written down, including things to pack that I never thought of, things to do before I go, products to check out and websites to visit. Reading this book has made me feel much more prepared and less nervous for my upcoming trip to France with a 15 month old, and I am confident that our trip can only go smoother having read this one!

Seriously, this is a travel bible for new parents. What a huge help this book has been from selecting a good stroller (wished we would have found this BEFORE we had our baby for car seat info too!) to calling ahead to find out if a hotel has a crib saving our trunk space from a pack and play or other. Prepping the diaper bag and carry ons have never been simpler and I have memorized the shopping list for baby must haves while traveling. Never would have thought of some of that stuff! The blog is excellent too. Please give this gift to new mommies and daddies with your baby shower gift...I am so grateful for the different age sections and different types of travel reviews. Thank you Ms. Rivoli!

This book was by far the best premature information book. My daughter was born at 27 weeks and this book explained everything from the heart surgery to the best way to build a good relationship with the nurses. The information is layed out in a way that makes it easy to read here and there. Everything is described in simple comprehendable terms. An absolutely must have if you are going through the nicu experience!!

I bought this book for my niece. Her son was born 3 months premature
and had many complications. She told me the book was extremely helpful
to her in the first few weeks of his life.

A very good guide to help with the challenges of having a preemie. Straight talk, but doesn't dwell on the negative.

This is one of the best books I read while looking to learn more about my premature son and his experience in NICU. During such a stressful time, I believe this book was a manageable resource to quickly educate myself on what to expect. I was on bedrest prior to delivery and began reading it then. I finished reading it during my son's NICU stay, but still go back to review topics/issues related to raising a premature baby (particularly the breastfeeding information). I HIGHLY recommend this book for parents and loved ones of premature babies.

I think this book does an excellent job covering a NICU stay and explains the medical information related to premature babies in terms I could follow.

Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents' Top 101 Questions About Babies and Toddlers Recommended by many pediatricians, I'm sure. Give this as a gift to your patients' parents, sleep more at night (less calls)! It's an excellent resource for new parents, and anyone who helps with infants and toddlers (like grandparents, baby sitters, etc.) Great baby shower gift too, I'm sure. If you are a new, or not so new parent, I highly suggest you get this book.

Like unbiased media, good solid baby information is very hard to find. Dr. Tanya does a very good job of giving "just the facts". We have a (currently, they grow too fast!) 20 month old and a 6 month old, and find this book to be very helpful with the basics.

I saw Dr. Tanya on the Today Show and loved her straightforward advice. This book is great because I can look things up and have more information before I decide if I need to call the pediatrician for an appointment. I'm definitely going to use it whenever my kids have a fever or stomach flu or anything I'm not sure about.

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!

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!!