Infants Books

I exchanged the Humble Bumbles' Baby Journal for the Keepsake Of Love Baby Journal instead because the graphics and layout were much more appealing. The only other difference between the two is that Humble Bumble has envelopes to put the hospital bracelet in as well as baby's first clip of hair, but I don't mind pasting my own mini envelope in the Keepsake journal. The spiral bound makes the journal even more user friendly as it can accommodate all your keepsakes and still be able to close nice and flat. I think I will order another one just to ensure that my next child has the same baby journal in case this should be discontinued.

I received this journal as a gift at my baby shower and found it very easy to complete. There are a lot of pages dedicated to life before baby... which are great to finish before the baby comes! I keep a paper clip on the month-by-month update pages so that I can always write in a new achievement. I recently purchased a 2nd journal to make sure that both of my kids have the same baby book (and I know what things I need to keep track of to write in the baby book).

I received this as a gift from my sister and I really love it. After looking myself for a baby book I was disappointed in the ones I found and thought I would take my chances letting someone else pick it out...and I couldn't be happier with her choice. This book has just the right amount of information pages. It includes a page each all about mom and dad, a family tree, baby shower details, how mom and dad prepared for the baby, along with the other basics like the arrival, hand and footprints, milestones, etc. I really like the "Reflections from the heart" pages on different topics such as the day you were born, enjoying your home, your favorite things, how fast you have grown and others that allow the parents to write special notes to the child. It also has lots of room for photographs and includes a pouch for cards and keepsakes. It also comes with a growth chart that can be removed. It includes pages for the first, second and third years.

Overall, this is a very beautiful keepsake of baby's first years.

I have read a lot of books on child development/parenting/etc but this short book is one of the best. Everything is there that is in the longer books (and more) but as a busy parent I actually have time to read it. Even better, I can give it to my husband to read ( a chapter or two) and he'll do it! I've also read the toilet training book by this author and it is much much better than anything else--no formulas, just good common sense.

Parents, this book is wonderful! If you have a 2 year old child that will not seem to listen and you have tried everything then you need this book. It explains why screaming, yelling and spanking do not work on some children. This book explains why your 2 year old acts like he or she does and how to deal with your 2 year old when they misbehave. I have read several books on this subject and this one I definitely like the best. It is small and easy to read. Good luck!

I recommend this book to all of my friends because it is very thorough and very short! This is especially helpful if the other parent isn't much of a reader (at least about child development) I highlight a few chapeters when I want my husband to understand more about what our daughter is going through.

This is one of the sweetest books I have ever read. I don't want to spoil the ending but basically it is about three little angels in heaven. They are best of friends, until one by one it is their turn to be born on earth. The story mainly focuses on the littlest and the last angel who feels left behind in heaven after his two friends were gone. He goes on a journey to search for them. The illustrations are charming -- with soft colors and expressive faces.

This is my favorite children's story. It is the most touching story I have ever read. I reccommend it very highly. I only wished they would bring it back into print! It is such a beautiful story and really will tug at your heart strings!

The Little Luv Angel by Toby Bluth was one of the most interesting children's books I have ever read. It was written with such a compassion to be instilled within the hearts of all children. Teaching them that even if they have a heavy heart, as so many of us do, you can still believe that you will make it through. I read this book at least 100 times to my children when they were growing up, and still till this day, they are fighting over which one will get the book. The illustrations are delightful and wonderfully done. My hats go off to Toby Bluth. He is one author who should have written so many, many more!

This has been our baby's favorite book from the age of 6 months on, which is why we are buying another copy, as she has succeeded in ripping the others to shreds. While not Shakespeare, the text has a nice rhythm and offers a nice overview of the activities of babies (including a sequence in which a baby learns to walk, with each image showing the child slightly older) while the art is completely winning, really capturing the expressions and feelings of various children. Charming and fun, I would suggest it highly to small children that get excited when they see other babies.

Filled with the actions and activities that comprise the lives of babies, the text is verb filled, "Stand,wobble. Sway, wobble. Bump! Step, walk, toddle." It also frequently rhymes. The rhythmic prose is scattered across the pages with absolutely charming illustrations of babies and toddlers.


On pastel pages, babies of all sizes, shapes and colors are drawn in soft pencil. Some of the babies reappear in different guises as the pages are turned. Babies are difficult to draw. Just consider the babies
in famous painting across the years. This artist not only knows babies in all their guises, not always happy,he can flat out draw them. In one double-page spread, the naked baby is not only life-size, one wishes to
sweep the baby up.

Babies' bodies do amazing things. In this gorgeous picture book, young children can enjoy exploring a few of these things with their parents. Fingers, toes, hair and nose, there are many ways babies use their bodies. Don't forget the diapers, too!

The sweet illustrations and gentle prose in this book make it a winner. Babies and toddlers will enjoy seeing other babies and toddlers, while preschoolers will love to see what they were like not so long ago. Parents, friends, and relatives who read this book to their warm lap-bundles will smile at the tenderhearted pages as much as their children.

This book is cute, sweet, and sure to be a hit.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
02/02/2007

When Jenna's little brother was born, funny things started happening to her mother. Mama remembered some things, but forgot a lot of others! For example, she remembered to read to Jenna, but she forgot to defrost the chicken for dinner ("so they had pizza instead."). When Mama draws water for Jenna's bath, she forgets about the water when the doorbell rings and Jenna's little brother brother, Mickey, spits up. Mama also remembers to get groceries, but forgets to close the trunk and one time even accidently locks Mickey in the car! (a friendly neighbor comes to the rescue with a coat hanger).

For any older sibling who has a newborn addition to the family, things like this are common even among the most organized parents. What can be confusing to the older sib is what exactly is going on? Why is Mama suddenly getting forgetful? While the book doesn't exactly answer this question, it does tell us that everything will work out in the end and Mamas are good at improvising (when Jenna, Mickey and her Mama go to a birthday party a week early, Mama looks ready to cry but instead they go by a bakery and have a cupcake instead).

I love this story, especially now that our second child has entered our lives and our older child is wondering why the adults are not only always tired, but why we do things like stick the cereal in the refrigerator and the milk in the cupboard, and why I've gone to work in mismatched socks on more than one occasion. As families, somehow we manage to muddle through all the little trials and tribulations and try to make the best of even the most frustrating situations (when the bathroom floor floods, "Jenna went wading in her rainboots.").

The text of "Mama..." is easy to read and understand, so young children with new sibs can easily understand these funny situations. The illustrations are soft and colorful (watercolors, I think), and they clearly convey a sense of belonging and family among the characters, even when minor disasters strike like flooded floors, open car trunks and too-early arrivals to birthday parties. The book also shows us that minor setbacks and frustrations are simply a part of being in a family, and instead of complaining about it, what can we do to make the situation better? (Jenna entertains Mickey in the back seat while Mr. Carbone jimmies the door lock).

For the delightful illustrations, for the ease of text and for demonstrating that everyday frustrations are part of life, I highly recommend this book to parents and families of all kinds!

This is a wonderful look at the forgetfulness and distractions of a new mother of 2.

This is one of those great books that will entertain children (especially older siblings with new babies in the house) as well as making mom laugh out loud. The illustrations are great, and the story is right on target. I especially love the warm relationship that is shown between Mama and Jenna. This is one of my favorite all-time books. It would be a perfect present for a family who just had their second baby. (Check out Judith Caseley's other books too...they're all wonderful).

I received this book as a gift. I found it to be very comforting and reassuring. The passages are short (perfect) and address all of the emotions, challenges, and joys I experienced as a new mom. I have purchased this for my girlfriends who are about to become mothers.

I received this as a gift - what a gift! The passages are short, but very relevant to a new mom's emotions of joy, stress, etc. The book also addresses decisions (like going back to work)and changes in your marriage - which I found helpful. I am ordering a few copies to keep on hand for shower gifts.

After having my baby I began to read this book, which was a GREAT gift. My first thought was, WOW there is someone out there who has taken the time to write about how I am feeling. The author candidly covers various emotions that any postpartum mother would experience. During a time when I was feeling lots of emotions and uncertainty, this book soothed my soul a bit. Thanks Ms. Lehman for taking the time for new moms.

This is such a practical, loving and very kind book for how to enjoy your child's toddler stage. It contains all kinds of suggestions for making life fun for both you and your tot -- all surrounded with lots of hugs and comforting. The sleep, feeding, potty training, and other advice seems spot on. It also offers lots of British-y nursery rhymes and classic book and toy suggestions. I highly recommend it to parents with 1- to 3-year-olds.

Classy hardcover guide to parenting with plenty of sound advice. Beats all those paperback 'supernanny' type guides hands-down. This one is from a professional who knows her stuff, not a puffed up overnight TV personality. Starts at 6 months and includes all the basics, plus fun recipes and advice. A nice gift for a new mother

I admit that I laughed a little when I first saw this book. Perfectly happy children? I flipped through a little, though, and took it home. The author has been a nanny for 18 years, her recipe for good childcare is "provide the safety and security of a familiar routine, set clear limits and boundaries in order to make them feel loved and cared for and to teach respect, and, most importantly, make it fun and play together." She breaks the book down into 6 months-1 year, 1 year to 2 1/2 and 2 1/2 to 5. My child is already 1 so I didn't read all the first part but she lists 10 steps to a routine, suggestions for introducing table food, games to play, etc. I do not agree with the "cry it out" sleep method but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. The rest seemed very common sense, but sometimes you're so sleep deprived you want something down on paper to give you a routine to stick to. The toddler section was also good, I particularly like her recipes for toddlers and "Tips for Fussy Non-eaters." Though I am devoted to attachment parenting, it does not really conflict with her philosophy (except for the cry-it-out thing and I realize parents all have strong feelings one way or another--and even she says to distinguish between actual hysterical crying and "oscar-worthy performances" and that if the child is sick and miserable to bring her to bed with you) and actually abuts nicely, the whole organic food, prepared yourself, making bed a positive association with lots of snuggles, playing with them but also reading the baby's signs for when they're done playing, hungry, tired, etc. Her philosophy seems to be a routine that is flexible "within reason." She says "it is important to remember never to compare your child with others. You have a unique, individual child who was born with a temperament and personality that you are patiently nurturing. There are no right and wrong ages for them to develop, just guidelines that you can follow. All you can do is teach and assist them, and trust that they will accomplish what they need to in their own time." This book is chock full of specific and sensible information and has lots of ideas with regards to play, discipline, potty training, nutrition, and much more. I would certainly gift it at a baby shower (perhaps with a more mainstream first 5 years books like Dr. Sears Baby Book) as it is gorgeous and a very pleasant read, interspersed with quotes to begin each new section. Don't dismiss this because it looks fluffy, this is a gem!

This book really helped me after the birth of my first child. So much info and support for all the things that nobody prepares you for. All the birth prep focuses on the actual birth, nothing for the feelings and challenges afterwards as a new Mom. This book does that. Especially helpful to me was the section on PPD.

Read it, before you need it!

As a new mom and as a therapist specializing in postpartum issues, I highly recommend this book. It's an excellent resource for families expecting a baby, covering important topics such as postpartum depression and anxiety, building a support network, and how to plan for the postpartum period in order to make a smooth transition into parenthood.

I found this book to be an excellent comfort, as well as a great practical resource. The book sensitively and honestly addresses the wide range of emotions I experienced after my child's birth--many of these emotions I didn't expect, and some scared me. I recommend this book to any expectant parent--I found it reassuring to turn to for support.

This book has wonderful tips for new moms. A real feel good book for when mom feels frazzled or just wants to pick something up to read. A great shower gift!

Every new mom I know will get a copy of this book. It's full of friendly, supportive tips that tell us to trust our instincts when it comes to knowing what's best for our babies. First-time moms in particular will benefit from Motherwise's loving approach.

I loved this book! It is full of concise, easy to read information and advice that truly supports what you feel as a new mom. Alice Bolster tells new moms that they know their babies best and gives them the strength to go with their own instincts. I highly recommend this book as a shower gift, and plan to give it to every expectant parent I know.

This book was given to my husband and I, along with many other books, when we announced our pregnancy. The practical suggestions and real-world advice that this book provides far outshines many of the highly publicized books that are currently so popular. When preparing to stock our nursery with the essentials needed upon arrival of our baby I literally took the book into the store and purchased my much needed items off the list entitled "Predelivery Essentials." It was helpful beyond words and I highly recommend new parents to obtain and actually use this book. It has made preparing for our new bundle of joy a much more focused and empowering experience than had we gone it alone. I look forward to using it as my baby grows and for having it as a keepsake for this precious time in our lives.

My husband and I were thrilled when we received this baby book as a gift. Not only is it a great place to record your baby's milestones, but a invaluable resource as well. It will help you get organized, and provides you with essential checklists that no parent should be without. For example, there's a Feeding Record, Medical Record, Child Care Record and many other helpful tools. It is also beautifully designed!

This book is just phenomenal! When you are close to becoming a parent, everybody makes you believe that it's so complicated, that you have to read everything or you won't be ready, and there is so much information out there, plus you get bombarded by magazines and subscriptions that you never signed up for ... anyway, it's easy to get scared, you can't find the right answer, you feel you are not going to be prepared. Well, the only book which we felt really helped us with practical tools and checklists was France Posener's. All you need is in there, she streamlines to the essentials, she even includes reassuring little anecdotes that will make you feel better. Thanks a lot France!