Your Baby & Child

Be assured from the start–this book is written by one of the world’s leading experts in child development. Penelope Leach has worked with children and families for more than 20 years, researching such areas as antenatal education, birth practices, behavioural issues and child care. The guiding objective throughout her work is to bridge the gulf between theory and family reality–and in this she is second to none. From page one you will feel completely immersed in her gentle and inspiring prose–she is authoritative without been didactic and her practical and reassuring explanations show real empathy to the feelings of parents. What’s more, Leach writes from the child’s point of view, making every aspect of care and each new stage reached, much more understandable and special. The book is organised by approximate age-stages, starting off shortly before birth, up until the beginning of school life. Each stage gives advice and guidance on sleeping, feeding, playing and washing as well on the cognitive developments such as thinking and talking. There are “Parent’s Ask” and “Parent’s have their say” sections that discuss common anxieties and assuage misplaced fears or guilt and every chapter is wonderfully illustrated and structured, allowing you to dip easily into the appropriate section. This book is more than a guide to child-care. It is an insight into your child’s first years of life–their needs, thoughts and their behaviours–which will help you really communicate together. It is supportive without intruding in on your own parenting instincts and it will give you the confidence to live by your baby, not by the book. If you only buy one parenting guide, buy this.