Your Baby & Child: The Classic Childcare Guide, Revised and Updated

I just bought the latest edition for my daughter and son in law who will have their first child next month. The 5 stars are based on the previous editions of this book. While I am disappointed with the new format and lack of colorful photos that are in older versions, I trust that the information will be very useful, particularly to new parents. I stumbled upon this book over 40 years ago when my first child was born. It was truly “God send”. My husband and I hadn’t a clue how to care for a newborn, nor did we have family close by, and non of our friends had kids. I really appreciated the practical and nonjudgmental information found in the book. This is such a good reference guidebook for new parents that it is my go to gift for first time parents. Since the the latest edition has a different format and lack luster photos, I ordered 2 used copies of the last edition that contained beautiful photos and a more caregiver friendly format for my daughter and her friend who is also due around the same time. I also ordered the latest version as well for my daughter.

My son just turned 40. This is the baby book I read with him and his younger brother, who arrived eight years later. The author has such a nurturing, forgiving and joyful approach to raising children. Full of developmental information, solutions to common dilemmas, reassurance for anxious parents, information and ideas for play and toys, and a focus on what is best for children emotionally and environmentally through the stages from birth to five. I sent this to my son and his wife who are expecting their first baby, my first grandchild.

I just got this for a pair of neurotic new parents. The kind who are terrified of the baby . . . . This is an updated version of the book that's been around forever, and this edition is just as comprehensive as the first one--more so. The best thing about this is the writing. It's like having your mom and a nurse standing next to you--the "voice" is steady, reassuring, and calming. For new parents who are flipping out--and it's scary to suddenly find yourself with a tiny new kid when you've never basically cared for one before--this is great. It's informative, easy to understand, and covers an absolute ton of subjects.

I purchase this book for EVERY person I know who is pregnant. Penelope Leach’s approach to understanding and caring for your child is loving, fact-based, and refutes many of the practices enforced from generation to generation about child-rearing. No, when a newborn cries, they aren’t doing it to be disobedient, they cry when they need something. The author helps a parent understand why babies put things in their mouths, when their digestive systems are ready for different foods, how to introduce foods one at a time to check for allergies, and much more. I cannot recommend this book enough. You will not be disappointed.

This has been my go-to baby shower gift for many years - more than 20). Penelope Leach has updated it along the way. It is full of very well informed, thoughtful advice. When I became a grandmother recently, I gave a copy to my granddaughter's parents - and then, because I needed a refresher, I got the e-version for myself. The chapter on "potty-training" is, all by itself, fantastic and it will surprise you if you do not have a background in early childhood development at how to approach it. Leach does a great job of helping adults understand how a baby's or young child's brain and body are developing and helps us have realistic expectations for what a child might be ready to do. Reading this book can be reassuring that yes, things really are going okay and it can help new parents, especially, prepare thoughtfully for the next developmental phase of their child's life.

My copy is dog eared. the instruction manual that should have dropped out after the placenta. want to know how wash the hair of a baby who screams bloody murder when you try to gently lay them back to wash and rinse their hair? how about how to synchronize their solid 6 hours of sleep with yours. normal growth and development, and how to stimulate your baby's brain. every age grouping has a chapter titled, "causes and cures of crying"!!! I've bought this for every new mother for the last 30 years. it is worth it just for the pictures. you don't know me but I promise you that you will not regret buying this useful and practical reference book.

I wish she had kept the colored photos. The first book was more lively. I appreciate that it was updated, but the presentation suffered a bit. Nonetheless an invaluable book for first parents! I buy it for new mothers that I know.

It's a very detailed book and I found it very helpful to get information on breastfeeding, moving onto solids, etc. That said, there are some better baby books out there if you're just looking for an overview of what to expect or more engaging/interesting book. It did take me some effort to get through the book (I stopped at 1 year and figured I'll come back to it later) as I felt some parts dragged on a bit. I have heard that this book is more useful once you have a kid though so starting it while I am still expecting was probably not a good idea. For me, this is more a "know what is covered and come back to it later when we actually have to deal with this problem" kind of book.

Really helpful book

I have been trying to find this book for years and have had to resort to borrowing older copies from the libraries. I finally found a used copy on Amazon and bought it. When I received it I was really pleased as the copy was in excellent shape for a used book. My daughter is expecting her first child next year and she now has a copy that she has been very happily reading through - learning so much as she goes along. It is the best book I have ever read on baby and younger child care and everything that one needs to know about what goes along with caring for a newborn and up to the age of five years. It gives new mothers all the details of what they need to be prepared for in their own care and that of their newborn ..that is just for starters. It goes on from there. Amazing book!

Book was showing signs of having been on a shelf for a long time. I was careless in my ordering not expecting to get such an old edition for the price I was paying. Caveat emptor!!! I should have been more careful about checking the date of the edition.