The Baby Book

February 1, 1993
This book is based upon William Sears' "experience as a pediatrician, Martha's as a nurse, and [their] mutual experience as parents of eight." The Sears advocate, and explain how to succeed at, "attachment parenting," which deems it okay to "wear," "share sleep with," and otherwise form close bonds between infants and parents. There are some atypical recommendations for family intimacy as well as many conventional suggestions for noting and stimulating infant and toddler development. The final chapters on common medical problems and emergency procedures will bring essential reassurance and information to many new parents. ((Reviewed Feb. 1, 1994))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1993, American Library Association.)

March 31, 2003
William and Martha Sears, a pediatrician and a registered nurse respectively, team up with two of their doctor sons to update their 1993 guide to"attachment parenting." Advocating a"high-touch style of parenting to balance the high-tech life of the new millennium," the authors teach new parents how to bond with their babies through seven fundamental behaviors, including breastfeeding,"babywearing" and setting proper boundaries. When parents keep close to their babies by bringing them into bed at night and picking them up when they cry, the infants develop better, the authors argue; rather than becoming spoiled, they become more healthy and independent. From tips for a healthy birth, getting your baby to sleep and feeding him the"right fats," to information about early health concerns, the major steps in infant development and troublesome but typical toddler behavior, the authors of this comprehensive volume (who share their own parenting experiences along the way) are assured and reassuring experts.