What Baby Needs (Sears Children's Library)

What Baby Needs (Sears Children's Library)

When a family brings a new baby home, there are many changes. Older siblings may find it hard to understand the needs of the new baby, as well as the demands placed on mom and dad. Based on the attachment-parenting theories of the foremost authorities on parenting and childcare, William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N., this book clearly explains baby's needs. The text emphasizes how siblings can be helpers to both baby and parents, while forging their own relationships with "their baby," and outlines the positive aspects of being an older girl or boy. Here is a warm, insightful book that will help the whole family joyously and lovingly welcome the newest member into their lives.From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 2-Appealing picture books written by attachment-parenting advocates. In the first title, the anticipation of a baby is shown as an opportunity for family members to love and support one another. The text, addressed to an older sibling, describes both the changes that the family prepares for and the ways that the baby, growing inside the mother's uterus, might make her feel: hungry, thirsty, and tired. Older brothers and sisters are encouraged to see themselves as competent to contribute at this time. What Baby Needs is a warm look at how life in the family changes to accommodate the needs of a newborn, and the care an infant requires. Both texts are prefaced by notes for adults on what kind of information and experiences might be helpful or appropriate to share with a child. In addition, sets of text bars throughout give parents and youngsters the opportunity to talk more about the issues raised by the simpler text of the books. In each book, the lighthearted, full-color cartoons bring some welcome new images to baby books: breastfeeding, babywearing (including both a dad and a mom with an infant in a baby sling), and the newborn snoozing near the parents' bed in an adjacent co-sleeper. Final pages in both volumes provide interested adults with notes on attachment parenting, including its key components (birth bonding, breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, and belief in the language value of a baby's cry).Kathie Meizner, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MD Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.From BooklistReviewed with William Sears' and Renee Andriani's Baby on the Way.Ages 5-8. What Baby Needs and it's companion Baby on the Way, presented in an accessible picture-book format, offer children facts and insights about living with a pregnant mother and living with a new baby. The text of each book strikes an informal, yet informative tone, utilizing the knowledge of a doctor and nurse on the writing team. The young audience is addressed in second person, as in this passage from Baby on the Way, "As the baby gets bigger, your mommy's lap gets smaller and smaller. But there's always room for you on your mommy's lap." What Baby Needs is a good choice for parents who take exception (understandably) to books that introduce the new-baby theme in conjunction with sibling rivalry. Instead, the focus is on things like what the older child can do that the baby can't, and how to make friends with the baby. Andriani's brightly colored, cartoon-style illustrations help create the books' upbeat, yet realistic tone. Two appealing books for older siblings, with helpful notes for parents and caregivers. Carolyn PhelanCopyright ? American Library Association. All rights reservedAbout the AuthorWilliam Sears, one of America's most renowned pediatricians, received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital and Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. He has practiced pediatrics for nearly three decades and currently teaches at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. Martha Sears is a registered nurse, certified childbirth educator, and breastfeeding consultant. Together the Searses have authored many books on parent