Your Baby and 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. --Abi Frisby

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best child manual I bought (and I bought a few!) - Rated
If you are after a straightforward book to provide information and advice (rather than a prescribed system or set of rules for parenting), then this is it. It covers all stages up to school age and answers all the questions I had on parneting and child development, plus lots of other useful information. Very helpful practical tips and ideas abound throughout. The book does not focus on the myriad problems and dangers that can occur, no scaremongering, just arms you with the information you need to be a half decent parent. Cannot recommend highly enough.

My Bible - Rated
This book has been going for years and is the best I have come across for information and tips on how to survive babies and toddlers

A must have book. - Rated
This is a brilliant book. It's easy to read and informative without lecturing. It offers friendly and helpful advice and gives an insight into the psychology of your baby so you can better understand why they are behaving in a certain way. It helped me understand and communicate with my baby more effectively. Its a must have book even if you just refer to it to reassure yourself that you're not doing anything wrong.

highly irritating and patronising - Rated
I find this book patronising and preaching, written in the most ridiculously convoluted language, and failing to clearly set out practical advice and options for how to deal with baby care. Every time I pick it up thinking it might offer something, I just get annoyed! Nice photos though. Buy 'Baby Love' by Robin Barker, it's excellent.

Best Baby Book out there! - Rated
This book has seen me through four babies and I can't recommend it highly enough. Penelope Leach clearly knows just how to pitch her advice to suit both babies and parents without making you feel guilty or obliged to follow a particular routine. She gave me confidence as a new mother to follow my instincts and ignore a lot of what I was told by older people (who have since changed their opinions). Buy it, read and re-read it, recommend it and pass it on to all new mums!