What Baby Needs

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.

Children's Literature

Changes always occur when a new baby comes into the home, and sometimes-older siblings don't know exactly what to expect. The book is written for the new big brother and big sister so that they will know what will happen when the baby arrives and how they should act toward the new baby. The examples included tell the child how to hold the baby and not to wake a sleeping newborn. The illustrations depict feeding, holding, bathing and playing with the baby. It is the perfect book to help the other siblings anticipate the demands the baby is going to place on the family. Some suggestions are given for the parents to help the older children still feel loved and appreciated. A pediatrician and a registered nurse have written the book. The information is based on a style of parenting called, "Attachment Parenting." More information about that style of parenting is found at the back of the book, along with web sites for parenting questions. 2001, Little Brown, $13.20. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson

William 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 parenting, childcare, and nutrition, including The Baby Book, The Family Nutrition Book, The Discipline Book, and The Breastfeeding Book. They regularly contribute articles to both Parenting and Baby Talk magazines. The Searses are the parents of eight children and live in Capistrano Beach, California.

Christie Watts Kelly earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Memphis and cofounded the Memphis chapter of Attachment Parenting International. Along with the other books in the Sears Children's Library, she coauthored two adult titles, New Families: New Finances and The Single Parents's Money Guide.

Renee Andriani is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and also illustrates magazines and greeting cards. She lives in Leawood, Kansas, with her husband and three children.