essential reading - your recommendations

[swerve]

What books have you found to be interesting or essential reading in the first year? I'd be interested in hearing about development, weaning, sleeping, behaviour etc. I've only read what to expect in the first year and wonder if I should read a couple more. I'm not a natural GFer so have avoided that so far but maybe I should read it. What do you think?

DD is now 11 weeks, sleeping through the night sometimes and an utter delight!

I look forward to hearing your opinions - cos we're not an opinionated lot here, are we?

Hi, the best book I read was by Penelope Leach - Your Baby and Child. I would say she gives an alternative to GF who I never felt very comfortable with. Only problem with the book is it is quite wordy and not laid out in a bullet points. You do have to make an effort to read it. However, I found it quite an easy read and very child centred.

Another one that is less wordy and more easy to dip into was the NCT Complete Book of Baby Care. Doesn't cover anything in a lot of depth but does have aspects of baby care, developmental guidelines and a chapter at the back about childhood illnesses and first aid.

I think it is a good idea to have more than one book so you don't get too hung up on the developmental milestones. They do vary and it is easy to start to worry if your baby hasn't achieved something when maybe another book would say it is too early anyway.

Annabel Carmel books are good for the weaning. Give you some idea of what to feed the baby when and how to prepare it which isn't necessarily as easy as you think as it isn't always entirely appropriate to cook something the way you would for an adult. Also good for portions sizing and making just the right amount for a child.

I just hope you find the time to read all this. Good luck.