Summary:
“What to Expect the First Year” by Arlene Eisenberg is a comprehensive guide for new parents that covers all aspects of taking care of a baby in their first year of life including physical, emotional, and developmental milestones.
Book genre:
Non-fiction parenting guide.
Main topic of the book:
The book focuses on providing parents with practical and expert advice, tips, and information on caring for their infant in their first year of life.
Key ideas:
- The book addresses common concerns and questions that new parents may have about their baby’s health, growth, and development.
- It covers a wide range of topics including feeding, sleeping, bathing, vaccinations, and baby’s first milestones.
- The authors emphasize the importance of parental care, bonding, and providing a loving and nurturing environment for the baby’s overall well-being.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Before Baby Arrives: This section provides information on preparing for the baby’s arrival, setting up the nursery, and things to consider during pregnancy.
- The First Month: This section covers the physical and emotional changes that occur in newborns, common concerns for new parents, and tips for adjusting to life with a new baby.
- Months 2-5: This section focuses on developmental milestones such as smiling, babbling, and sleeping habits, as well as guidance on starting solid foods and introducing the baby to a routine.
- Months 6-11: Here, the book discusses baby’s motor skills, language development, and teething, as well as helpful tips for traveling with a baby.
- Month 12: This section covers the baby’s first birthday, transitioning to toddlerhood, and ensuring the baby’s safety as they become more mobile.
Key takeaways:
- The book offers valuable information and advice from experts in the field of childcare, making it a reliable resource for new parents.
- It is easy to navigate with clear headings and bullet points, making it easier for busy parents to find the information they need.
- The authors include real-life stories and experiences from other parents, providing a relatable and supportive perspective.
- The book addresses a wide range of potential concerns and questions, making it a helpful reference guide throughout the first year of parenthood.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Arlene Eisenberg was an American children’s health advocate, who co-authored the “What to Expect” series along with her friends and co-authors, Heidi Murkoff and Sandee Hathaway. She was a social worker and journalist with a degree in early childhood education and public health. She also worked in parenting seminars and wrote articles on parenting for various publications.
Target audience:
The book is mainly intended for first-time parents or anyone caring for a baby in their first year of life. It can also be a helpful resource for experienced parents who want to refresh their knowledge or learn new things.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was published by Workman Publishing Company and was first released in 1989. It has since been updated and reprinted several times to reflect the latest medical advice and research on childcare.