The First Twelve Months of Life

I first bought this book in 1977 when my first child was born and it became my Baby Bible. I've bought it for new mothers many times since then, and am now buying it for MY kids. Great book. Don't try to raise a baby without it.

My pediatrician recommended it after the birth of my first child. It was fun and fascinating to understand better how my babies brain was developing. I read and reread each chapter. I have bought it as a baby gift for at least ten people.

I had my first child in 1989 and the book The First Twelve Months of Life (Capland) was an absolute neccessity to track my child's developmental progress. Not only does it tell you what your baby's Gross Motor skills are each month, it also gives you clear and concise information on Fine Motor, Language, Social, and many other developmental skills. I am having my second child shortly and I went shopping for a book that would be as informative and helpful as the book by Capland. I couldn't find one. I ended up getting the same book and I plan on referring to it often.

This book, more than any other, gave us the best advice about caring for our newborn. As first-time parents, we were apprehensive about the problems we might encounter, particularly in the first several months. "The First Twelve Months..." was a great help to us.

I have three children of my own and also raised my little sister. This makes four. The first two are quite a bit older than the last - and I've used the Caplan's series of books over and over. I don't profess to be an "expert" - but I do write a nationally syndicated parenting column called Parent to Parent. My name is Jodie Lynn and at least I do know a little about kids. While no book can tell you exactly how to perceive your children's developmental stages - this one is pretty darn close. I tell all my parents in my parenting classes (and have for years) to make this book - and the others in the Caplan's series - - very much part of their home library. If I could get all parents to read thesse books - our society would be a much better place. This is how strongly I feel about people learning about their children's developmental stages. ALL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS need to know what it is each child can do at various stages in order to set up realistic and acceptable guidelines for that individual child. RUN - DON'T WALK - to get this book. Healthy Parenting!