What Baby Needs

by William Sears, Martha Sears, Christie Watts Kelly

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.

Genres: Parenting, Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Dr. Sears, or Dr. Bill as his "little patients" call him, is the father of eight children as well as the author of over 30 books on childcare. Dr. Bill is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Dr. Bill received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto -- the largest children’s hospital in the world, where he served as associate ward chief of the newborn nursery and associate professor of pediatrics. Dr. Sears is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a fellow of the Royal College of Pediatricians (RCP).Dr. Bill is also a medical and parenting consultant for BabyTalk and Parenting magazines and the pediatrician on the website Parenting.com.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My three year old enjoys this book. I think it is helpful to prepare a young child for a new baby, it is also nice for after the baby is born.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome little book on becoming a sibling. Terrific for attachment parenting types!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this for Lily because she LOVED another book in this collection, "Baby on the Way." However, this book just didn't resonate with her in the same way. She did like it and it kept her attention, but she didn't ask as many questions and hasn't really requested it since. Also, I'd say this book is good for parents that follow the Sears style of attachment parenting, but may not fit for other families. For example, the book depicts breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and baby-wearing, which are all things Lily will see at our house when the new baby arrives. However, these childcare styles are not common in all households and if you don't choose to breastfeed, it may open up some unwanted questions. Overall, I think it is a good choice for preparing a preschool-aged child for a new sibling.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

As my due date approached, we read this to our son to prepare him for his new brother. It is an excellent book. It does not tell the older child that baby's needs are more important than his. It clearly explains the changes to the family in a positive way, and gives the older child suggestions on how to help.
My oldest adores his little brother and had from the start. I think this book (and Baby on the Way) deserve a lot of credit for the lack of jealousy.

[Bella · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was too preachy for me ('You are Mommy and Daddy's "big helper"', '... you can help [Mommy] by quickly buckling your seat belt', etc.). I just want my toddler to be a toddler, thanks.

I will breastfeed, babywear, have the baby sleeping in my room and I do generally subscribe to the attachment-parenting philosophy the authors are pushing. I just don't like the way it's presented in this book.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book intended to be read to older siblings whose families are expecting a baby. It explains babies' needs and includes the siblings with the care giving process. It also addresses the older child's needs to be loved and comforted by the parents. It gives a holistic approach to child rearing.

[Joshua's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son loves this book and I found it to be much better than other books I've found on the same subject. Although we do not follow Sears method of attachment parenting, we still found his book very useful and most of it was applicable to our family.

[Jami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very nice, but my almost-2-year-old didn't get it at all. The concept of "baby" wasn't that resonant for him and the helping phase hadn't kicked in yet. Might be great for older children, or kids who love babies early on.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those who have a little one and are expecting baby #2 (or #3..#4..etc..) my daughter enjoys when I read this to her, and I love the Attachement Parenting factor as well.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute pictures and a great introduction to life with a baby for new brothers and sisters.

[Philip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent book to prepare siblings for a new baby's arrival.