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Babies Build Toddlers: A Montessori Guide to Parenting the First 18 Months
Babies Build Toddlers is a unique parenting book with an innovative illustrative approach that makes child development information both accessible and actionable for everyday readers. Author, Mariana Bissonnette tells the powerful story of the child during their most essential stage of development: infancy. The first 18 months lay a critical foundation for a child's future emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being. But this early time is often the most difficult for parents! Many find themselves in "survival mode" until toddlerhood, something that overlooks the incredible potential of this early time. Babies Build Toddlers offers readers a window into the intersection of development, education and parenting through clear developmental timelines (including movement, language, eating, sleeping, hygiene, and bonding), practical suggestions for how to support that development, and illustrations from a team of illustrators who celebrate the fullness of each parent's journey.
144 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2020
10 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 25, 2021
I devoured this. I usually plod through parenting non fiction over a few months but this was beautifully written and the illustrations are beautiful and represent families of all kinds.
September 2, 2025
Okayyy loved!! This book provided a fresh perspective on what my gal is learning atm and how to support her now and throughout the coming months of this huge season of growth. 🌱
The author gives clear developmental timelines for the first 18 months of life, including movement, language, eating, sleeping, hygiene, and bonding. I especially appreciated the focus on practical life skills, independence, and respecting the baby as a whole person. Also the part on “toilet orientation” (helping babies build skills that lead toward potty training later) was super interesting and made so much sense.
The illustrations were cute, but the formatting on my Kindle was weird so captions and pictures got jumbled and made it harder to read. Physical copy would’ve been better oops
Overall I recommend!! An encouraging, practical resource for parents/caregivers of little babes 💕
The author gives clear developmental timelines for the first 18 months of life, including movement, language, eating, sleeping, hygiene, and bonding. I especially appreciated the focus on practical life skills, independence, and respecting the baby as a whole person. Also the part on “toilet orientation” (helping babies build skills that lead toward potty training later) was super interesting and made so much sense.
The illustrations were cute, but the formatting on my Kindle was weird so captions and pictures got jumbled and made it harder to read. Physical copy would’ve been better oops
Overall I recommend!! An encouraging, practical resource for parents/caregivers of little babes 💕
January 2, 2021
The first eighteen months of life is a critical time in human development. Though this period can be fatiguing and overwhelming, it is when a human “seed” spreads its roots, building a foundation that will lead to life as a successful toddler and beyond. Developmentally, children transition to new skills, begin perfecting those skills, and then become comfortable with those skills in a cycle that repeats even into adolescence and adulthood. Understanding these milestones helps caregivers see the big picture and remember that their child is learning independence, a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Based heavily on the work of Maria Montessori, this book takes readers through a child’s early life, from infancy to toddlerhood. It is broken into five sections, each one highlighting a specific aspect of the growth of the human “seed.” Though it is nonfiction, this book is designed to be read straight through, as a novel might be. This flow allows readers to focus on the child first and then on the caregiver as the “gardener.” The text itself is presented in a formal, educational manner, and the design and illustrations add visual elements that solidify each concept.
A parent of two and Montessori educator herself, the author combines her personal experience and knowledge into a book that provides caregivers with the guidance and understanding to support their children’s development. Similar to the Montessori method, readers are given the opportunity to try and fail without judgement, which is something caregivers of all kinds need. This open-minded approach makes caregivers feel more confident at a time when they are feeling most vulnerable.
The design and layout of this book is consistent from chapter to chapter, including myriad images and ample white space to keep readers connected without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of being illustrated by only one person, a team of several women depict the lessons in this book, adding diverse and inclusive images to the text. The author draws readers’ attention to race and gender divides and, while white herself, raises awareness of authors, illustrators, and educators from a wide range of backgrounds.
An informative, inclusive, and accessible guide, this book supports caregivers in providing a strong start for their children to promote lifelong success.
Based heavily on the work of Maria Montessori, this book takes readers through a child’s early life, from infancy to toddlerhood. It is broken into five sections, each one highlighting a specific aspect of the growth of the human “seed.” Though it is nonfiction, this book is designed to be read straight through, as a novel might be. This flow allows readers to focus on the child first and then on the caregiver as the “gardener.” The text itself is presented in a formal, educational manner, and the design and illustrations add visual elements that solidify each concept.
A parent of two and Montessori educator herself, the author combines her personal experience and knowledge into a book that provides caregivers with the guidance and understanding to support their children’s development. Similar to the Montessori method, readers are given the opportunity to try and fail without judgement, which is something caregivers of all kinds need. This open-minded approach makes caregivers feel more confident at a time when they are feeling most vulnerable.
The design and layout of this book is consistent from chapter to chapter, including myriad images and ample white space to keep readers connected without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of being illustrated by only one person, a team of several women depict the lessons in this book, adding diverse and inclusive images to the text. The author draws readers’ attention to race and gender divides and, while white herself, raises awareness of authors, illustrators, and educators from a wide range of backgrounds.
An informative, inclusive, and accessible guide, this book supports caregivers in providing a strong start for their children to promote lifelong success.
January 26, 2021
Montessori is a developmental approach to education based on observation of the child. The book breaks down the stages of 'babyhood' in a nicely illustrated and easy to read fashion. So much useful information is packed into this book that I can't wait to share and pass this book around to other new parents who may be interested in learning how to assist their child on the way to independence. I especially enjoyed the illustrated developmental charts at the end of the book.
This is a useful reference that deserves a space on the bookshelf!
This is a useful reference that deserves a space on the bookshelf!
October 5, 2021
I really liked how this book was laid out- I loved the focus on milestones and transitions that babies go through. I loved how it explained the transition from parents meeting the baby’s needs to the baby meeting their own needs eventually- and how everything we do is with that transfer in mind. A few applications that I probably personally won’t do (aka a floor bed since we don’t have the ability to make her room 100% baby proof with all the cords and heater we need). But what I liked was that it mostly focused on principles rather than the specific applications.
September 14, 2025
very insightful and well organized/illustrated. it was easy to read for someone who struggles with attention! this also makes it easy to go back and reference information later! Reading this book has expanded my knowledge and understanding of babies' development and given me tools that I am excited to put into practice. I specifically am appreciative of the Montessori values applied to this age which, as the title explains, build the child's capacity, identity etc to enter toddlerhood.
January 12, 2021
A much needed book in the area of a Montessori approach to infancy. The way the book ties together different areas of care with development through infancy is so helpful for getting a big picture view of the first 18 months.
April 4, 2021
Can't rave enough about this book for parents of little ones or teachers of 0-18 months. Incredible, clear information explained concisely, solid Montessori foundations, beautiful artwork, aligned with child development, and all run through with kindness and thoughtfulness. The would be an excellent gift for new parents or new Infant and Toddler teachers! I am buying a second copy to loan out.
July 17, 2023
Wonderful resource for new parents/expecting parents to learn about ways to encourage growth & trust in their children and the importance of allowing the environment to encourage movement, exploration and independence. Loved it!!
May 1, 2024
Loved it!
It is a simple, well structured book that you can refer to when needed. Extremely helpful and eye opening to what’s going on.
As a father, it’s refreshing to see content that is objective and not necessarily marketed towards one parent or another.
It is a simple, well structured book that you can refer to when needed. Extremely helpful and eye opening to what’s going on.
As a father, it’s refreshing to see content that is objective and not necessarily marketed towards one parent or another.
March 26, 2021
I loved this book. I felt like I didn't want to put it down. The advice is so friendly and yet persistent. The language is thorough without being repetitive. It has a phenomenal group of illustrators and such a foundation in understanding Montessori principles to raise an independent and functional toddler. I definitely have followed the resources in the book and plan to take advantage of some of the author's offerings and recommendations.
March 9, 2022
Phenomenal. Informative, very clear language and themes, and easily digestible! A must-read for anyone who is raising, living with, or working with babies.
July 22, 2024
A breakdown of fostering babies' development 0-18 months. Lesson: Don't wait until kids are 3 to potty train.
April 6, 2021
Great illustrations and practical information that new parents don’t think of but seasoned parents seemed to forget.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews