book review - infant development (first year)

Eisenberg, Arlene; Murkoff, Heidi; & Hathaway, Sandra. (1996) What to Expect: The First Year. NY: Workman

This practical guide presents a month-by-month description of development during the first year. Each chapter includes an overview of developmental milestones for the month, what to expect at the monthly check up, information about feeding, parents' questions, and what's important to know. Other sections focus on special concerns (e.g., illnesses, low birth weight, becoming a father) and ready references (e.g., food recipes, remedies). Written in an easy-to-read style, the book is informative and reassuring. The major developmental milestones are described in terms of what an infant "should" be able to do; parents may find these normative standards too narrow.