Whimsical baby guide

Press, 17 December 1988, Page 24

Whimsical baby guide

Babies: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving (and Enjoying!) Baby’s First Year. By Dr. Christopher Green. Hodder and Stoughton, 1988. 260 pp. $17.95. (Reviewed by Sharon Hunter) “Babies” is written by Dr Christopher Green who became something of a celebrity with the publication of “Toddler Taming.” “Toddler Taming” took a whimsical look at the terrible twos, the more terrible threes, the fearsome fours, and the fabulous fives. Dr Green’s lighthearted approach to those who have to do battle with their toddlers, yet who still want to remain sane, fair and loving, struck a chord with parents on both sides of the Tasman. Banking on more of a good thing, Dr Green’s “Babies” — directed towards the impending arrival of a little cherub for first-time parents — relies on the same humourous approach. The book covers basic parenting skills, aliments such as colic which particularly affect babies, feeding, and lifestyle changes. Although “Babies” is a good, lightweight book written in an easy, conversational style, it does have irksome moments for both sexes. For the most part, Dr Green seems to

assume that most men are bumbling, hopeless idiots who have to be told how to do everything by the new mother, right from the time of impending labour when the expectant woman should make sure that the freezer is well-stocked with helpless husband’s favourite meals. Dr Green seems to ignore the fact that first-time parents are often equally naive and the process of dealing with a new-born infant is a learning experience for both sexes, not the sole responsibility of the mother. Dr Green is also unhappy about working mothers and the effect that such women might have on the development of their pre-schoolers, although he concedes, that the majority of women are in the workplace for economic reasons. The increasing number of men who are opting to stay at home and care for their children while their partners work also barely rates a mention. While “Babies” lacks the oomph and sparkle of "Toddler Taming” the book still makes a useful addition to the plethora of such books on the market.