(Part 2) Best baby & toddler parenting books according to redditors
We found 322 Reddit comments discussing the best baby & toddler parenting books. We ranked the 86 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
I'll be finished with a major job and have some free time in the next couple weeks. I'll do a complete AMA then if there is any interest. 'Til then, I'll give a pre-emptive TL;DR.
People will be offended when you do not accept gifts of the above things, especially when their kids have them. We try to be as graceful as possible with that. Our approach to teaching is that we are playing and having fun--we stop immediately if she doesn't like something and no drilling.
I taught her to use the computer very early with Cyberstart and that progressed to Reader Rabbit: Phonics and Starfall.com.
I made my husband read this.
Begin With A Blanket: Creative Play For Infants (Baby Play: Developmental Fun From Birth To Beyond One) (Volume 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692453091/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YDWcAbE9ABAWR
It's short, the print is big, and it has pictures, but more importantly it explains why each kind of activity is important and what skills it helps develop. I learned a ton from it too, but for someone who really doesn't know how to play with a baby, it's a complete game changer.
Yes! I want my child to be confident, independent, kind, considerate, assertive, motivated, and happy. I want to teach her how to be savvy about sketchy adults or situations. How to be patient, cope with delayed gratification. I want her to have an appreciation for nature and animals. How to make friends and keep them. I hope to instill a love for reading and learning.
I am reading Brain Rules for Baby and I highly recommend it! It covers a lot of different things from intelligence to morality and creativity. Some stuff you can do even before Baby is born.
I also just read 9 Ways We’re Screwing Up Our Girls and How We Can Stop and recommend that to anyone having a girl especially, but it also covers some about teaching boys to respect women etc.
I also feel like Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers deserves a mention, since it addresses a lot of things that can affect a person’s success from the time they are born. I found one section in particular very interesting regarding how well-off parents raise their children differently from poor parents.
Another book I’m planning to read but haven’t yet is How to Raise a Wild Child. To learn about raising a kid who is comfortable exploring and enjoys nature.
I like No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Lansbury
It’s been helping me with the same type of issues you’re dealing with.
Edit: you can get it here on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Potty-Training-Guide-Keeping-Poo-ebook/dp/B074V1PY8G
It's okay not to share... and other renegade rules
My kid is definitely free range, and so am I. This book helps explain why being less controlling and allowing more free play will help kids grow up to be compassionate adults.
And I love this thread, thank you for posting this! I will be checking out the suggestions!
Also look into the topics of "unschooling" or "radical unschooling"
There is this interesting book called Einstein Never Used Flashcards about how kids need to play more and do acedemic drills less. Your situation just reminded me of the book.
I know I would not want to send my daughter to a school like that. I think too much structure and discipline at a young age can squash creativity. Kids can socialize at any pre-k/school, there is no need to force strict academics at such a young age. Just let them be kids.
it’s a start
The stuff you're describing as thing she likes to play with are often known as "loose parts". Basically stuff that isn't toys but can be used by children in a variety of ways. Lots of kids prefer loose parts, and there is research that supports loose parts as more beneficial than traditional toys.
I would take a look for some infant/toddler loose parts (loose parts are often small - you'll need things that are bigger) and offer some of those in your classroom. There is a fantastic book that I'll link below that's all about the benefit of loose parts, specifically for infants and toddlers.
https://www.amazon.ca/Loose-Parts-Inspiring-Infants-Toddlers/dp/1605544647
You kids today have it easy. When we were kids, our parents potty-trained us with a hammer. It was in Dr Spock.
I think those PC-gone-mad child psychologists had them take it out in the fifth edition. Them and their whining about "child protection services" and "fractures" and nonsense like that.
FTD with very little baby experience.
Baby Care Basics by Dr Jeremy Friedman
I'm 2/3 through this and it has answered so many questions and anxieties I had. Not gimmicky "just for dad!". Nice simple instructions on how to feed a baby, how to put it to sleep, how to change diapers etc. Great diagrams and pictures. Written by paediatricians.
Yes - sorry. I actually hate the name of this book because it is actually just good advice in problem solving with your kids.
I would also recommend the ebook [The Three Day Potty Training Method] (https://www.amazon.com/Day-Potty-Training-Lora-Jensen-ebook/dp/B00IU8Y0AA) but every time I recommend it on this sub it gets downvoted.
Mrs. Cibman and I are currently doing a class on Love and Logic. So far I like it a lot, and we've been putting it to use fairly well. Here's a link their website where you might be able to find a class. (I don't think this is against the reddit rules, feel free to remove if it is...)
The idea is empathy + consequences for bad actions to give kids the consequences for things when they're less severe.
The other book I've been reading (also with Mrs. Cibman) is called No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury. This is an Amazon link.
I think between those two approaches you'll find something that works for you.
Go buy yourself one of these. You need it. Here
11 month old haver here too! Solidarity! I really like Montessori Toddler. It's a pretty book too. But if you're pressed for time, similar advice is available here...
Read this. https://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Toddler-Parents-Raising-Responsible-ebook/dp/B07GNWSZBG/
Not all of them I found Brain Rules for Baby to be very good so far (just past pregnancy and relationships section.)
My go-to resources are:
Baby Led Weaning
Loose Parts and Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play for Infants and Toddlers
For discipline I prefer the Parenting with Love and Logic.
I'm a big believer in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of teaching and early childhood development. R.E., loose parts, and outdoor classroom theories all work really well together to create a natural, child-led, creative environment. The basic theory involved is that children are curious, competent, creative beings with a significant capacity for learning if we get out of their way. Instead of giving them plastic, light-up, noise-making toys that have one purpose or one way of playing, loose parts cultivates an environment of inviting materials that encourage creativity and discovery instead of "this is how you play with this toy" thinking. I was first introduced to Reggio Emilia and Loose Parts while working for a JCC and I was really impressed with the way it transformed the teaching environment. It's definitely harder the smaller your kids are, but it can be done and I have seen it jump start critical thinking and creativity in even the youngest kiddos.
I'm not a moderately granola mom yet (couple weeks to go) but I'm a librarian, and I saw some books that caught my eye the other day, called loose parts and loose parts 2 that look fascinating and super fun with great ideas for diy toys. You can always ask your local library if they do interlibrary loan if they don't have it.
This book looks wonderful!
What exactly are fancy pancakes? Banana nut? Blueberry? Chocolate chip?!
Gimme a book, Pancakes! :)
My husband and I are planning on utilizing baby sign sign language. I bought this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1583334718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ThV5ybVMR0KF0
The author founded My Smart Hands. I've started the learn the basics!
I was going to recommend "Montessori from the start, birth to age 3". That is AMAZING at sort of teaching you to sit back and observe what your infant/toddler is doing and noticing their behavior patterns. Everything kids do is for a reason. being able to pinpoint the 'root cause/reason' for an action helps IMMENSELY. it basically helps you become a proactive parent rather than a reactive one, which alleviates MANY tantrums. Also the montessori method (in summary) guides caregivers to allow kids to be self sufficient, which is what most toddlers want to do anyway!
​
That being said, the 'from the start' book largely focuses on infants with only the last couple chapters dedicated to toddlers. I haven't read this one, but i think it might be more accurate and useful for your immediate stage. From the preview it's pretty much everything we're doing at home at 22mo! - The Montessori Toddler
Love this book for ideas
https://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Toddler-Parents-Raising-Responsible/dp/152350689X
Oh yes, a game changer indeed. Allows them to be so much less frustrated.
Baby Signing Bible
We bought this book and it helped me learn ASL. Started signing on day 1 but it took about a year before it worked. It was a tremendous relief to understand the little one.
The Baby Signing Book: Includes 450 ASL Signs for Babies and Toddlers https://www.amazon.com/dp/0778804518/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ME7avb13RYH2J
Yes, get him evaluated. Most services are free under 3 years old. Always helpful and calming knowing you've checked it out. A helpful book to build up speech at home is: My Toddler Talks
https://www.amazon.com/Basics-Jeremy-Friedman-MB-ChB-FRCPC/dp/0778805190
My mom gave me this book right before I had my baby and I love it! It's literally called "Baby Care Basics" and it's written by pediatricians. It has so much good basic information about everything including sleep, common illnesses and rashes, diapers and how many wet and dirty ones babies should be having at different ages, feeding, weight gain, vaccines, milestones, and so much more good stuff! I'm in Canada though and the pediatricians who wrote it are from the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto. I doubt it would be much different than say the States or the UK if that's where you are, but you could probably find a similar book on Amazon if you searched for "Baby care books" or something. Just make sure you check the author and make sure it's someone reputable like a pediatrician or a doctor or something. Good luck!
This is a great book about this topic. "Our Babies, Ourselves".
I sent this email to my coworker about a little over a year ago. Hope it helps!!
Hi,
Here is my list. I hope the links work or I wasted a lot of time. LOL
Parent Books:
My Toddler Talks: Strategies and Activities to Promote Your Child's Language Development
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477693548/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the book I liked the best. To the point, and gave me things I could actually do. And oh my God, it helped so much!!! He learned and grew SO much after I implemented what I read in this book.
It Takes Two To Talk: A Practical Guide For Parents of Children With Language Delays Third Edition
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0921145195/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
kind of long, a lot of detail, but explains types of speech delays and how children learn to speak
The Cow Says Moo: Ten Tips to Teach Toddlers to Talk: An Early Intervention Guide
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1482794403/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This book is alright. There were some ideas in it that I'll use. I'd recommend it if you want more ideas/books after the Teach my Toddler to Talk book
Children Books and Flash Cards:
Little Blue Truck Lap Board Book
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/054405685X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is a great book. There is a lot of action in this book and has a lot of association between animals and sounds. Very engaging and rhyming.
Bright Baby Animals
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312492480/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
simple words, simple REAL pictures and one picture per page so as to not overwhelm. Great book to teach first words.
Elmo Says... (Sesame Street) (Big Bird's Favorites Board Books)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375845402/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is an action book, so your child would touch their nose, touch their toes, etc. relating actions to words is engaging and also the association helps foster language attrition.
From Head to Toe
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064435962/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
same as the above book.
Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0859537285/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Teaches body parts, has hand movements, rhyming/song My son loves this book
My First Touch & Feel Picture Cards: Animals (My 1st T&F Picture Cards)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756615151/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Real pictures and has different materials to touch like rough, sticky, etc. Works well, my son likes this too
My First Touch & Feel Picture Cards: First Words (My 1st T&F Picture Cards)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756615186/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
same as the above, just other words
DVD’s:
Baby Babble Beginning Words
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015NERXBQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So, some speech therapists say to have NO screen time. Well, I put this on when we’re on long trips or if my kids just wants to chill. There are several different dvd’s in this series. I have 3. He said some words he’s never said before after watching these. I would recommend engaging WITH your child while watching these if you can. If you can’t and you’re driving somewhere, then so be it. It still helps in my opinion.
Baby Signing Time
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DHMCVKK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this. I used this w/my daughter too. Taught them both a lot of super helpful signs and words. The video is super cute and the songs are great too. My kids both love this DVD. I would definitely get it. In fact, I bought it twice bc the first dvd got scratched up due to use.
Toys to encourage speech and language development:
4.5" Set of 6 Wolf, Lion, Owl, Penguin Wild Animals Plastic Nesting Dolls
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2UAVA0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is great. My kids love this. It teaches the animals, sizes, opening, closing. in and out. super cute.
Tot Tube Playset - Toy Car and Ball Tunnel Ramp Race Track by Inspiration Play
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PFB0JTQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My kids LOVE this. super simple but fun. Teaches taking turns, action words like "go" and "fast", use words like "ball" and "car" and "bounce"
Melissa & Doug Zoo Animals Sound Puzzle
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029N2NLU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
In general, speech therapists don’t like toys that make sounds, but this puzzle my son loves and I make the sounds with him, he mimics me, so it works. Also, there is a high association with puzzle making and language development. So we work on puzzles a lot and he’s gotten a lot better at them. It helps also to say “tuuuurn” to turn the puzzle piece and that kind of thing.
Melissa and Doug Jumbo Paint Brushes
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M5J7W0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We bought water paint and have a big big roll of paper that we cut big pieces off and lay on the floor. We paint and he uses these easy to handle brushes. I’ll say words like “let’s paint” and “gentle” and I’ll name colors (but do not expect him to learn them). I’ll make a face or something and tell him what I am drawing. Called “self talk” or I’ll do “parallel talk” doing this too.
Melissa and Doug Latches Barn Toy
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B1V12KS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I HIGHLY recommend this toy. Probably my favorite. There are activities in the Teach your Toddler to Talk book that I used with this toy. You say things like “Pig in” or “open door” “pig says oink oink” so it teaches actions, animals, sounds, and the latches are entertaining for opening and closing. It’s engaging. Super cute.
Melissa & Doug Hide and Seek Wooden Activity Board With Wooden Magnets
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014E7DIS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I’d recommend this toy too. You can say things like “what’s behind the barn door?” or “where is the dog?” or “cookie!” and pretend to eat the cookies. Super super cute. Has helped him with several words.
Wonderworld Rainbow Sound Blocks - Stackable Hollow Shape Block Toys - 7 Piece Set https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005BHUU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
we love these too. They make sounds and are different shapes and colors. We use these alone and with other blocks. We say things like “up” and “put on” and “uh-oh” “fall down” “pick up” “shake shake shake” He likes these, so does my daughter
kilofly Kids Mini Band Musical Instruments Rhythm Toys Value Pack [Set of 12]
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SUUM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is just fun. The kids like to make music. The whistle helps with oral muscles. The music helps and you can sing songs with it. You can say sounds like “boom boom boom” and “cling cling” and then use songs that help with rhyming and such that I have in that list for you.
And then just bubbles. Buy bubbles. Teaches breathing control and the words “bubble” and “pop” then you can teach the sign for “more” when your child wants to blow more bubbles. Because you’re supposed to close the bottle each time and then they will want more and you say “More?” and then you sign it at the same time and then you say “Oh, more, okay!” and open it up and blow more bubbles and repeat until they start signing or asking for “more” or “more bubbles” or “bubbles” or “open”, etc. So buy bubbles. Lol.
My son loves basketball so we teach him “bounce bounce bounce” and “shoot the ball” and “make a basket” although he only says “ball” so far. But its something he really really loves.
We go on walks and point things out. Or if we are at a fountain or something we sign and say “water, water” and just keep repeating it. Every once in a while he will say “wah wah” so that’s something. More than we had.
He can say “juice” and he would say that for every liquid he wanted. So in the book, it said to give choices. So I make a cup of milk and a cup of water. And I say “do you want milk or water? “ or I say “milk or water” and I sign milk and water when I ask. Then he will say and sign “Milk” which he NEVER did before. But that was bc I gave him 2 choices and neither was juice so it forced him to tell me what he wanted.
Anyways, I hope this helps. I did a LOT of research and reading on the types of toys to get and HOW to encourage talking. So hopefully I have saved you some time. I can tell you it’s worked wonders for me. He went from saying 3 words to saying like 20 in 3 weeks. It’s a work in progress but I feel really good about the direction we’re headed.
Let me know what you decide to buy and do. I would love to hear about your progress.
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There is a woman on ig, phillourhome who is a foster momma and has potty trained a bunch of kiddos. She swears by a book that is on her highlights/stories. I would definitely check it out!!
https://www.amazon.com/Day-Potty-Training-Lora-Jensen-ebook/dp/B00IU8Y0AA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=lora+jensen+training&qid=1568426854&sr=8-1
He sounds scared. I have a smart, sensitive, emotive 2.5 year old who was similar about toy sharing--mostly because another toddler we know was repeatedly snatching toys from her. I wrote about it a little bit here. I've dealt with it by repeatedly emphasizing to my daughter that I won't let Jane take toys from her, that she can play with a toy until she's finished, that she can say to Jane "No, I'm using that." I mean, I have literally pried the other kid's hands off a toy my daughter was using. We still have disaster play dates sometimes, but when that happens, I have my daughter dictate a letter to Jane. The last one was something like this:
"Dear Jane,
I feel mad about the toy. You took it from me and I was using it. I told mommy to set a timer and I would give it to you when I was done but you took it anyway and I was mad. I tickled your baby sister then I felt better. I was using it. Don't take things when I'm using it. We can still be friends. Still friends.
Love,
Molly."
I watch other parents at playgroups really closely and it's common to see a kid hoarding toys because they feel insecure--and for the parents to promptly force them to give those toys up. Which of course leaves the kid feeling even more vulnerable and insecure. I used to do the same thing--you don't want to think your kid doesn't know how to share. But really, who doesn't know how to share--the kids who want to play alone with a toy (totally developmentally appropriate at 2.5) or the ones who hound after kids who are engaged with something and snatch it from them?
I found this book really, really helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Share-Renegade-Raising-Competent-Compassionate/dp/1585429368/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469537025&sr=8-1&keywords=it%27s+okay+not+to+share
It's going to take some work to talk to your son before and after every social situation. Lots of empathy. If he feels nervous, stay next to him. Tell him "I know you feel scared when other kids want to play with toys you're using. I'll stay next to you and help you tell them with words that they can't use them until you're done. If you get upset, we can go outside to cool off for a few minutes, but then I'd like you to come in and try to play again."
I know it sucks, to watch your kid tantrum. I know it's alarming. But he's trying to communicate his discomfort to you. It's up to you to give him better words to do that and better coping strategies for social situations.
So far my highly recommended ones would be:
NurtureShock
Your Self-Confident Baby
Dear Parent: Caring for Infants With Respect
It's OK Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids (Currently reading this one now)
I tried reading
The Baby WhispererThe Child Whisperer but couldn't get past the second chapter. It reads like an infomercial for the book and it was just awful.I don't see anyone else recommending sign language. I'm teaching it to my baby because they can communicate before they can talk. The author of my favorite book has her career in using ASL to communicate with children with social difficulties.
The Baby Signing Book: Includes 450 ASL Signs for Babies and Toddlers https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0778804518/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MQ5cAb64B6VWT
"Our Babies, Ourselves" is great! I've gotten so many good reviews of it from clients. Even if you only read the first few chapters it will give you an understanding of why and how babies act and grow as they do which in turn helps you decide how to react. It isn't going to tell you what to do, so much as whats going on and give you ideas on how you can handle it. Good luck!
There are lots of us around here who are on Team I Dunno - you're not alone! You may be interested in the book Parenting Beyond Pink And Blue by Christia Spears Brown. It talks a lot about this topic and how to continue it on as the kid grows up, along with some of the research on how valuable it is to resist the pink/blue dichotomy.
Buy and read this book before bed.
I know its just a kids book but it got me through this crap. Unlike you I suffered with this shitty problem for 16 years, like a 50% chance every night. Nothing else worked for me but whenever I read this book before going to sleep it cut my chances down by like 90% of it actually happening.
It really puts you in the right frame of mind before sleep.
I am reading this great book about how to minimise the negative impact of gender stereotypes on your child. They were going through a bunch of stuff about doing the best for your kid's cognitive development, and it said don't let them cry it out because it'll impact your bond and children with a strong bond are independent. Pffft.
I want to reassure you that we did almost a week of CIO to get my daughter of the damn dummy that was causing her to wake up every flipping hour and she does not seem damaged by it. She cried for close to an hour the first night, then upward of half an hour for the next few nights. Within a few weeks she was down to only waking up once a night, sleeping through some nights.
She's one of the most confident babies I know. At gymbaroo all the other babies are sitting on their mum's lap she's crawling around making friends with all of them, she started childcare at 9 months and there were no tears at drop off until last week (14 months). She plays independently for ages, but keeps checking to make sure we're still there, popping her head out of her tent to wave or hand me a toy. She still loves snuggles and cuddles though, her favourite game is reaching out to different family members to get hugs from everyone.
I know she's a sample size of one, not statistically significant, but I think 9 months later CIO was one of the best things we did, just wish I'd done it earlier. Or like, never given her that damn dummy.
Library is great! It gets mom out of the house too :)
I'd also recommend this book by Rachel Coley. It has great activities for young babies.
There was a book that really helped me when I was a little kid. You drank a big glass of water then read this book about the desert or something.
I think this was it:
http://www.amazon.com/Dry-All-Night-Technique-Bedwetting/dp/0316542253
Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care covers pretty much everything