Baby-Led Weaning
Gill Rapley & Tracey Murkett
$14.95; The Experiment Publishing
Nurse and author Rapley says it’s safe to skip traditional baby foods and purees in favor of letting baby discover which foods she likes. Short sections address weaning, food preparation, foods to avoid, balanced nutrition and answers to parents’ questions. The authors say that babies “instinctively know when they are ready for solid foods … they will naturally develop the skills needed to feed themselves.”
How to Have Your Second Child First
Kerry Colburn & Rob Sorensen
$18.95. Chronicle Books
Wish you knew then what you know now? This practical collection of tips from seasoned parents helps new parents navigate the often-turbulent seas of child rearing. Second-timer tips pepper the book, and the authors offer how-to guidance on feeding, bathing, sleeping and entertaining while enjoying childhood’s fleeting joys.
As one mom advises, “You don’t need to ‘master’ any stage or age. You just need to survive it. There is always another phase to enjoy and to challenge you just around the corner.”
Mama Wants Her Body Back DVD
Lisa Druxman
$9.99; MamaWants.com
No matter how fit you are, pregnancy takes a toll on your body. Many moms struggle to lose that stubborn baby weight. Stroller Strides founder Druxman created this DVD fitness program to tighten up post-baby bodies and help shed stubborn pounds. Workout schedules and nutrition guides included. Start with one of three 20-minute workouts, then graduate to Abs Advanced Core, Arms, Booty Bootcamp or Cardio Party. Targeted toning helps you achieve your optimal size and shape, no matter how long it’s been since pregnancy.
Beginnings
Ann Geddes
$50; Anne Geddes Publishing
Gorgeous, nature-inspired portraits of babies and pregnant mothers fill the pages of Geddes’ latest collection. With charming, whimsical images of newborns, this limited-edition print book honors the sweetness of infancy. It’s a must-have for mamas and grandmas alike. E-book available from iTunes.
Equally Shared Parenting
Marc & Amy Vachon
$23.95; Perigree
Imagine sharing parenting duties 50/50 with your partner, regardless of your preferences or gender roles. Founders of EquallySharedParenting.com, the Vachons can teach you how to achieve an optimally balanced life by prioritizing parental time. Equally sharing the load can reduce resentment and overwork by ensuring that neither parent spends too much time doing any one thing, making it easier to stay in, and appreciate, the moment.
