Retro Baby | Book Review
Retro Baby's tagline spoke to me as an OT, a Mom, and an aspiring minimalist: "Cut back on all the gear and boost your baby's development with more than 100 time-tested activities."
"Yes, please, tell me more!" I thought.
This book is a great read/resource, and I highly recommend it for the parents and caregivers of children 0-24 months. (My dog-eared copy is a constant reference for me.) Its publication by the American Academy of Pediatrics is a compelling endorsement, and the writing is accessible, informative, and engaging. Rather than offer anxiety-inducing proclamations (as so many parenting books seem to do), Dr. Zachry offers evidence-based information and concrete activities to put ideas into action.
Here is what Retro Baby has to offer in less than 200 pages:
A chapter devoted entirely to sensory development that delves into each sensory system (all seven of them) along with relevant developmental milestones and a brief explanation of sensory integration
100+ easy-to-implement activities and suggestions, subdivided by age (e.g., a chapter focused solely on birth to 3 months, one for 4 to 6 months, and so on)
Why and how to limit the use of baby "gear" (e.g., bouncers, jumpers, etc.) to promote development including a chart provided in the epilogue that is now my go-to reference for when and how much to use each item
By Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L
190 pages. American Academy of Pediatrics. $16.95.
Recommended for those with children ages 0 to 24 months.
