Infants Books

After having 2 children in 3 years, any relationship can get a bit stressed. I really enjoyed the point of view this book was written from. They included many, many experiences I could relate to. At times, I also though that 'Gee, things aren't so bad!'. I plan on buying this for all of my friends who are expecting or who have had a child within the past 2 years!

Dr. Malone is a friend who has served his friends well in this important book. He has laid out carefully and faithfully the exegetical and doctrinal issues involved in New Covenant baptism. Those who for biblical reasons have become dissatisfied with Arminian over-use on the one hand and pedobaptist over-reaching on the other will find the Reformed Baptist case for baptism clearly put forth. I hope his book is only the first of many modern presentations of Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology.
-Larry Vincent, Heritage Baptist Church

Michael Green offers a cogent, simply explained overview of Christian baptism that includes perspectives from the Catholic, protestant and pentecostal views. This book provides what are the basic underpinnings of the act of water baptism and what pentecostals call the baptism of the Spirit.

Green looks at the differing points of view and provides pros and cons for each of them while always supplying the Biblical and traditional applications. Most importantly, Green emphasizes the meaning of baptism--mainly that it is an act indicative of God's act of providing for forgiveness of sins and salvation for people. It recognizes the work of Jesus on the cross on behalf of people and not peoples' work on behalf of Jesus.

His objective explanations of differing doctrines are helpful and instructive. He also includes his beliefs regarding baptism. He includes an in-depth discussion on infant baptism and the arguments for and against it. He discusses the idea of being baptized in the Holy Spirit in addition to water baptism and also at the idea of being re-baptized as an adult.

As he offers opposing view points, the book is thoughtful and objective. It ultimately provides all of the basics regarding baptism. It is instructive for parents, pastors and any Christians wanting to learn more about baptism for personal reflection or teaching. If you are wanting to make a decision about infant baptism or re-baptism, this is an excellent resource.

Craig Stephans, author of Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays

This is the third book of Bear's adventures. The illustrations of Patience Brewster are a perfect match to Winthop's story. Bear is a charmer; he becomes big brother to a huge panda bear: Roly-Poly. We could only wish there were more books about Bear.

This is a great, informative, no-nonsense book for managing the stress of being a mom! I am a mother of a toddler with another on the way and I was becoming overwhelmed with the idea of caring for 2 babies. This book was just what I needed. It really gives tools that can be used not just for the first year with a baby but, beyond as well. I wish this book had been around when my toddler was an infant- I had tremendous anxiety every time my baby cried. Everyone just said "don't worry, all babies cry" which did not help to relieve the stress or anxiety that I was feeling. This book actually gives strategies to calm yourself and reduce anxiety that all mothers feel (whether they admit it or not). I have been recommending this book for all my friends (first time mothers and more experienced mothers as well) and I wanted to recommend it here as well. I love being a mom and the skills that I have learned in this book have made my time with my toddler even more enjoyable.

"Before You Were Born" is one of the sweetest books I have ever read. I enjoy it more everytime I read it to my children or myself. I get so caught up in the description of how this family welcomed their child. Although it differs from my experiance, I can relate to the overall feeling the book. It takes me back to the days when my children were first born. When the newness of life filled the air, and our tiny bundle consumed our hearts with love. I also love how it makes my children feel good about themselves. Its a beautiful reminder that God made them, and has a plan for them.

You'd have to live under a rock not to know of the Berenstain Bears books and TV shows. I've loved the Berenstain Bears ever since my teenagers were babies. I like the classic Bears (where Papa Bear is always a bumbling idiot) and the later Bears (where Brother and Sister always learn an important lesson). So when I recently learned that Stan and Jan Berenstain, creators of the Berenstain Bears, wrote some books for parents, I had to check one out! I read "The Berenstains' Baby Book: Advice for Parents from the Creators of the Berenstain Bears" (ISBN 0-671-49629-8), and it's hilarious! The Berenstains dispense advice on all kinds of subjects, including pregnancy, feeding, bedtime, first words, discipline, daycare, and much more. The version I read was published in 1983, so parts are dated, but it really doesn't matter. The humor in this book remains fresh! Here's some of the advice they offer:

Pregnancy: While you've been working through the final stages of your blimp impersonation, solicitous friends and relatives have kept your phone ringing off the wall. Your mother-in-law is convinced that the whole process is taking much too long and that your delaying tactics are for the specific purpose of embarrassing her.

Grandparents: The grandparent's first impulse upon seeing the grandchild is to pick him up. It matters not that the child is happy in the crib, coach, or playpen. Nor does it matter that it required a supreme effort of stamina, will and native cunning to get him to lie there quietly in the first place. Up he's snatched! Then, after a few minutes of knee dandling, Grandpa glances at his watch and discovers that he'd better hurry if he's going to pick up Grandma in time to make the first show. . . . So, putting Baby back where he found him, he bids you adieu, but you don't hear him over the mounting decibels from your infant.

Potty-Training: Bladder Control consists of putting the tot on the pot every hour on the hour. It also entails sponging up a puddle every hour on the hour, roughly two minutes after you take the child off the pot. Stated in its simplest terms, your objective is to get the puddle in the pot. The solution is largely a matter of sticking rigidly to a schedule and constantly keeping a weather eye squinted for signs of precipitation.

Undressing: At two and a half, your tot will probably try to remove socks by grabbing at the piggie end and pulling toward his face. He pulls and pulls. Nothing happens. Eventually his hand slips off and connects with his nose. After this, be sure to slip his socks off his heels for him when he's in the mood to undress himself. Then when he grabs a handful of sock and yanks, he'll get results: there will be a sock in his fist when it connects with his nose.

There's even a brief fill-in-the-blank section at the end of the book with such humorous items as:
Smashed first priceless heirloom at ___ months.
First locked self in bathroom at ____ months.
Brought home first dead animal at ____ months.
First fist fight at ____ months. Who won? __________

"The Berenstains' Baby Book" is also loaded with adorable classic Berenstain illustrations. This is my new favorite gift item for expectant parents. Parenting isn't easy, but it helps when we can laugh at the many challenges and difficult stages. This book will bring out the chuckles in every parent.

When my children were babies, this book was my favorite. It gives you hints on what you need for every occasion. For example, my car was always stocked with everything I needed because the book told me what to keep in the car. When we went on an airplane, this book was my reference. I used it daily at first. When my second baby came along, the book went to the hospital with me to remind me of what I needed to do to get ready to take my child home. Unfortunately, it is now out of print. I have been searching for it so can I have it on hand to give to friends who are pregnant. My copy is so worn that it has rubber bands around it to hold it together. Buy it while you can!

The ONLY book that I have found that is as close to an owner's manual for the care and rearing of a child as one can get. It's readable, sensible and down to earth common sense in its approach. I recommend it highly,for ALL parents, whether you have one or many babies, but especially to parents to be. If more people would read this book before and while they had babies, I would not be SO busy stamping out mental illnesses. I would only be SOME busy.
C. Shaw, M.D. Psychiatrist

A small book with a big punch! Very well researched and well delivered. Well worth the price and the time reading it. Should be on the bookshelves of all pastors and Bible students.
Well done, Matt!!