.com Confused about feeding your baby or toddler? Child of Mine, by noted nutritionist Ellyn Satter, is an essential guide for every new parent concerned with nutrition and appetite. Satter's advice is thorough and straightforward: "You can't control or dictate the quantity of food your child eats, and you shouldn't try. You also can't control or dictate the kind of body your child develops, and you shouldn't try. What you can do, and it is a great deal, is set things up for your child so she, herself, can regulate her food intake as well as possible, and so she can develop a healthy body that is constitutionally right for her." Child of Mine provides information on all aspects of feeding, from pregnancy through the toddler years. Satter begins with historical and social perspectives on infant feeding, describing how formula was developed and discussing the social movement that lead to accepting a child's input into his or her own development. Nutrition during pregnancy, infant feeding, introducing solid foods, building positive eating relationships, and avoiding eating disorders are all discussed. The sections on breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding, and on the regulation of food intake (particularly the relationship between parental attitudes and children's eating habits) are especially recommended. Satter provides specific nutritional information (including charts, diagrams, and nutritional breakdowns) interspersed with a no-nonsense, experienced perspective that will help you establish good eating habits that your children will benefit from long after they're out of diapers. --Ericka Lutz "An excellent source of solid nutrition information. . . . it espouses a philosophy of moderation and common sense that fosters good health, good eating habits, and, most of all, a loving relationship between parents and children." Washington Post can i write a book with the same title Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense, Revised and Updated Edition
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I can confidently say that this book is an excellent guide for parentsBy StephAs a dietitian and a pediatric nutrition enthusiast, I can confidently say that this book is an excellent guide for parents. Feeding can be a source of anxiety and frustration for parents and their children, but this book is an excellent guide to avoiding complications. I wish that it was organized in less of a conversational context, but I imagine it makes for an easier read overall. I, personally, just prefer for educational books to be set in a more outlined manner. Otherwise, I think all parents and caregivers would greatly benefit for this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good for parents with picky eatersBy Christina KI went through a difficult feeding stage with my toddler and this book really helped me understand what *my* role in feeding her was. Definitely helped with my mealtime stress and anxiety.The book goes through different childhood stages from newborn and up, so you can pick and choose to read the parts that are relevant to you.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A solid confidence builder!By With two daughters in towChildren are resilient but this book presents ideas which can make a big positive impact on their relationships with you, other people, and food throughout their lifetime. Admittedly, in my case, she is preaching to the choir, and I am simply thrilled with how she weaves seemingly disparate results of various studies into a comprehensive view of feeding as an activity which is important emotionally and developmentally. She doesn't talk about eating in isolation but rather links it to playtime, sleep and wakefulness etc. She addresses both the average child and children that she describes as vulnerable to well-meaning but misguided parents (e.g. preemies, small babies, fat babies). While many books include growth charts, this book is the only one I've seen which explains in detail how babies normally progress through these charts and how to interpret deviations from the norm.Having glanced at one of Satter's older books, her writing style seems to be more concise now which is good because the book is already hefty enough even though it only elaborates on the more contentious topics. The organizational flow is good and she repeats her main messages often so that it is possible to read the chapters in isolation.Although it is current only to sometime around its print date (2000), the general info relayed is consistent with the more recent changes in the pediatric practices I've experienced and the other books that I've read. She hasn't updated the breastfeeding chapter, preferring instead to refer people to say "The Nursing Mother's Companion". It seems very even-handed about how it presents both breastfeeding and formula-feeding. Making that choice secondary to the feeding relationship itself.To sum it all up, she has done her homework and she is providing a valuable public service in presenting her life's work in this book. I initially had a library copy and am now purchasing multiple copies for myself and as gifts to friends who present concerns to me that are answered by this book!p.s. on a more humorous note, it reminds me of the intent of the book "Good Owners, Great Cats". In this case, if you improve the parenting, the kid will shine!