Feed the baby hummus Pediatrician-backed secrets from cultures around the world

This reassuring childcare volume offers a wealth of basic information, as well as useful tips and "secrets" from 40 countries. Though pediatrician Lewis includes chapters on breast and bottle feeding, a recipe for Lebanese hummus, and an assortment of other recipes from a handful of countries, feeding represents just part of her focus; she also shares invaluable advice on topics ranging from sudden infant death syndrome to selecting the right kind of diaper. The well-traveled pediatrician peppers her book generously with tidbits from other cultures: in Holland, for instance, where regular routines are prized, six-month-olds generally sleep two hours more than their American counterparts; babies in Malaysia enjoy a warm-water ladle bath with soothing oil, and babies in Nigeria are not allowed to "cry it out" and are consoled immediately. Lewis lavishes particular praise on the "baby box," a cardboard box packed with baby supplies that the Finnish government, since the 1930s, gives to expectant mothers (the box, once unpacked, doubles as a baby's first bed). Throughout, Lewis's tone is invariably evenhanded: when it comes to deciding when to stop breastfeeding (a fraught issue in various cultures), for instance, Lewis notes that no two babies, or mothers, are alike. Her book is a treasure trove of childcare tips, and a clever cross-cultural journey. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Experienced pediatrician Lewis believes valuable insights about childhood needs can be gained by studying cultures worldwide. For example, Balinese babies' feet don't touch the ground for the first three months of their lives. In Switzerland, infants sleep in sturdy hammocks made of breathable fabrics that position babies on their backs, and Jamaican parents soothe feverish babies with rosewater baths. Divided into four main sections-"Behavior and Development," "Decisions To Make (e.g., naming, circumcision, and child care)," "Diet and Nutrition (allergies, breastfeeding, etc.)," and "Building Immunity and Body Care"-this work will comfort readers to know that their child is not alone (35 percent of Britons still sleep with a teddy bear or other stuffed animal according to a 2010 Travelodge study) or provide fresh ideas (try pumpkin and papaya as your child's first foods, as is common in rural Uganda). Each chapter contains pediatric advice and tips for implementing the wisdom of various cultures. The appendix includes a shopping list and international baby food recipes. Verdict Since Lewis takes sides on some issues, such as cosleeping and the oft-used cry-it-out method, her guidance may not appeal to all readers; however, the glance at global customs presents a fascinating perspective on parenting worldwide.-Julia M. Reffner, North Chesterfield, VA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.