This inspiring and practical book provides reassuring answers to the complex questions that parents of babies and young children ask. Beginning with the initial few days of a new baby's life the first three sections of the book deal with general care and feeding, crying and sleeping, and how to encourage development and play. Guidance is given on changing, feeding, weaning, healthy eating, bathing, natural skin care, coping with tantrums, sleep patterns, stimulating your child and encouraging social skills. The last section offers a wealth of advice on illness, first aid, eating plans and recipes, with natural therapies and modern approaches interwoven with the best traditional advice. Illustrated throughout with images that reflect the adventure of bringing up children, this is a valuable, practical guide for new parents.