very clearly written, simple layout by developmental stages, good info. This book was recommended by a friend as the only book that I'd need on childhood development.

Well, he may not really be, but unfortunately, that's how the writing comes across in several places. For example, p 52 "I have come to expect this tenuous, rather childlike behavior [of father and mother] when new parents come into my office. Rather than a sign of incompetence, it represents their ability to accept me in a nurturing 'grandfather' role...". p. 102 "By this time, I know parents will leap in to correct me if I'm off track, and I welcome their deeply held beliefs about who their child is becoming". If these sound somewhat condescending to you, you might be put off by the book. Also, the term 'Touchpoints' itself doesn't really refer to a particularly useful concept-- it's basically refers to an opportunity to bond with your baby. The repetitive use of the term sounds forced. OK, so this may sound like a negative review, so why 4 stars? Because despite these annoyances, the information inside is useful and I like how the chapters are essentially organized by periods between pediatrician visits. You get a chance to check your baby's progress against a pediatrician's standards. It is not too useful for the first 10 days when so many questions swirl around your sleep-deprived head. But it provides a longer term perspective (up to 3 years) whereas most baby books stop at 1 year. Sure, 1 year is a convenient way to end a book, but this is one of the few books that bridge the time period from infant to toddler. Also, it is really useful to hear what a pediatrician looks for during each visit. Aside from the tone, the book is well written, well referenced, and covers some very interesting topics (separate chapters on sibling rivalry; speech, language and hearing problems; television; grandparents). Even the book layout is pleasing, with mid-size pages, occasional photos, and wide margins if you are a note-taker. I wouldn't use this as a sole reference, though, as several opinions expressed are just that- opinions- but I haven't found much to disagree with in this book, except that I refuse to call emotional milestones 'touchpoints'!

LOVE IT!! EVERY parent needs this book to better understnad their child and what they are going through and how you can best help them along the way. I'm not kidding and there is no sugar coat here... it is well worth your money and makes total sense!!

This book really helps me know what milestones are coming up. It also addresses the concerns parents may have at certain stages. Very helpful.

I did not know much about this book before I purchased it, but I expected it to be about my baby's development just like it says on the cover. Instead this book seems to be mostly about how Dr. Brazelton interacts with parents and what he does when babies come for a checkup. Instead of focusing on babies, it goes on about how he tricks fathers into thinking babies recognize their voices or how mothers who come to his office look bedraggled because they are spending too much time dressing their babies in impractical outfits. He even seems to mock new parents for being so careful with their babies. There is useful information in this book, but if you aren't looking for a book that tells you how to be a pediatrician, you might want to keep looking.

this book was recommended to me twice but it took me awhile to actually buy & read it. I wish I hadn't waited. Absolutely great! This is a terrific book that manages to give excellent advice without being too touchy feely - or too militant. My daughter is a very active and strong willed girl and this book has been extremely helpful.

I picked this up from the library on a whim and quite frankly, after skimming through the first chapter, I decided that it was not detailed nor objective enough to be useful for decision-making. It basically reads like a dialog with a very opinionated pediatrician. Since he is busy discussing his own organization and research, one can only assume that he is giving short thrift to any other popular ideas/research currently available. Other books with fewer pages provide greater depth into the topics that he covered in the first chapter.

I found this book through PBS's "Whole Child" website. I initially checked it out from the library when my then four-month-old daughter resumed crying at night, seeming to regress from the progress she was making. After reading through the book, I realized that she was going through a normal development step, or "touchpoint" as Dr.Brazelton calls it. I've found the author's tips work well with my two children and am especially grateful for his tips on sleep (patting the child's back to settle her down, using a lovie). I've also found that he adopts an understanding tone --- he tries to work with the parents and caregivers regardless of their circumstances (working vs. stay-at-home). The book is now an essential part of our collection.

I love this book- very useful for parents. It goes over many normal behaviors of your child's developmental stage, which really helps validate your experiences and gives you great tactics for handling challenges. Also, it really empowers you as a parent to participate in your child's health.

I was still pregnant when I received this book as a gift. I thought it was "hokey" and not relevant to my situation. When my daughter was 8 weeks old, I finally cracked the book open. Wow. Wish I would have done it sooner. It explained my baby's fussy time and other things that was affecting her day. She is now 6 months old and I read ahead to recognize her behaviors and to get prepared to deal w/them. I love this book and recommend it to all new mothers! It is so hard to know what to expect, at least this EXPLAINS what and why they react the way they do!

My sister, a child psychologist and head of early childhood development at a major hospital, told me this is the best, by far, and recommended I give this book to all my new-parent friends.

As a pediatrician, I feel this book contains really important information for parents. Dr. Brazelton is an expert in the field of pediatrics. This book can be read in confidence by parents. AVOIDING THE 15 BIGGEST MISTAKES PARENTS MAKE: A PEDIATRICIAN'S PERSPECTIVE

I go back to this book again and again. It's so reassuring every time my son reaches one of those touchpoints - Brazelton's advice is exactly what we need to help us deal well with each stage.

It's a fine book, but I was looking for something that would tell me more about my baby's development and how to meet him at his level and less about how great the author is.

A friend suggested reading Terry Brazelton's books. We have a 1 year old and so far this book has answered a lot of questions for us.

This book was recommended by my sister-in-law, along with the AAP's "Caring for your Baby and Young Child." She is a school psychologist and mother of three and has been an incredible support to me as a new parent. Together, the books provide the core texts needed by any new parent creating a personal library on baby's development. Dr. Brazelton's writing style is very organized and concise, making "Touchpoints" a very enjoyable read. The two books would also be a great gift idea for friends that are expecting a new baby.