Retro Baby by Ann Zachry
Retro Baby’s tag line reads: “Cut Back on All the Gear and Boost Your Baby’s Development with More than One Hundred Time Tests Activities.” That is exactly what this book provides- a way to interact with your child without toys and gear that helps them develop mentally and physically. This was the book that really changed things for me. I started it when Harris was about eight weeks old. He had colic and was just miserable. I felt I was constantly walking on eggshells with him, trying to prevent a meltdown. My time with him was not fulfilling and definitely not fun. I opened this book that I had bought when I was pregnant but hadn’t read yet, and it was a real game changer.
The book is divided into ages. Each age is then divided into skills that your child is trying to master at that age. For example, in the newborn to three months section, Zachry provides activities to help improve head control and focus. One activity is called Head’s Up Baby, where you position your baby stomach down across your raised leg (resting on the other leg). It is a gentler tummy time for babies who just hate tummy time. Zachry recommends entertaining your baby in this position using a rattle or a baby mirror. She explains that this position helps develop the neck and back muscles necessary to keep your baby’s head up. This sounds so simple, but, honestly, it never occurred to me to use my legs as props. And the idea to add the rattle or mirror during it makes so much sense. This activity may be obvious to you, but with over one hundred activities, there are bound to be many that you can incorporate with your baby’s play time.
Inside each chapter, there are also safety recommendations about baby gear, sleeping, etc. I found these helpful and encouraging. She explains why we should stay away from too much time in walkers, bouncers, etc.
The whole book is just so great to help you transform your time with your little one. You can use it as a guide for planning intentional time with your baby. For example, I would say ok, during this wake time we are going to work on holding your head up, so we will do these ten activities for about three to five minutes each. Basically, I created lesson plans for each wake time using this book. Then, I was able to create my own activities as well.
I definitely recommend this book for any new parent who feels a little clueless about what to do with your little one.
