How does the world look to a one-year-old? When your child doesn't have words to explain things to you, how can you begin to understand how she feels? How do you support and understand your very young child as his independence increases and he starts to become a toddler, beginning to learn to dress himself, share toys and play with other children? Acknowledging the crucial role of relationships and parenting, Sarah Gustavus Jones offers guidance and reassurance in this sensitive exploration of the issues central to your child's developing physical and emotional needs.

Why do some mothers and babies take to breast feeding while others don't? And what are the emotions involved for mother and baby when the baby rejects a feed, or when breast feeding stops? What happens when parents and their babies have to negotiate separations, or deal with night-time crying? What if your baby's distress makes you feel that you cannot cope? This book takes the reader through the entire first year of a baby's life, anticipating parents' questions and covering topics ranging from parental feelings during pregnancy to a 10-month-old's sociability and deepening relationships.