What to Expect the First Year
Loading…

What to Expect the First Year

Heidi Murkoff

4.5719 learners

As a beloved household staple for decades, *What to Expect the First Year* gets a thoughtful, modern update from parenting expert Heidi Murkoff, who draws on her new perspective as a grandmother to meet today’s caregivers where they are. Originally born from Murkoff’s own chaotic first-time parenting journey in 1984, this revised edition retains the empathetic, non-judgmental tone that made it a go-to guide, while adding fresh, relevant content tailored to 21st-century families. It breaks down every stage of a baby’s first year—from newborn care to the toddler transition—with modular, easy-to-navigate sections covering feeding (including workplace pumping and formula options), sleep training, developmental milestones, safety protocols, and specialized care for low-birth-weight infants. Modern topics like gender-inclusive parenting, eco-friendly diapering, and tech tools for parents are woven in, all while emphasizing that there’s no “perfect” way to parent. This guide doesn’t just give instructions; it empowers caregivers to trust their instincts and navigate the first year with confidence.

Sleep TrainingNewborn Carebreastfeeding guidanceinfant development milestonesdiapering techniques
Method

Safe Swaddling

Wrap baby snugly but not tight—keep arms straight, legs bent. Use lightweight blankets. Stop swaddling when baby can roll over.

SafetySwaddlingNewborn Care
Method

Safe Sleep Practices

Put baby to sleep on their back in a crib with no blankets/pillows. Use a firm mattress. Avoid co-sleeping to reduce SIDS risk.

Newborn CareSIDSSleep Safety
No more