Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent

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A thought-provoking blend of practical parenting information and scientific analysis, this book explores the reasons behind our child-rearing practices and encourages a reevaluation of traditional parenting views. New parents face countless decisions about caring for their babies and often seek guidance from family and friends. However, emerging scientific research suggests that much of the conventional wisdom passed down through generations warrants careful reconsideration. Anthropologist Meredith Small presents her findings in the field of ethnopediatrics, collaborating with pediatricians, child-development researchers, and anthropologists nationwide. They investigate the balance between biological needs and cultural influences in parenting practices, revealing that cultural norms may not always align with what is best for infants. Key questions addressed include whether infants should sleep alone, the validity of breast-feeding versus bottle-feeding, how quickly a mother should respond to a crying baby, and the significance of talking and singing to infants. The answers to these questions are not only surprising but have the potential to transform our approach to raising children.