Seven years ago, after we’d just brought our sweet Abbeydog home, I discovered a book that explained why puppies did all sorts of puppy things — like eat their own poop and destroy expensive shoes. It was very informative, entertaining and insightful. I reasoned that if I understood WHY she did some of the things she did, perhaps I could be a few steps ahead. An ounce of prevention, you know. The theory worked. And life was good.

A few years later, on a summer day, I entered the house with a tiny pink, squirming, screamy force of nature we like to call Seth. Before the birth, I searched high and low for a book comparable to the one I found on dogs for pretty much the same reason. I never found it. Until now.

Jennifer Margulis, author of “Why Babies Do That“ has written a book unlike a lot of the works inhabiting the Parenting Section of Borders/Barnes&Noble. She gives plenty of insights into the baby brain, broaching all sorts of behavior — from baby head bangers, and baby acne, to baby babble.

The only bone I have to pick with Ms Jennifer is, WHY DIDN’T YOU WRITE THIS BOOK SOONER?!? I could have used this book about a million times during my first year of parenting.

For example, most people know that repetitive movement typically soothes a crying infant. But did you know that researchers also believe that the movement itself helps to improve an infant’s sense of balance and his vestibular system? And that the bouncing could improve gross motor skills? Suddenly, you realize all of of those hours of simultaneous pacing and bouncing were satisfying a much higher baby need. Meeting that need could be why you’ve got an all-star athlete with great balance on your hands!

What I really enjoyed about the book was that Jennifer explained these mysteries in a friendly, gentle, confident tone. Her writing isn’t preachy or condescending. She knows her reader is most likely the new, nervous parent or prospective grandparent. She has three children. She’s been through this battle.

Oh and a bit of a warning — the photographs of babies are SO adoreable, you could very well catch “baby fever.”

So to sum up: “Why Babies Do That“ by Jennifer Margulis is a quick, enlightening read — and would make a great baby shower gift. So go out and buy a copy already.

“Why Babies Do That“ is currently out and can be found in the parenting sections of major bookstores.

Tomorrow I hope to post a short Q&A session from Jennifer the mom, author, and wife. So stay tuned…