Since Dr. Spock's The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care first hit store shelves in 1946, there's been no shortage of books dispensing advice to nervous, new parents eager for guidance. Some of the classics, such as What to Expect the First Year and Dr. Sears' books are still bestsellers and great parenting primers, but there are some new entries into the babycare book arena worth considering. Confused about what book is right for you as well as by the sometimes conflicting advice in many of these guides? Here's our quick take on three of the newest books on the shelves and suggestions on which one might suit your parenting style.
Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year
By Ari Brown, MD, and Denise Fields (Windsor Peak Press, 2005)
Perfect for: the working parent who's short on time
Parenting Philosophy: A new parent needs answers fast, and this book gives concise, practical and realistic advice on everything from sleeping and feeding to cradle cap and ear infections. Its Q&A format, along with quizzes and "helpful hint" boxes, make it easy to find exactly the information you want (or desperately need at 3 A.M. when no one else is available) without having to read through endless explanatory paragraphs. The book includes up-to-the-minute research and even addresses current, controversial topics like autism and vaccines.
Sample Advice: "Q. Okay, I put my baby on his back to sleep. What do I do if he rolls over? A. Let him sleep! Your baby probably won't figure out how to roll over until he is at least 4 months old. Once he starts doing it, you can't stop him. The next morning, you will find him in a completely different position than the way you left him. If it makes you feel any better, once babies can physically clear their nose and mouth by turning their heads, the risk of SIDS is lower."
Why You'll Like It: You can keep it in your diaper bag or by your bedside table as a quick, easy reference. And although it can't be in-depth on every subject, it is surprisingly thorough in the endless topics and possible questions it includes.
