Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year

I am a pediatric health care provider, and this is the book that I hand out to all of my new parents at their first newborn visit. I find that parents really like the format of this book because it is in a simple question and answer format which is easy to read (especially when you need quick answers and have a screaming baby). This book is very helpful when you have a new baby and just want a simple answer without having to read through an entire chapter of a book. I find that the authors keep the book updated with each new edition (I read each new edition before handing them out to my patients). The advice is also very practical, it is advice that new parents can actually use on a day to day basis. Parents have also told me that this book is helpful in determining if their sick child needs to be brought to care urgently. I also really like that this book is written by an actual health care provider who has experience caring for children. Some of the other parenting books are written by stars or people in other fields and they may have questionable credibility/experience. If you are a soon to be parent who is only going to buy one baby/parenting book, this one is it!! I have recommended this to all of my family and friends as well as my patients.

Recently had a newborn and this book has covered most if not all of the topics I have encountered so far. The product recommendations and the perspective of the pediatrician have been excellent. While there are some 'biased' viewpoints (i.e., vaccinate your child), the authors attempt to provide both views from a medical perspective of more controversial topics (e.g., whether or not to circumcise).In some areas, there is an onslaught of information which can be overwhelming, as much of it can be one-offs that are quickly forgotten. For example, a Vitamin K shot is recommended after birth. For certain items, the timing can be confusing (i.e., does the Vitamin K shot need to happen IMMEDIATELY? (The answer is no.)) After this happens, you no longer need to know this and, at least in my experience, it was standard practice at our hospital so I arguably never needed to know it but I suppose it's better to have all of the information in a consolidated place. I would recommend updating the next edition with a table that summarizes key points, with the bulk of the material servicing as a reference that can be looked up if more information is needed.

Received as a gift--- Best. Baby Book. Ever. Have not needed another book on baby's needs. I now buy one for everyone I know who is expecting.It doesn't make you feel guilty. It doesn't take sides on particular ways to raise your baby. It INFORMS you.It does give pros and cons to certain parenting and sleep management methods and does weigh in on anything they find could harm a baby. Medical information is clearly explained and you know what to watch out for.I like the triage of wait/ when to call dr/ when to head to ER. I do wish some things were a little more organized in this section and that I didn't have to read about a specific topic in three very different chapters. The book is "conversational" in most sections--- a typical question is posed and you are given a succint answer. Sometimes, I'd prefer to just have the info presented, but the question format is alright most of the time. It has a very good index, so you can find the different places a topic is discussed daily.Section on safe formula preparation and handling was very informative (for those who need to or choose formula use). Ex: you should boil water to mix powdered formula b/c of a bacteria that can occur in the powered and make babies sick [Cronobacter, formerly called Enterobacter sakazakii]. And, before six months, babies do not need fluoride in the water used to make formula---it actually interferes with good enamel development when teeth are still under the gums. I had no idea until I read it in this book. Offers good resources for more info, too, e.g. thecarseatlady.

Our pediatrician basically ordered us to order this book, so we did! And it was a great choice. I had already purchased Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, which is published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, but Baby 411 is more readable and more useful in answering the questions of new parents. This was an invaluable resource to have during the early weeks of our baby's life when everything looks potentially life-threatening. (Like, why does no one tell you that newborns have REALLY WEIRD breathing patterns, with gasping and fast-then-slow patterns and even holding their breath for up to 10 seconds at a time???)I very highly recommend this book to anyone caring for a baby, but it is especially useful to the new parent. It gives straightforward, well-informed advice and information on everything from weaning your baby to sleep training to jaundice to teething. They make it as easy as possible to know when you shouldn't worry and when you need to call the doctor or head to the hospital---and let's face it: Parents spend an awful lot of time wondering if they should call the doctor. Put your fears to rest; buy Baby 411.

Quick shipping excellent book for everything to know about infants

Looks like good information. 4 stars because bought for new, but it looks either used or have been kept in poor condition in storage.

Useful information. Easy to understand. It gives you an overall idea of what to expect the first year of your baby.

Nada demasiado util y mucha paranoia.

Has answers to a lot of questions

I've bought a few pregnancy/babies first year books and I've really enjoyed this one. I found it really straight to the point and informative. It was easy to find exactly what info I needed. Highly recommend to new parents or expectant parents!

This is my favorite book on babies. Has all the latest medical information and is written really well