Average Rating: 
Rating:  - An Informative and Trustworthy Source for Parents
Just before becoming new parents, my wife and I decided to "read up" on child care and development, and searched for the texts that would have all the answers. Two-and-a-half years into parenting, I think I can report that no such treatise exists. Nonetheless, this book is the best I've seen. The book is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and to me, this makes it a mandatory item in the library of new parents. So many books in this topic are written by individuals whose qualifications are a bit "shakey", but as an attorney I know that such is the by product of the First Amendment and "freedom of the press". I've found the information contained in this book to be informative, helpful, and easy to understand. The introductory chapters deal with birth and preparation for the arrival of a new baby, and so it would be appropriate to purchase or receive before the child actually "gets here". Other reviewers have indicated that they have given the book as a gift at showers, and we have since adopted this practice. The content follows development (i.e., first months, later years, etc.) and tells you what to look for in each stage, whether emotionally, psychologically, or physically, and notes various milestones. Tips and advice are also included, such as recommendations about strollers, beds, age-apropriate toys, baby's interaction with other children, car seats, treatment of illness, when to contact physician, sleeping and feeding tips, etc. There is also an appendix of illness and conditions, which is very usefull. This is usually the first place we look when needing an answer or when a problem arises. This is a handy reference, and I strongly recommend for at least first-time parents.
Rating: - Excellent Resource Throughout Baby's First Year
This book has come in handy for all of my questions and concerns. It has useful sections on development in different age stages, and the back section of the book goes into detail about infant and child illnesses. This health section in the back has been useful when I've tried to determine whether to call my child's pediatrician or what might help my child feel better, as well as how long he might be contagious. The sections on development have useful checklists too. It's the only parenting book I've purchased so far. I usually just check them out from the library but it is well worth purchasing.
Rating:  - Good content, hard to search index
This book includes much of what your pediatrician would likely tell you, so it can save you a call--especially if your question comes up on the weekend or after hours. The book is organized by age and then has a section at the end for various illnesses and special situations. I think the best use of the book would be to read it front to back. However, I have tried to use it as a reference and I find the index nearly impossible to use. You have to know the right wording for what you're looking for and often in what age chapter it was discussed. Even so, the print and indentation make it hard to distinguish subsections of the index from main sections. For example, I wanted to know if my baby's bowel movements were normal and not diarrhea. "Bowel movement" might be near the beginning with the main section Bs, but it's also in the "First Months" subsection. Then you also have to look up diarrhea, and check every section of the index, too. I like this book because it is a book of facts and medical information and not so much philosophies of parenting, which you can get from books like "Sears's Baby Book".
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