Infant-and-Newborn-Care Books

I would recommed this for new parents. Helpful and useful as well as an easy read.

I am having my first child any day now, and read this book to prepare. The material is thorough and well presented, as well as arranged in a way that makes sense/is easy to read.
Both authors are parents and pediatricians, so give you the scoop from a parental perspective (they spaz out too) but with a professional's point of view.
Would definitely recommend for anyone with a new baby coming home soon!

I have been expecting to have a baby within two months. I bought this book to learn how to take care of newborn before giving birth. I read some reviews before getting it. A few people didn't seem to satisfy with it. But for me, it is so great. It has got detail of each chapter and easy to read and understand. I am going to have a first baby but this book has given me so much information. If you will have a first baby like me, I think this book is really good.

For the price and quality, it is good for new moms or anyone feeding their baby. The only thing I would change is to have more cushion on the seat.

I read this about a week before having my baby, and found it to be very useful information since day one. It's easy to read and very reality based, they keep it to the basics.

Bought this book at 4 months pregnant to start getting my son used to another sibling in the house. He loves this book. Not sure why, but it does a good job explaining that the baby will cry and take up lots of time. This was also recomended by a peadiatric website.

This is a well explained chidrens book about getting another baby in the family and preparing a child for that. If you bottle feed though, you'll have to skip two pages or skip the book.

We bought this book for our two year old boy when I was a few weeks away from expecting our second baby. We started reading it to him then and have continued to do so through his sister's first year. I love that the text and pictures portray our parenting style and have taught him about how we take care of babies. I've bought this book for my friend who is expecting her second.

I got this book (among others) to introduce our 2 1/2 year old to the concept of babies, and what they might need. He's reading it with interest, and I'm glad it was recommended to me. I like that it promotes attachment parenting, nursing, etc. while making it clear that there's always room for more love in a family.

This book is, in my opinion, an absolute must-have and perfect gift for any family who plans to breastfeed, especially if practicing other forms of attachment parenting, like babywearing or co-sleeping.

This book makes me tear up every single time I have read it, to myself or my daughter. It's just superbly done. The text just assumes that baby will be breastfed, or acknowledges the possibility of pumped milk in a bottle ("when baby is older"). Baby is pictured fitting into the family's activities with the older child in a ring sling and sleeping next to Mommy in a sidecar co-sleeper. It was such a beautiful thing to show my daughter a book that reflected pictures of what her family looked like!

There are fantastic little insets that speak directly to the older sibling outside of the story, many called "What about me?" that address how the older sibling may be feeling and acknowledging those feelings are ok. For example, that it's ok for the older sibling to be still wanting and expecting time and attention from parents, and that it's ok to feel angry towards the baby sometimes (but not to *hurt* the baby). It reminds children that the sort of needs the baby has are the same needs they had.

The book offers advice to children on how to make friends with the baby, and gives realistic expectations of what a baby will and will not do. My favorite illustration in this area is the one of the baby squeezing the older sister's finger - this is the one "game" we had prepared our daughter that the baby *would* be able to play with her right away, so it was fun to see it in there!

There are also incredibly helpful passages about what the older sibling can do to be helpful and feel included. I especially like where it tells children they can help by getting into the car seat quickly when going out and staying close by at all times!

There is also some really helpful information and advice for parents and caregivers about helping siblings prepare for baby written for adults, as well as information about attachment parenting and more resources at the end of the book.

All and all, I give this book my highest recommendation for children and adults in families who plan to breastfeed a new baby.

I was looking for a book like this, one that doesn't go by month to month of what I should expect physically, medically. It's a book that gives you some perspective from personnal short stories. I brought it to read during my "baby moon" and it just made me feel whole-especially mentally. Too bad there isn't a more recent version but, I would buy this as a gift-especially for a first time mother.

I really hate to give any "Chicken Soup" book less than a 5 star because I am a huge fan.

I was slightly disappointed in the content of this book. I really was hoping and expecting that it would have more stories about giving birth. It says on the cover that the 101 stories inspire and warm the hearts of soon-to-be-mothers but I felt like the subjects were too general.

For example, the contents are 1. We're Pregnant, 2. Nine Months and Counting, 3 Expectant Fathers, 4. Challenges along the Way, 5. Special Delivery 6. Small Miracle 7. Memorable moments, 8. On Motherhood, 9. Expectant Wisdom.

I didn't find many birth stories - in fact, I don't think there was even one.

However, in spite of my need for positive birth stories, I still love the stories that they put in the book.

Sheri Menelli, childbirth educator, doula, speaker and author of "[...]"

If you're an expectant mother you will appreciate the stories in this book. They are touching and funny and strike a universal chord that make you realize you're not alone. Five stars! Debbie Farmer, parenting author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat'

Although I read almost every single publication of Chicken Soup, I must say this is definitely my favourite, especially that we are expecting our third child.

Before reading this book, I must admit I was not sure if we did the right thing to concieve a third child but now I know more than missing to cherish every moment of our pregnancy.

This book has moved every kind of feelings in us from happiness to excitement, to sadness at some times and made me thankful for this beautiful gift from God.

This is a must for every expectant parent.

this book was exactly what i needed to help me love the feeling of being pregnate. during my second pregnancy i wasn't feeling all that hot until my hubby came home with the book. i read this book three times already, even my four year old loves the stories. i cried and laughed and cried some more...read this book if you're looking for something to cheer you up while you're feeling down! An excellent book--I promise!!!!

This book is great for first time parents. This is my most referenced parenting books and I have several! I kept checking this out from the library before I finally bought my own copy. You won't regret buying this one.

This book has been incredibly helpful to my husband and I, we purchased it after hearing one of the nannies on a morning weekly radio show in Minneapolis. The nanny gives out advice to parents each week and we always enjoy listening to what she has to say. We have 3 kids under 5 and really value the advice of British nannies, this books encourages a routine and schedule, fresh meals and plenty of sleep for kids (and parents). Since reading the book we have introduced these things and have seen incredible changes, our kids are so much happier, they are now going to bed earlier, helping me out in the kitchen, and our bedtime routine is so much easier. Thank You nannies.

I have read every baby book there is, and this definitely rates in the top 5. It's nothing earth-shattering or totally new, but there are great examples and good real-life ideas to use with your kids. Plus, it's entertaining to read.

My kids are 2, 5 and 7 yrs. I actually bought this book because I saw that it had a chapter on school.

My 5 yr old had a rocky first week at school and I was really worried. I read the school chapter first and the first thing it did was it made me feel better. The book reminded me that starting school is another new experience for my son and he needs time to get used to it, which of course on one level I did know but reading it made me believe it. I started using the "Goodbye Routine" and it definately resulted in less tears than the day before. I kept doing it and things have improved.The school chapter is really helpful and I am now using their homework advice for my 7yr old and Hooray what a difference!

I had just accepted that with 3 kids weekday mornings were always going to be rushed and stressful. This book has helped me to change all that and it was not difficult to do. Now most mornings we actually all sit down to eat breakfast together and I don't have to scream at the kids to turn the TV off.

I am also using the strategies on improving communication with all my kids but especially with my two year old who likes to say no to everything I ask her to do. I didn't realize that I was inviting her to say no by giving her too many choices.

My only complaint is that Nanny Wisdom does not cover Potty Training. I am just about to start that with my 2 year old and I had a hard time with my other kids. I would like to know how the nannies do it. Also, the recipes have been so popular in our house that I wish there were even more of them in the book.

Nanny Wisdom is it is actually fun to read which is an added bonus. The book has little stories about the kids the nannies have looked after and experiences they have had in their different jobs. It makes you understand how experienced and caring these nannies are.

After reading this book I really trust their advice 100%. I always say to my husband now, The Nannies say this or The Nannies say that!!

I loved this book because it covers such a big range of parenting problems and situations and really gives parents great answers. It has helped me more than any other parenting book I own (I did like What to Expect when my kids were newborns and I do like Pocket Parent). I know it will keep on helping me as it has so much in it. I am so glad I stumbled across this book in my parenting travels!

Just finished the final chapter and although my parenting of "lovely's are now with my grandchildren, you can always learn something new. The recipe's and the "how to" approach is consistent and right on! All the advice on how to deal with a child sleeping through the night helped out my daughter immensly. The nannies are great and their knowledge is superb. I highly recommend this book to new mothers, new dads, grammies and granpies - everyone who needs "expertise" on handling all the new situations that come with the title of parent.

There are so many pregnancy books out there that it can be overwhelming, and many of them seem dominated by things to worry about or by political agendas on how you should birth/raise your child. I found this one by accident while on vacation, and have found that it gives you all the information you need to understand what's happening to your body and your baby's, distinguish what's normal from what needs medical attention, and feel prepared to bring your baby home. All with no fuss or lectures!

The book is divided into convenient sections, some of which you'll want to devour (nutrition advice, say, or descriptions of fetal development), others of which you'll want to read only as you get to the next set of changes and decisions (such as choices to be made about pain relief during delivery). The range of possibilities are discussed -- e.g., midwives and home birth versus full medical bells and whistles -- and lots of small remedies are suggested for common woes such as backache or nausea. There are also practical tips, like what clothes you'll want to bring to the hospital (for both mother and baby), which help with things you might forget.

All in all, a great book, that I would recommend to any expecting family.

I'm 13 weeks pregnant as I write this. When I found out I was pregnant, it was a complete surprise and I really didn't know much about pregnancy. After flipping through overwhelming books like "What to Expect When You're Expecting" I decided on this one.

This book had information on everything no matter how little or how much you know about pregnancy or birth. I'm not one to go for picture books, but when it comes to something as life changing as birth, I'll take a book that not only gives me all the info I could ever want, but SHOWS me the information as well. Every page is full color with diagrams and pictures, showing your body and baby as they develop, and various other pregnancy related things.

There's even a section on the first 6 weeks of infancy, so you don't have to say "Oh no! I read all about pregnancy and birth, but what do I do with this squiggly thing I brought home with me?!"

I read this every day and have something different and exciting to talk to my husband about every night. I also know what to look for at the hospital and what to talk to my doctor about at my visits. I also know what to watch out for at home and what I can and cannot do.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is planning to get pregnant, is pregnant, or wants to give the book as a gift.

I loved this book! Easy to read - comprehensive answers to almost all your questions you have about pregnancy. I wouldn't rely on this book alone, but it is a great source of information and gives you the idea of what you should discuss with your OB-GYN or what to request in the hospital. After reading most of it, I even decided to skip the birth classes my hospital offers because I felt I knew just enough and was ready to have my baby.

A teriffic book! I enjoyed how this book was written, organized and presented to the reader. It is truly a must have if you are expecting or expecting to be expecting! I was impressed by the pictures/graphics and the chronicalling of a pregnancy. The information grouped by weeks and trimester easy to read and understand. Many of the questions I had were presented with easy to understand answers. Even my husband enjoyed this book--he read more of this book than any of the other pregnancy references I have brought home. We will definatiely be grabbing this book off the shelf as my pregnancy progresses!

This was the first book I bought about pregnancy. I bought it on sale even before I found out I was expecting. The book is very well organized and very easy to read. It contains great explanation for every possible question you may have about your pregnancy. It is also very richly illustrated with photos, drawings and charts. I still keep it next to my bed and read it every now and then. I'd definitely recommend this book for my friends when they get pregnant.

This book gives moms-to-be the facts without being overwhelming or having a judgmental tone. I have found it to be easy to understand, and the section on newborn care contains helpful information that is missing from many pregnancy books. After all, the experience doesn't end when the baby is born- it's only the beginning! My husband appreciated the detailed illustrations showing how to hold the baby, swaddle the baby, etc.

The book is written in an easy to understand, personable style. It is as if "Nurse Colonero" is sitting in the room with you. In many contemporary medical environments, the emphasis is on expeditious teaching interactions. The immediate post-partum period is often a time of emotional and physical exhaustion, and so a family's ability to learn new information may be limited. This book will not only give you a comprehensive outline of important concepts, it should also provide the patient and family with a fundamental framework of knowledge which will empower you to be a more savvy "medical consumer." You can think about issues and concerns and present them to your health care providers for discussion. Jerri Colonero's book should be a template for patient education and empowerment. Managed care is here to stay, and the more educated families are about their health care needs and their access to potential information and services, the better the outcomes will be for everyone: patients, families, providers, and payors.

I, too, was very fortunate in having Jerri as my nurse when I had my son 11 years ago. She was the reason I didn't give up on nursing my son. I told her this when I saw her in a restaurant one day--remember Jerri! I'm so glad you got to write your book. You did a fantastic job. This woman knows her stuff!

I purchased this book because it has so much information about Pregnancy, Birth, and beyond. It encompasses the entire process of becoming a new parent which I am most concerned about. It is a terrific medical reference guide written in a friendly, easy to understand format with descriptive diagrams. The chapters and index make for quick and easy subject locating. I know I will refer to it again and again once the baby arrives. Thank you to Jerri Colonero for writting this complete guide which every expectant mother (and father) should have.

This is the best resource on pregnancy and post-partum that I have found. Completely accessible, easy to read, well organized, thorough and detailed... I can't give it enough praise. I was especially impressed (and thankful) for the detailed childbirth section, which provided a wealth of information that most books only touch on. This is my first baby, and I feel so much more prepared and in control (despite the all-day nausea!). Where other books prescribe unrealistic diets and regimented rules, Jerri Colonero presents sensible guidelines and helpful suggestions in a warm way: no scare tactics here! Further, the section on bringing baby home covers all sorts of material, from breastfeeding basics to bathing. This is just the resource I was looking for and I've already consulted in again and again. I plan to spread the word about this wonderful book.

I was waiting until the Essential Baby Organizer I gifted was in use to write this review. The new mom really uses it! Which we all know speaks volumes about its value. So well put together that it is informative and easy to navigate. Every new mom should have this product.

Everyone always tells you to write down all of the little moments or you will forget, but as a harried Mom, we rarely heed this advice. This book makes it easy. All the little details, memories, doctor visits and important contact information can be stored in one place, and this type of organization is essential when between the baby pooping and eating, all you want to do is sleep.

The Essential Baby Organizer takes organizers one step further than any other I've ever used... It is streamlined, stylish, and remembers all the details -- teething charts, gift lists, easy weekly journals. It also leaves space for 'real life' stuff -- sentimental moments, precious firsts. Essentially, it includes everything a sleep-deprived parent is bound to otherwise forget.

The organizer was especially important to me when I went back to work. I didn't want to miss anything, but would have been unsure what questions to ask our baby's caregivers at the end of the day. I'd have them use the charts and journals so that I could have a real picture of my baby's days -- sleeping and eating habits, memorable moments, likes and dislikes... The organizer also includes a Resources and Extras section that pared down the info in my 200+ page parenting books to exactly what I needed, or it told me where to find it (at a time in my life when I needed to keep it simple).

This organizer is obviously designed by experienced parents, with a talent for making other parents' lives easier...

I'm on my second kid and have seen a bunch of books like this. This one is definitely the most organized and helpful. Everything is all in one place by date, so poor tired Mommy doesn't have to go hunting each time she switches from feeding to diapering baby (and so on). There is a place for little notes on baby's mood and milestones for baby each week. There are quick-reference charts in back on things like breastfeeding and milestones to look for. This is something I will recommend to ALL my friends about to have babies. The pregnancy planner by these people is the BEST, too!

As a first time dad, I can tell you this much: adjusting to parenthood is like entering a time warp. All the new experiences and responsibilities can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed.

That's when this organizer shines.

Its care charts provide much needed structure, shepherding you through those first weeks (months?) of no sleep and constant feedings and changings. It also gathers key information in one place--which comes in handy when you're at the pediatrician's office or when you're already late for dinner and the sitter's asking when the baby was last fed.

More than anything, though, it reminds you to reserve time each week to make notes and build a journal about your child. Without a reminder, months can pass without recording all the strange and wonderful events you witness as a parent. For that reason alone, I give it five stars.

My niece's baby was born at 28 weeks. Needless to say, this was a shock and a scary time for them. I saw this book and thought it might bring some comfort to her and her husband. She said the book is great. Brings tears to her eyes, but she can relate to all the stories that she has been reading.

I could relate to every story having been in all those situations. Being a parent of a micro-preemie is an isolating feeling. It helps to know there are others who are out there going through the same thing you are and are surviving it!

Many people don't realize that micropreemies do have a solid chance to survive and enjoy relatively normal lives thanks to modern medicine and the love and dedication of parents and NICU nurses. But with Mr. Smith's book, it takes the reader right into the lives of people who have experienced the birth of a very premature baby, and -- without sugarcoating it -- shows how these miracle babies are wonderful examples for all about the fight for precious life!
Every hospital neonatal intensive care unit should have this available by the case for those who need the support and positive reinforcement when confronted with what can be a perilous situation.

Parents facing the suspense and stress of premature childbirth can take heart by reading this! In fact, it should be in the waiting room by every hospital's preemie ward, so anxious parents can read these stories of tiny bodies with enormous courage. Tim Smith has told the tale of his own daughter's bravery, and the tales of other families going through this difficult experience, with insight and warmth. This is a must-have for anyone who needs to believe in the power of the human spirit.

I thought that the book "Miracle Birth Stories Of Very Premature Babies" by Timothy Smith was a well crafted and welcome addition to the world of medical literature. As I was reading, I felt like I was in the hospital with each set of parents, going through their triumphs and defeats with them.

One strong aspect of the book is that it is written for the average person, in basic language that we can all understand. The medical information provided is relevent and accurate, but we are not bogged down in medical and hospital terminology. Medical journals and texts are often written in a very dry, academic tone that is hard to get through. Also, as I was reading I also felt that I was learning information about a controversial topic without being preached to.

We have all heard things about this topic through magazines, television news, newspapers, tabloids, etc. Smith is a veteran newspaper reporter and it shows. Each story is special in their own situation, and the different families are tied together in a nice way through a common cord of compassion, mutual experiences, and hopes for the future. I wish that premature birth parents in hospitals everywhere could receive this book. It is truly inspirational and lets them know they are not alone.

As a new parent I bought this book mostly because I feel like I can trust Johnson & Johnson. It's a great book for new parents, maybe as a baby shower gift. Very descriptive, a few too many color pictures of babies where more info could have been added...but very helpful. I would recommend this!

We have many pregnancy books that we've collected, and it seems like there is too many to read and go through. This book is very quick and simple to read through for the months of interest. The sections are brief and informative, and I like that it contains picture illustrations. good resource.

SENT THIS AS A GIFT FOR MY BROTHER AND HIS WIFE WHEN THEY ANNOUNCED THEIR PREGNANCY. THE BOOK WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED AS THEY WERE FIRST TIME PARENTS. FROM WHAT THEY TELL ME, IT HAS ALL THE HELPFUL INFORMATION AND REALLY USEFUL. GREAT BUY.

clear & full of illustrations..
good book for new parents..
give clear explanation from the beginning the the pregnancy until the first 5 years of the baby

I asked my partner to compare all the pregnancy books that I found in Kinokuniya bookstore. I am glad he choose this book, since it covers from pregnancy till 36 months. I did compare it with Dr Miriam Stoppard's books, and find this book is way much better for its illustration and explanation. It give step by step guidance through pregnancy that you want to know and even the basic knowledge such as breast feeding babies and changing nappies (with illustrations, of course!)

I bought this book while expecting our daughter, who we know faces a long stay in the NICU. This book has been an excellent primer - the text is well written and detailed enough even for a mom with a background in science and medicine. The pictures and especially the diagrams are great too! I would recommend this to anyone who anticipates or is currently dealing with a child in the NICU.

I sent this book to a friend who had her baby at 24 weeks. Needless to say, she loves it, she could not put it down that first night and is recommending it to their support group at the hospital. She tells me it has simple explanations to what she could not make head or tail of the medical jargon used by the doctors and nurses. Get it for someone you know!

Families that experience parenthood in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) experience a very different beginning. They often feel intense powerlessness and a lack of control. Many families will share that "it doesn't really feel like this is my baby."

This book, written by a knowledgeable and sensitive NICU nurse and her colleagues,, will help parents the journey through newborn intensive care. The book is extremely detailed and exquisitely accurate, yet easy to read. It contains a wealth of information to arm parents with the information they need to ask questions, to question answers, and to work with the health care team as a true partner in their infant's recovery.

The book is written by a group of seasoned NICU nurses who convey a sensitivity and empathy that reaches out from the pages at every turn.

As a professional advanced practice nurse, who has worked in the NICU for 20 years, I am delighted to share this resources with parents and grandparents at every turn.

Parent's are not and should not be visitors in their children's lives. Knowledge is power and this book will give you the confidence to become your babies BEST advocate.

Madge Buus-Frank RNC, Ms, ARNP

When our son was born at 26 weeks we knew he'd spend several weeks in the NICU before coming home. This book helped us understand his progress each step of the way, and eased the transition to him coming home. It also helped explain some of what to expect in terms of potential problems, procedures, feelings, and just getting to know the NICU environment. This experience would have been much more difficult without this excellent reference guide.

This book shows the caring yet realistic way through the NICU. I ordered this book while in the hospital three weeks prior to my son's early arrival. It made more sense in the NICU, showed me what to exepct and gave me more knowledge to adequately approach my son's medical team without feeling helpless, stupid and uninformed. Being a more well-informed parents allowed us to make correct decisions and allowed us to "TRY" and worry less. This book even had experimental research in it, with which our son would not have survived. I was told of an experimental protocal our son was a candidate for and the NICU book had information on it! Technical and medical information was presented in a concise and thoughtful manner.