Infant-and-Newborn-Care Books

Both of my children we colic! I have a 22 month old and a 6 month old. We lived by this book during those tought times. My kids are also patients of Dr. Weisbluth's. I can not say enough about the book about the support/guidance it gave me in probably the roughest time of our lives.

Our first child cried for an average of 14 hours a day. I would do what ever I could to soothe her. After I read this book, I tweeked a few things and it really helped. Sometimes parents of colic children just need a little professional reassurance. This is it!! I would go to this book when I needed some reminders of what to do. Especially with the first. Any first time parent needs that ego boost to let you know you are doing the right things.

With our second child, the crying lasted for 8 hours at its peak. I could not believe we were going through this again. And when I needed the extra guidance, this book really helped me calm down and know that I was not crazy or a bad mom.

I am very lucky to have Dr. Weisbluth as my children's physician. He is the most gentle and caring person. As in his book,in person he educates you so you understand colic. For someone who has to understand and have background information to start feeling comfortable and more confident, I think his approach is perfect.

He also taught me, as parents, tend to worry so about the baby and the crying.......you also need to take care of yourself to make it through the tough times. Without him, I would have just driven myself into the ground.

Now we are through the colic and concentrating on sleep. I followed his programs to teach my children to sleep. My kids sleep 12 - 14 hours at night and take long, great naps.

He is terrific!!!!!!!!! A must have for families!!!!!!

If you own "Sweet Baby" you need no other book, guide, or-as some refer to the "What to Expect" series-"bible" to caring for your newborn.

In "Sweet Baby" you possess the history of scientific research on infant fussiness in a relatively well-organized and accessible short book. From the first book in the English language on pediatrics, "The Book of Chyldren," to contemporary studies completed at the world's top universities, Weissbluth, in the comprehensive style of the best academics, bases his conclusions on broad knowledge of the topic.

What are his conclusions? I hate to give them away. In some sense his book reads like a mystery only Hercules Poirot can solve (and Dr. Weissbluth himself, refer to the photograph on the back jacket, is every bit as refined and debonair as this fine, Belgian detective). First, Weissbluth debunks the myths (11) about why babies fuss (e.g. gas, brand of formula, breast milk, drugs during labor, birth order of infant, constipation, family tension, etc.). Next he focuses on the methodological difficulties of determining degrees, rates, and instances of infant fussiness (e.g., Would a researcher ever actually spend evening hours with her/his case studies? Just as results peak, they begin to ebb, etc.). Then, Weissbluth informs us about what about infant fussiness actually can be scientifically proven (e.g., average amount of crying for normal, non-colicky babies is three hours per day; extreme fussiness usually last for three to four months; research on melatonin and seratonin levels in the brain of a newborn probably relevant to our understanding of infant fussiness and infant sleep; gestation of homo sapiens adapted from twelve months to nine months when humans began to walk on two legs, therefore first three months of infant's life actually complete gestational development which once took place in the womb, and others.). Finally, Weissbluth offers, on the basis of these firm conclusions, how parents and caretakers can effectively approach the problem of infant fussiness. He offers care, on the analogy of a teenager in adolescence, over cure.

Indeed, Weissbluth's what-to-do pages are the most bland. They are not different from most other books, tapes, and places of advice to which one can go for information on infants. Rhythmic rocking, serious hugs, baby massage, sucking and so on, all, as most mothers know, usually work. Crib vibrators, hot water bottles, herbs, lamb's wool, nipple shapes, and diets for nursing mothers, all, as most mothers know, usually do not, or rather, as Weissbluth cleverly heeds, "Everything works for a while."

"Sweet Baby" is, however, not for some. Perhaps the second half of the title "How To Soothe Your Newborn" is not accurate. "Sweet Baby" is an intellectual's approach to the problem of infant fussiness. As stated above it offers very little that is new in terms of ideas for soothing your child. Indeed that is Weissbluth's point!

So if you are looking for a self-help book in the style of those which proliferated on our bookshelves in the 1980's offering quick fixes, glib responses, and easy solutions, this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you solve problems by understanding them better, this book is for you.

For my part, I was enormously relieved to find "Sweet Baby." Having read it I was armed for a Weissbluth-approach to our second child. Unfortunately, he never cries.

As a first time mom, I was in for a rude awakening when my baby began, at two weeks old, to have long, loud screaming bouts that lasted for hours, and absolutely would not sleep for more than 10 hours (sometimes less!) in a 24-hour period. My pediatrician informed my husband and me that our child had colic, and that there was no known "cure", that it would simply go away on its own when the baby was 3 or 4 months old. Not really knowing anything about colic, I did a little research on the internet, and came up with this book. "Sweet Baby" does not profess to have all the answers as to what causes colic, nor does it offer much of a solution beyond the usual (pacifiers,rocking, etc....). What it does offer is a background on the history of research and beliefs about colic, what current research and theories say about colic,parent testamonials and stories about their experiences with colic, and colic myths debunked. This book takes an academic stance toward trying to explain colicky babies. I was grateful to have been able to read this book, because it gave me more of an understanding of what colic is all about. After reading it, I felt more sympathetic towards my child, rather than bewildered and frustrated. I also felt like I wasn't alone in my experiences, because I was able to read about and relate to every single one of the parent's stories featured in this book. It made me feel like there was someone out there who understood what I was going through with my child. So many people (whose chldren have never had colic and who do not themselves have a medical degree) have given me so-called "advice" on what to do for my child to "cure" the colic, all of it very tiresome and insulting, because it implies (oh-so-subtley) that it is the parent's fault that the child has colic. This book emphasizes that IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!!!!! Thank you Dr. Weissbluth for writing this book and thank you Amazon for making it available for parents like me!

If you own "Sweet Baby" you need no other book, guide, or-as some refer to the "What to Expect" series-"bible" to caring for your newborn.

In "Sweet Baby" you possess the history of scientific research on infant fussiness in a relatively well-organized and accessible short book. From the first book in the English language on pediatrics, "The Book of Chyldren," to contemporary studies completed at the world's top universities, Weissbluth, in the comprehensive style of the best academics, bases his conclusions on broad knowledge of the topic.

What are his conclusions? I hate to give them away. In some sense his book reads like a mystery only Hercules Poirot can solve (and Dr. Weissbluth himself, refer to the photograph on the back jacket, is every bit as refined and debonair as this fine, Belgian detective). First, Weissbluth debunks the myths (11) about why babies fuss (e.g. gas, brand of formula, breast milk, drugs during labor, birth order of infant, constipation, family tension, etc.). Next he focuses on the methodological difficulties of determining degrees, rates, and instances of infant fussiness (e.g., Would a researcher ever actually spend evening hours with her/his case studies? Just as results peak, they begin to ebb, etc.). Then, Weissbluth informs us about what about infant fussiness actually can be scientifically proven (e.g., average amount of crying for normal, non-colicky babies is three hours per day; extreme fussiness usually last for three to four months; research on melatonin and seratonin levels in the brain of a newborn probably relevant to our understanding of infant fussiness and infant sleep; gestation of homo sapiens adapted from twelve months to nine months when humans began to walk on two legs, therefore first three months of infant's life actually complete gestational development which once took place in the womb, and others.). Finally, Weissbluth offers, on the basis of these firm conclusions, how parents and caretakers can effectively approach the problem of infant fussiness. He offers care, on the analogy of a teenager in adolescence, over cure.

Indeed, Weissbluth's what-to-do pages are the most bland. They are not different from most other books, tapes, and places of advice to which one can go for information on infants. Rhythmic rocking, serious hugs, baby massage, sucking and so on, all, as most mothers know, usually work. Crib vibrators, hot water bottles, herbs, lamb's wool, nipple shapes, and diets for nursing mothers, all, as most mothers know, usually do not, or rather, as Weissbluth cleverly heeds, "Everything works for a while."

"Sweet Baby" is, however, not for some. Perhaps the second half of the title "How To Soothe Your Newborn" is not accurate. "Sweet Baby" is an intellectual's approach to the problem of infant fussiness. As stated above it offers very little that is new in terms of ideas for soothing your child. Indeed that is Weissbluth's point!

So if you are looking for a self-help book in the style of those which proliferated on our bookshelves in the 1980's offering quick fixes, glib responses, and easy solutions, this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you solve problems by understanding them better, this book is for you.

For my part, I was enormously relieved to find "Sweet Baby." Having read it I was armed for a Weissbluth-approach to our second child. Unfortunately, he never cries.

As a parent of two formerly colicky babies, now four years and four months old, respectively, I found this book to be deeply comforting and affirming of my experience. Most people who have a colicky infant will hear tons of (often unsolicited) advice, most of it unhelpful, some of it outright insulting. Dr. Weissbluth explains that extreme fussiness is a developmental stage that will, indeed, come to an end. That in itself is something every parent of a colicky infant needs to understand in those first trying and exhusting weeks. There are no magical cures, there is simply patience and understanding, and Dr. Weissbluth certainly gave us the prescription for these traits in this book. There is also very helpful advice about how to help your post-colicky baby emerge from extreme fussiness. I would recommend this book to any parent who is going through the torment of colick.

I tried every tip in this book but nothing worked. Nonetheless, it was a great book. It's funny and well written and the doctor has obviously thought a lot about this topic and done a lot of research. But, he never knew a kid like my kid. HE SAYS EVERYTHING AT TOP VOLUME! And mostly, it is screaming. However, I gave this book to my sister and it worked like a charm with her baby. Go figure!

This is a must have for all new parents. This is becoming one of my standard baby gifts, it will calm the parent resulting in a better life for the baby! Now we just need the next book for toddlers>

Every once in a while a book comes along that provides really useful information that can be applied easily to make life easier for parents and children. Rarely is one of these books as enjoyable to read as this one. Written with true wit, and obvious expertise, the author captures -- in one place -- execllent advice grounded in both medical science as well as thousands of years of empirical results. I'm adding one of these books to every newborn gift for my friends and relatives. Thank you, Dr. Orenstein.

This is perhaps the most comforting book for a new parent since Dr.Spock. Like De. Spock, the author is a well known pediatrician and as a father recognizes the problems a parent faces when the baby cries. The very practical suggestions would stand any parent in good stead but for the new parent it is essential. I believe this is one of the best gifts a friend can give to the new mother.

A rollicking good read! I laughed, I cried, I ran the whole gamut of emotional experience. Unfortunately, my baby kept crying no matter what I did. And since the darn thing's a paperback, it wasn't even that effective in knocking the kid cold when he wouldn't shut up. Anyone who thinks this book is useful must either be a relative of the author or someone he owes money.

When I had my daughter I read this book immediately. It was very useful. Dr. Lofromento helps to keep it all simple. Her advice is reassuring, easy and direct. I highly recommmend this to any first time parent!

This book is so basic and limited that it's really not all that useful. The entries are EXTREMELY brief (a paragraph or two) for most topics - which means that I can't imagine anybody really using this book as a reference without another book to back it up.

Maybe if you're just looking for a very basic, quick read, it might be useful. But in general it's pretty lacking.

This is the information that I want the parents of my patients to have! Dr LoFrumento has achieved her goal in creating a very useful tool for new parents- no gimmicks- just plain old medically sound up-to-date information. I wish I could afford to give a copy to each newborn that I see in my practice! I do know it will be part of the my "signature" baby shower gift basket!

As a first time parent I was absolutely clueless as what to expect with the birth of my son. My husband and I felt overwhelmed with the information thrown at us at the hospital regarding his care. Simply Parenting helped us get through the tough weeks in the beginning by answering our questions and calming our fears. This book is easy to read and provides the information that you really need to know regarding your child. The DVD is quite entertaining and informative. Now that our son is 3 months old we use the Simply Parenting book and DVD so that we know what to expect in the upcoming months. I definately recommond this book to all new parents. It's a lifesaver!!!

My best friend is expecting her first child in October and I can't think of any better gift than Simply Parenting.

I am the proud Mom of a 5-month-old baby girl. When we first brought her home from the hospital, we, like most new parents, had so many unanswered questions and turned to the "experts" for guidance. After just a few weeks, my husband and found ourselves so confused and overwhelmed by all of the conflicting opinions and information that we decided to pack up all of the parenting books EXCEPT for Simply Parenting and listen to that voice alone. Dr. MaryAnn is clear, easy-to-understand and just spot on. An indispensable resource for any parent!

Hello; Can you please send me a facture for your book titeled :"Manual of Neonatal Care" edited by John P. Cloherty, because I don't have a card and I want to receive this book by mailing to Tunisia. This is my mail address: Dr Abderraouf CHABCHOUB Centre de maternité et de Néonatologie de Tunis 1007, Tunisia.

CHAPTERS ARE CONCISE.LOADED WITH RELEVENT INFORMATION.YOU WILL WISH TO KEEP IT WITH YOU ALWAYS FOR QUICK REFERENCE.

This is an excellent quick reference book for the practicing neonatologist, fellow or resident in training. Nicely organized, clinically relevant. Definitely a book to have when you want a quick reference on how to respond to a clinical situation.

The most up to date, complete, day-to-day reference guide for clinical neonatology.
simply outstanding!

Nice format, easy to look up needed information. Provides practical information as well as some additional background on the problem or condition. Very useful for care of term or almost term newborns in the nursery.

Some discrepancies from the AAP position statement on the section of methadone treatment for infants suffering opiate drug withdrawal.

This man has contributed hugely for 30 years. He should be knighted.

The arrival of this book is great news! This is the long-awaited tenth-anniversary edition of Dr. Chamberlain's 1988 classic, Babies Remember Birth. In paperback format and enriched with a new last chapter, this book has the potential to revolutionize the way we look at babies, both before and after birth. Part I is filled with "user-friendly" information about the mind and abilities of newborns, as well as a thorough look at their development before birth. Parts II and III present evidence that babies do remember birth and are very much aware of the people around them at that time. There are many amazing stories of labor and birth, from the baby's point of view. As Dr. Chamberlain writes, "Birth memories indicate that babies have an identity of their own; their parents don't give it to them. They act mindfully and build experience around a central core of self." The new last chapter is worth the price of the book all by itself. Dr. Chamberlain writes compellingly about the newborn's sensitivity, awareness, and vulnerability. He emphasizes the importance and power of the infant-and-parent connection during pregnancy and after birth. When the information in this book becomes common knowledge, we will look at our children with new respect and understanding.

Despite many facts updating Thomas Verny's The Secret Life of the Unborn Child, an expectant parent finishes this book saying,"So what?" All the data does really not provide a useful direction for its evidence that the fetus is capable of learning. However, I found that my two children vastly benefitted from the prenatal enrichment system described by Dr. Sarah Brewer in her recent book, Super Baby, with its compelling documentation for the product called BabyPlus (see www.babyplus.com), which as a nurse I would urge that parents-to-be consider.

in the indian ancient epic "mahabharatha", there comes an incident that "abhimanyu" son of arjuna learnt while from his mother's womb, when his mother is hearing a conversation between lord krishna and five pandavas. krishna is teaching how to break the trap of "badmavyug", a type of trap set in the war to catch and kill the brave warriors who cannot be defeated by any other means. abhimanyu learns from his mothers womb how to get inside the trap, but unfortunately, her mother gets up and goes away, while krishna explaining how to come out of the trap. abhimanyu learnt the art of getting in but never knows how to come out. this resulted in his fate, later in the war, that he was trapped, caught and killed by the enemies. i thought these types of 'learning from the womb' are myths. but after reading this book, it makes some sense that there are immense truth in these old epics.

This book is so-so, only because it doesn't explain in detail how to actually do everything. It may say "do this" or "do that" but it doesn't explain exactly the best way to go about doing some of the things.

The authors try really hard to explain what needs to be done, but it must be difficult to write how to exactly teach an infant to swim without showing moving photos, as in a video. It might also be because it's written by someone in England and I'm in the U.S. It's all English, but it's not 100% the English I'm used to.

The photos are outstanding, and I did get my 6 mo. old daughter to float the first time I tried what was suggested. I really like how the author stresses that the experiences and the joy is what it's all about, as opposed to having to build new skills each time you take your baby into the water.

I bought this book when my baby was 6 weeks old. I love to swim and wanted to introduce her to the water in a fun, safe way. This book was outstanding because it provided easy to follow method. It seemed to answer just about all my questions. I referred to it (and still do) constantly. I probably read it three times to absorb the information. It gave instruction on how to: introduce the baby to water, take your baby underwater, swim with your baby, games to play and steps to get your toddler headed towards swimming. My baby is now an 18 month old toddler who absolutely loves the water. She will jump from me and "swim" to the ladder (she needs some help from me for floatation - she tends to want to go vertical through the water now) she can hold her breath really well and knows when she surfaces that she can take a breath (and when she goes under to hold it). This book provided the perfect approach for us - never pushing, always make sure the baby is having fun and let her progress at her rate. I can't stress how important that is - sometimes she would plateau for a couple of months before making progress again but it isn't about forcing them to swim - it is about making sure they are comfortable in the water. It did cover safety of your baby too. But this is not a "water safe" your baby in six weeks approach type book. This is a slower more baby friendly book. The pictures are awesome and as one person commented before it would be a great coffee table book. My daughter loved to look at the pictures of the babies swimming too. I can't say enough good things about this book. If you want to get your baby or toddler into the water without fear I would recommend this book. Also Water Baby A first book of water skills by Lauren Heston is good too. I thought this book had more details but they go nice together.

This book doesn't just teach babies how to swim, it teaches an attitude towards them..I'm learning how to teach patiently and learn that there's no dead line. We *are* having fun at the same time. I live in a country where making babies swim sounds strange and this book's helping alot, I don't need to council anyone. I bought another resource when I got this book (a VHS) and it wasn't good at all, it was kind of teaching by force. I stopped using it and I only follow this great book (great photoes too!). Thanks to the author!

This book is written along the lines of a traditional child-rearing guide but is laid out with better design and a stronger flow of readability. Essentially it emphasizes the multi-sensory experience and confidence swimming brings to baby and the bonding that occurs with the parents. Excellent color photography add to the high-gloss paper and hardcover binding. A little thin but packed with good information. Highly recommended for new parents.

Not a bad book. Not terribly expensive. I prefer the workbook by Richard Polin though.
NOt bad. I do miss the NICU. Really i do...
Get this book if you want to do well in the NICU and actually understand whats going on and not just take care of the fetoids. Good respiratory and cardiac chapters.
Between this and the Polin book, go with Polin. The NICU secrets book is excellent as well.

This is an excellent textbook, period. It provides an excellent balance between scientific background and practical knowledge. Chapters are concise, well-illustrated, and each chapter concludes with a question/anwer discussion format which mimics the conversational style of the best lecturers. Most important, this textbook is readable and of a manageable size which as a second year resident I was able to get through during a one month rotation.

I borrowed the previous edition as a fourth year acting intern. It was excellent. Extremely easy to read, lots of information, but concise for time. A must have...I plan on buying the new edition!

Some of the things this book discusses about
The apgar score of a newborn (includes a table)
What a newborn baby looks like
Gives a partial list of a newborn's reflexes
Circumcision
Jaundice
Layette for the 1st 6-8 weeks for baby
Introducting baby and pet
Hygiene and aftercare
Feeding baby
Myths of breastfeeding
Common questions a new mom may have
Developing healthful sleep habits
Sleep tips
Communicating with your baby
Caring for baby's hygeine which includes bathing your baby

Enjoying your baby
What to take with your baby when going out such as running errands
Your baby's health- wellness and illness

Like the previous reviewer, I had not spent a lot of time reading about how to interact with and care for my new baby -- until I picked up this book. I like the author's straightforward descriptions of what to expect when in the hospital and home from the hospital for the first few days and weeks. Dr. Paula walks the reader through a number of issues including feeding, bathing, sleeping and making the transition back to work after the baby is born. The text is interspersed with web site addresses if you need more information on a subject. Finally, the thing I like best about this book is that it is not overly negative in tone like some of the other parenting books I have read. As a first time mom, I consider this an invaluable reference book.

When I was pregnant with my first child I spent most of my free time reading about being pregnant. Then I had a baby and realized I hadn't read ANYTHING about being a Mom! Having been a frightened new mother, I was and still am full of questions. To know that I can always turn to this book is a Godsend. Dr.Paula writes like she is talking to me as a person and a friend. I believe that she is a genuine credit to her profession and to all children everywhere. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPECTING THEN YOU HAVE TO GET THIS BOOK! If you only buy one book about newborns-this is the one to buy.

My wife and I have used the new edition and the last one as a definitive guide to pregnancy. The experts writing this book have provided the info in a clear and understanding way. It is our bible for our pregnancies.

This is a classic book now in it's fourth edition. I have found it reassuring, informative, simple to understand without any strict point of view. It seems to be basic reading for pregnant couples.

For me, trying to get pregnant, I found this book to have a great overview of lots of topics, nicely balancing between simple explanations & technical talk, starting with info on how to get in shape before pregnancy & how to choose a dr. However, don't be misled by the copy on the back cover that says 'thoroughly revised to incorporate all the latest medical advances...' please note that though this book is available in new book stores, it was in fact published in 1992. This is sometimes noticable in the text, like 'the baby is taken to the nursery, where most of its needs will be met for the next few days.' What insurance plan was that? Keep that in mind if you're really researchin the latest info. Overall? good info & not nearly as depressing as some books that really point out all the problems you could have.

This book is huge! Everything you can think of about a baby is in here! I rented it from the library but soon realized it would take me longer than the rental time I had to read it so I decided to buy it! Its a good investment for you and your baby! I highly recommend this book plus many others by the same authors.

The BEST book to give a new mother: as a shower gift or a MUST READ after her delivery!

This is a great resource book for new parents and caregivers. It gives the basics on childcare and what to expect at different stages in your baby's life. Dr.William Sears and his wife, Marth, a nurse, have had many children themselves, 8!. A hands-on approach to parenting. I use my book all the time. .

...parents who have alienated their kids from themselves from the get-go.

Mothers are mothers, fathers are fathers, and anyone demanding that human biology now conform to societal trends is in need of some basic critical-thinking skills. Well-supported ideas that you don't like hearing are not the fault of the author. Neither is it an author's job to arrange their ideas such that you won't feel guilty.

Grown-ups (including Dr. Sears himself) know that life is full of choices, trade-offs, and most people will find their own way implementing his ideas as they can and are able.

I am a father and don't feel the least bit marginalized by Dr. Sears approach or tone. I'm honestly scratching my head at where people find that in his work.

His ideas are not a formula, something Dr. Sears himself points out repeatedly. But they are profound, and far more important to the health of your child (and the world) than, say, the current presidential election.

Honestly, want to make the world a better place? Read this book.

I passed on my copy. At first I was very impressed by the AP concept. Once I had the baby I realized that a rigid approach like this doesn't work. My baby slept better on his own than in our bed. And he hated being worn the first three months. I held on to the book for factual information about growth and illness but found it too cumbersome to use a reference. I prefer the month by month format which is easier to look up.