The Expectant Parents' Companion: Simplifying What to Do, Buy, or Borrow for an Easy Life With Baby Review

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(More customer reviews)I have never written a review on Amazon before, but this book compelled me to do so because I have found it so helpful. While I agree with the reviewer who said the book is biased (Huggins' preferences for breastfeeding, natural birth, etc. come out loud and clear), it is still an incredibly useful resource for someone like me--a first-time mom who knows absolutely nothing! I have no younger siblings, rarely babysat, and just generally have not spent much time around infants, so I'm going into parenthood with a totally blank slate. For this reason, I've been looking for someone or something that could tell me what is necessary to do and buy and what is not. (Prior to reading it, I couldn't have told you what a "layette" or a "bumper" was, and I certainly would not have known what to do with a "nasal aspirator.") Registering for my baby shower made me realize how saturated the market is with all kinds of gadgets that scream "buy me!" but personally, I can't afford to buy out the baby section at Target. And I'm not so hypnotized by marketing that I believe I need it all. Huggins breaks down not only what products are necessary for your baby's care, but also what might be better to borrow than to buy. She also offers suggestions for making or doing things yourself instead of paying for them (breast pads, for instance, cut out of diapers)--welcome advice for anyone on a budget! The book is recent enough (2006) that its information on actual products, name brands, etc. is totally up-to-date, a fact I also appreciated. I highly recommend this book for sorting through all the overwhelming purchasing and planning decisions, big and small, you will face as you prepare for parenthood.

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This is the ultimate, all-around baby guide. Not only does it help you navigate the dizzying array of baby products or gear, it also helps you get ready for baby in numerous ways, from preparing for birth, to feeding your newborn, to sleeping arrangements, and to making your home safe for baby. Most other baby-gear guides make you think you need to build on an extra room in your house to accommodate all the necessary items. However, Kathleen Huggins' years of experience with moms and newborns have taught her what you'll need, what you'll want, and what you can definitely do without.

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Motherly Advice from Cathy's Mom Review

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The Hot Mom's Handbook: Laugh and Feel Great from Playdate to Date Night... Review

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(More customer reviews)I liked this book quite a bit. Like previous reviewer said, it's not necessarily a lot of NEW things, but is nonetheless very important. Sometimes it takes ten times of hearing it that you not only deserve, but NEED to make time for yourself, etc. I really liked the writing style and enjoyed that it was broken up into smaller chunks to read. And the book made me laugh three times (which is a lot for me).

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You've made it through nine months of baby bump, but now baby has arrived and it's a whole new set of rules. Not sure how to navigate this brave new world and new you?

From Jessica Denay, founder of the Hot Moms Club, comes the ultimate resource for moms of all ages trying to balance everything from playdate to date night, nightlife to nightlight. In this laugh-out-loud yet practical guide, Jessica shares how to break loose that inner Hot Mom and tackles everything from avoiding MILPs (Moms I'd Like to Punch) to Making Your Minivan Rock. Along with advice from celebrity moms, experts, and friends, the book has insights from Jessica's personal journey, as well as cheeky anecdotes you won't find in traditional parenting books.

Plus, don't miss her useful Baby on a Budget tips: Did you know that baby wipes double as makeup remover and how a little baby powder gives greasy hair a fresh start? Also, as a top celebrity party planner, Jessica shares her creative birthday and holiday ideas that will make your bashes stand out!

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What Should I Feed My Baby?: The Complete Nutrition Guide from Birth to Two Years Review

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(More customer reviews)"What Should I Feed My Baby" is an excellent resource for parents, incorporating the latest advances in nutrition (glycemic index, omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics) in an easy to read format.
We have been supplementing our son's diet with flax and vitaminc C on the book's recommendation, and that has noticably cut down his day care sniffles.
The recipes she provides cover everything from purees for young babies to healthy stews for older babies, and they are not difficult to prepare.
The book is British, so some of the recommended products will be hard to find in the states.

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All parents want the best for their children, but when it comes to food, it is hard to know how to deliver the best options. This book gives clear and balanced advice on how to deal with problems, and answers questions on eating habits and diet which crop up for every parent. Meal planners are included to help with the daunting task of weaning onto solids and recipes are provided to correspond to all stages of development.

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The Moms' Book: For the Mom Who's Best at Everything Review

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(More customer reviews)"The Mom's Book for the Mom Who's Best at Everything" is actually a fun little book filled with a variety of information. Or as author Allison Maloney describes it: "a humorous handbook full of wisdom and wit guaranteed to help you."
Maddalena Granata married at twenty-eight and gave birth to fifteen sets of triplets. In total, she had fifty-two children, forty-nine of whom were boys. No, she did not take fertility drugs. You see, Maddalena was born in 1839 in Italy.
In case the '40's style illustration (read "old-fashioned") on the cover of a lavender book makes you think all inside is charming and good, Maddalena should let you know that all kinds of things are actually included in this delightful blend of fun and beneficial tips to making motherhood easier.
The funniest line in the book is this: "And she NEVER loses her temper" (emphasis is the author's). OK, I confess. I'm making fun of a line out of context. In context the author is describing the perfect mom (but she never says this person does not exist). It is a pleasant idea to think of our mothers as "the mom who's best at everything." What this book purports to do is provide helpful tips at making it so.
My favorite tip in the book is Toasted Teddies. Buy a cookie cutter in the shape of a teddy bear (any shape will do). Lay out slices of bread, cut out a bunch of teddies, and toast them. Have ready containers of toppings--peanut butter, cheese, tomato, and anything else healthy that your kids like.
There are suggestions for themed parties with instructions, games to play, tips to doing housework (my favorite: No one will appreciate it. Go shopping instead), how to wake up sound sleepers (here' a good one: Play Barry Manilow on their CD player/iPod/whatever at full blast), and stories about good animal mothers and bad animal mothers.
When you are feeling particularly stressed about motherhood, just consider the rabbit. The rabbit sometimes gets so nervous about having those things in her nest, she eats some. Or on days you feel like a mean mother, just remember Ma Barker, considered by J. Edgar Hoover as "a veritable beast of prey," and you won't feel so mean any more (unless you really are masterminding killing sprees).
Want to know how to keep your kids occupied on a road trip (if you don't have a DVD player)? Seven mental road games are described. I would copy these three pages to keep in the glove pocket as a reminder of games and descriptions. One is Geography (good only for ages 7 and up). The first child says a country: Canada, for example. The next must name a country that starts with the last letter, so Andalusia, for example, or Australia.
"The Mom's Book" is a delightful little book. Yes, it celebrates Motherhood and no, it doesn't make Motherhood perfect, but it certainly tries to make it easier and a little fun.


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Inside you'll find:
--Practical advice on how to get the children to bed, up in the morning, or out of your hair for a few hours!
--Words of wisdom and tricks of the trade from actual mothers!
--How-to instructions for becoming the most popular mom on the block, including: Throwing the coolest birthday party! Baking the best treats! Hosting the grossest Halloween ever!
--Crack up the next PTA meeting with hilarious anecdotes and rib-rattling jokes!
And much, much more...

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Get Out: 150 Easy Ways for Kids & Grown-Ups to Get Into Nature and Build a Greener Future Review

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(More customer reviews)I interviewed Judy Molland on this book and found it very inspiring. I am going to try to follow some of her great ideas and suggestions, especially keeping a nature journal and getting outside for a daily "green hour." Here is a link to my interview with her that I did for [...]
I highly recommend this book!

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Lists for Life: The Essential Guide to Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Dos Review

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(More customer reviews)Lately, I've been on a mission to get organized, so when I saw this book, I thought I'd give it a try. The bulk of the book is geared toward weddings and pregnancy, which are important parts of life, but only short periods of time. The author also recommended buying other planning guides for these events, so my question was, then what's the point of putting the lists here? Also, some of the lists were just plain weird. It's almost like the author doesn't really run her own household, but simply questioned their household staff as to what they do every day and threw it all into a book. Seriously, who cleans their bathroom windows every week or vacuums under their bed and under furniture every week? Does ANYONE wipe fingerprints off doors & woodwork weekly? That's stuff for seasonal cleaning, or you'd go nuts! Then there's the Preschool Interview guide consisting of 48 questions. Seriously, who does that?? I mean, I can see 10 or so, but 48? Really? It's preschool! They play with clay, sing songs, take naps & eat crackers! My advice? Don't buy this book.

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Who hasn't ever walked out the door with that "am I forgetting something" feeling? Let's face it, everyone could use a little help getting more organized and dealing with life's daily demands. Written by Rory Tahari—a powerhouse businesswoman who not only oversees a company with annual global revenues of more than $500 million but also manages a bustling household with young children and various philanthropic endeavors—Lists for Life breaks big moments down into easy, manageable steps so readers will never feel overwhelmed again. Featuring approximately 100 "lists for life" on topics including parenting, moving, traveling, car ownership, financial planning, taking care of your home, preparing for a hospital stay, planning a funeral, and much more, this handy guide leads readers step by step through life's most stressful events and provides helpful checklists for creating and balancing an organized existence. Lists for Life helps eliminate moments of panic and is practical and portable enough to keep within reach at all times. For anyone from busy moms to overscheduled newlyweds to on-the-go working women, Lists for Life is a must-have resource for every time-crunched, over-extended individual.

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The Truth About Children's Health: The Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Reversing Disease Review

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(More customer reviews)Review by Janice M. Curtin of Wise Traditions Journal of the Weston A. Price Foundation
I have been looking for an all-inclusive book about children's health and finally have found it. Robert Bernardini covers every topic that relates to raising a healthy child, from how to make your own baby formula to why we have violence in schools... Bernardini addresses mental and emotional health and the growth of violence... Furthermore, people are getting sicker younger and younger - physically, mentally and emotionally. And it's not by chance - it's because our bodies are not being treated and cared for the way nature intened. Our children are exposed to environmental toxins which their small bodies cannot handle and they are stressed out and poorly fed.
Bernardini stresses that the diet of pregnant mother and infants during the first few years of life is critical to their health and happiness later on. He provides extensive information on the foods and nutrients your baby needs, what these nutrients do and how to get them. Bernardini's dietary advice is in line with that of Dr. Price. Characteristic of the entire book, Bernardini is not afraid to tell us that it is important fo your growing child to get enough fat in the diet. "Newborns must derive 50 percent of the calories they consume from dietary fat. Fat is essential for normal growth from infancy on, since fats provide fatty acids, the building blocks chilren need for critical metabolic programming of brain growth and development." Bernardini gives specific advice on how to feed your child. He includes our recipes from homemade baby formula and recommends cod liver oil, egg yolks, raw whole mild and liver. Bernardini fearlessly addresses an array of controversial topics including birth defects, infertility, baby food and formula, soy, vaccines, and SIDS. He gives extensive advice on what to avoid but also has plenty of support and resources on ways to deal with any problems your child may be experiencing already. He dares to tell you the politics behind many of our government policies and how they are harmful to children. He gives his opinion oh how policy should be changed to be safer. Bernardini does a good job of empowering us to be proactive. He is particularly concerned that we take back responsibility for our own and our children's health. He gives good advice when he says: "You must scrutinize closely the information your receive from the government and the mass media. Policy decisions, guidelines and laws are oftentimes made not so much for the preservation of our health, but for the preservation of profits. Big money can do big things, including influencing our governement. A 1980 study showed that almost half of the leading officials at the FDA had at one time worked for organizations the agency is mandatedd to regulate... Do some reaearch and ask some questions. Don't necessarily believe somebody just because he or she is on the nightly news, in the papers or is a so-called 'expert.' Make yourself the expert. Learn to seek answers, not just acccept what is foisted upon you - for the truth is often quiet and the truth is often hidden. Truth is not in it for the money, itjust is. Truth doesn't advertise."
While The Truth About Chidren's health is incredibly informative, some may be frightened by the book's emphasis on toxins and the dangers in our children's world today. Bernardini is very knowledgeable in that area... the book also empowers its readers and gives wonderful advice about how to bring optimum health to our children. Because this information could make an incredible difference in our children's lives, Bernardini's book is the book I would recommend to any new parent.
Janice M. Curtin


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Dreisbach's Handbook of Poisoning: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment, Thirteenth Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I find the book to be an excellent field guide for first responders in rural areas where cell phone and internet access is unreliable. The guide also includes legacy chemicals which are often found at rural sites. The guide recently received the British Medical Society Highly Commended Award. This is a must reference for all rural first responders and emergency treatment facilities.

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Now in its thirteenth edition, Dreisbach's Handbook of Poisoning is long established as the definitive handbook of poisoning for all physicians, nurses, crisis and hotline workers, paramedics, and students. Rapid response is critical during the initial management of poison cases. This ready-reference guide provides antidotes, antivenins, and more for a vast number of substances. It covers medical toxicology - including prevention and management of exposures, poisonings, adverse effects, abuse and withdrawal from pharmaceuticals - and household, environmental, and natural hazards.The book begins by providing general information about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of poisoning. Then it considers the important medicolegal aspects of poisoning. The remainder of the book focuses on specific poisons, organized into agricultural, industrial, household, medicinal, and natural hazards. Chemically- and pharmacologically-related agents have been grouped together wherever possible. For optimal care of critical or unusual poisonings, the book also contains guidelines for consultations with medical toxicologists and regional poison information centers. A concise summary of the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning, Dreisbach's Handbook of Poisoning provides an extraordinary amount of practical information in a compact format.

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The Baby Book: How to Enjoy Year One Review

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(More customer reviews)I found this book to be helpful with some tweaking. She mentions that the child should take their long nap in the morning and the short one in the afternoon; I did just the opposite and my 7 month old twins are AWESOME sleepers. They take a 45-55 minute nap in the morning, 2-2.5 hour nap in the afternoon and sleep from 7:30/8pm till 9/9:30am every night! Also, they are exclusively breastfed so I never gave them boiled water since they were hydrated enough from the nursing. Very helpful pointers though overall. If I can schedule and get twin boys to sleep this well, then anyone can!!!

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An experienced maternity nurse and mother offers practical advice on coping with your baby's first year. Rachel Waddilove has worked for many years as a private maternity nurse; her clients include Gwyneth Paltrow. In this book, she draws on her considerable professional and personal experience to advise young parents on everything they need to know about looking after a baby in its first year. Areas covered include: needs for the nursery, coming home from hospital, breast feeding vs bottle feeding, establishing a routine, sleep, crying, and introducing solid food. In addition to the host of practical information given, Rachel also considers the emotional and social aspects of becoming a parent.Rachel's down-to-earth style and wealth of experience makes this an essential guide for new parents, expectant parents, and all who want the best care for their children.

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Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth, and Your Baby's First Year Review

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(More customer reviews)Not only does this book give you very specific information on using homeopathic remedies, it focuses on emotional as well as physical symptoms (which is essential to homeopathy). The sections on labor and post-partum are some of the most informative I've read in my pregnancy. Detailed, honest, and non-judgmental, the book covers the myriad and often complicated emotions mothers may encounter during pregnancy and labor, and offers ways to deal with these issues naturally (often with simple practices like taking a bath). This book covers, in detail, several birth complications, and ways the mother can deal with these during labor. This is all done with very easy to read and matter of fact language. No foofy new-age stuff here. I wish every pregnant woman in the world could have the information contained in this book. If you are considering it, BUY IT NOW!

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No period in a woman's life is as filled with special concerns as pregnancy and new motherhood. Among the many discomforts and ailments treatable with the homeopathic remedies explained in this book are:For the mother: anemia, back pain, breastfeeding problems, constipation, exhaustion, hemorrhoids, insomnia, morning sickness, post-partum depression, sinusitis, varicose veins, yeast infectionsFor the baby: breathing difficulties, chicken pox, constipation, cough, diaper rash, diarrhea, ear infection, hiccups, mumps, sleep problems, teething pains, vomitingIn Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth, and Your Baby's First Year, practicing homeopath, Mirando Castro introduces readers to the many safe, effective, inexpensive, and nonmedical remedies that homeopathy has to offer women in this very important period.With reassuring, easy-to-read text, the book explains the principles of homeopathy and tells readers how to select the remedies that correlate to hundreds of common symptoms of physical and emotional distress.The book also offers natural ways to make labor and birth as relaxed as possible, using homeopathic methods.Complete with case histories, materia medica, and supportive and helpful tips throughout, this guidebook offers a wealth of natural-health information every expentant mother should consider.

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The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a full-time working mom of a 2.5 year old, incredible boy.
Initially when I read Sears my reaction was that to be a good parent I would have to quit working, spend my whole day breastfeeding and wearing my baby and never get a solid's night sleep again. (And, I've have to grind my own wheat, grow my organic vegetables and move to an unpolluted island...well, not quite, but that seemed to be the general drift.)
But, what the Sear's approach or Attachment Parenting approach to me comes down to this:
Know your baby.
Respond to your baby's cues.
Understand that your baby isn't a mini-adult who just happens to live in a diaper. Understand that your child comes with his own personality and developmental timetable. Understand that when he cries he needs you. Understand that cuddling, holding, touching your baby is good for him and is not "spoiling" him. Understand that being given a brand new soul to nurture can be exhausting, but that everything you do which demonstrates empathy will come back to you 10 fold in the bond you will have with your child.
I do wish that the AP "movement" was less associated with "crunchy granola" types of parents. AP (and the Sears as the best known proponents) is really doing what comes naturally: We are hardwired to pick up our babies and care for them when they cry. We are hardwired to feel the intense desire to protect them from discomfort. This isn't a "movement" this is how we are made, and Mother (and Father) Nature are brillant!

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Toddler 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice For Your Toddler Review

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(More customer reviews)My wife and I were recently blessed with the placement of three beautiful children (ages 2, 3 & 6) through Children's Protective Services. Having never been parents before, we were initially overwhelmed with the responsibility and chaos. We spent several tearful evenings wondering if we were cut out for the challenges of child-rearing.
After a particularly bad temper tantrum by the 2 year old, I left the house in desperation. I spent the afternoon at the nearest bookstore and browsed a stack of over 20 books in search of the elusive "perfect resource". My search concluded when I picked up a copy of "Toddler 411". This book stood head and shoulders above any other book I had browsed... it was the crème on top of the coffee! It was the perfect parenting resource.
Since purchasing "Toddler 411" we have referred to the book on a near daily basis. From constipation to ear-aches, this book has provided an answer for EVERY question we have thrown at it. I highly recommend this book to all parents. In particular, I strongly recommend this book to new adoptive parents of toddlers. For them, this book should be required reading. It is the "Instruction Manual" our case worker forgot to give us.

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You've made it! Your baby has turned one! Now the real fun begins. From temper tantrums to toilet training, raising a toddler brings its own set of challenges and questions — and Toddler 411 has the answers. Following on the heels of the best-seller Baby 411, Toddler 411 bottles the wisdom of parents who've "been there, done that" . . . and combines it with solid medical advice from an award-winning pediatrician. Inside, you'll learn: • The truth about The Terrible Twos—and how to raise a well-behaved child without going insane.• Picky Eaters—learn how to cope . . . and convince your child to eat something besides Goldfish crackers.• Toilet train your toddler in just one day. No, that's not a typo—learn the Zen of Toilet Training, when to start and how to make it work.• What's normal—and what's not when it comes to your toddler's growth and development. Spot the early clues for autism and other red flags.• Simple steps and smart advice to avoid environmental hazards. The most up-to-date, evidence-based health info for you and your toddler! This new 3rd is revised and expanded with new content:

1. Revamped discipline chapter. What to say and how to say it for specific "teaching moment" situations and ages.2. Expanded development section. Checklists to track your child's development for each well-child visit (know what your doc is going to ask you and what you should be seeing for each development stage.)3. Additional advice on nutrition. More tricks to satisfy your nutrition goals and your picky eater.4. Sleep. Expanded "how-to" tips--if your kid isn't sleeping through the night yet and you really need help!5. Vaccines. Updated with the latest greatest controversies and scientific research on childhood immunizations.

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