Baby Care Reference Book

[Alanna]

I want to get one before our baby is born... I would like something reference-y that I can look to when its the middle of the night and Im at a loss... (i know when i was growing up everyone had a copy of Dr. Spock... what is todays standard?) I'd love it if you could reccommend any book that has been helpful to you. Thanks!

[Sidsou]

I had the standard "What to Expect the First Year" book, and found it to work for me. Also had the Mayo clinic book that you can get free from State Farm Insurance. Parenting magazines are great too. There are specific books that are great for sleeping problems, etc.

In terms of health problems that you are worried about coming across perhaps even in the middle of the night, remember you always have you ped to call. They expect first time parents to call them. Also check and see if your insurance has an on call nurse. Ours has a 24/7 phone number with a reg nurse that can help with standard questions or let you know when you need to call a doctor (this is for any kind of medical questions not just babies).

Friends with kids are great resources too.

ETA:I just saw that it says you are in MA, so if you happen to have BCBS insurance, they have the 24hour nurse.

[gizzyntaz]

I've looked in the Baby Book by Dr. Sears many nights. It's saved us a call to the pediatrician quite a few times :)

[kimthebride]

Complete baby & Child Care by Dr. Mirium Stoppard
-Very detailed reference book I got from my insurance company. Gives basic child care details – like how to diaper, bathe, breastfeed a baby, as well as medical info. Very well written and informative.

The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Pregnancy and Baby Care
- Same thing, got this free from BCBS. Gives lots of health info for being pregnant and advice on delivery. Then gets into the baby care like the book above does.

Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby’s First Year
- I got this free from State Farm (find the link by searching the WC Family Planning Section for free Mayo Clinic Book). Didn’t like it as much as the previous 2 books, but it is free, huge, and chock-full of info.

And as a specialty book, The Happiest Baby On The Block is helpful when baby is fussy and you need to calm him.

Between these 3 I can cross-reference any rash, BF concern, poop consistency, etc etc that I wonder about. I value them all!

ETA: I have the What to Expect the First Year... as a gift, and don't find it as medically helpful as any of the 1st 3 books I listed.

[moderngal]

We use and love "The New Basics : A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent" by Dr. Michel Cohen.