If you were going to give a new mom one book on child care/development

[Faithr]

which would it be?  This single mom is in dire straits actually and struggling financially, and while she is a loving, dedicated mother, she really knows very little about babies.  She is very open to help and advice.  

 

I was trying to remember the books I often referred to.  I have since given them all away.  I can't remember one that I didn't take with a grain of salt.  Maybe something better has come along???  I had the What to Expect first couple of books, a Penelope Leach book, and I can't remember what else.

 

Any recommendations?

[HomeAgain]

After thinking hard, I would probably give Slow And Steady, Get Me Ready for a number of reasons.  You can find online and at the doctor's office plenty of 'what to expect this month' type things - in fact, I got a weekly email from somewhere telling me what to expect. However, finding ways to connect with baby were not as readily available.  For the new, unsure parent, this provides a guideline of safe, appropriate activities.

[ktgrok]

Hm...I usually give the Sears Baby Book, but it's huge and could be intimidating. Seems you are looking for more of a basics type thing?

[AnnE-girl]

I loved the Dr. William and Martha Sears Baby Book. He's a pediatrician and they had six kids of their own, so it's a good mix of medical information and experienced parent guidance. When I had my first, the hospital gift bag included the AAP book for first five years. I'm not sure of the exact title, but I've seen it in bookstores too.

[Mergath]

I'd go with "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears. 

[TechWife]

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. It's an easily readable, complete resource from the AAP.

[Ellie]

Anything by Dr. William Sears.

[ktgrok]

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. It's an easily readable, complete resource from the AAP.

 

Yes, as much as I love the Sears book, if you want something more like "here is how to sterilize a bottle", this one may be better. 

[Kristie in Florida]

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. It's an easily readable, complete resource from the AAP.

Yes, this. I still have the one I read cover to cover 13 years ago with my first and I referenced it again just the other day. I have referred to it over and over.

[mmasc]

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. It's an easily readable, complete resource from the AAP.

Another vote for this one!

[carriede]

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. It's an easily readable, complete resource from the AAP.

I got this book for free when joining the Publix Baby Club. http://www.publix.com/clubs-programs/publix-baby-club

 

(Publix is a grocery chain in the Southeast US.)

[Faithr]

Thanks, I ordered Caring for Your Baby and Young Child.  While I really appreciate Dr. Sears, this woman is on food stamps and such.  I don't want to give her anything that is 'alternative' just because she does have social workers watching over her and I don't want her to misstep and get into trouble.  Sad to have to think that way!  

[Laura Corin]

I liked Penelope Leach Baby and Child.  It doesn't make parenting seem difficult or expensive and it allays a lot of fears by sensible assessment of real risks.

[umsami]

I have no idea if it's been updated or not but "The Hip Mama Survival Guide" had a lot of single mamas, scraping by, being creative.

 

What about a subscription to a parenting magazine?

 

If she has internet, I'd probably steer her to various boards and websites.  One important one is PurpleCrying.info 

 

"The Period of PURPLE Crying is a new way to help parents understand this time in their baby's life, which is a normal part of every infant's development. It is confusing and concerning to be told your baby "has colic" because it sounds like it is an illness or a condition that is abnormal. When the baby is given medication to treat symptoms of colic, it reinforces the idea that there is something wrong with the baby, when in fact, the baby is going through a very normal developmental phase. That is why we prefer to refer to this time as the Period of PURPLE Crying. This is not because the baby turns purple while crying. The acronym is a meaningful and memorable way to describe what parents and their babies are going through."

ng through a very normal developmental phase. That is why we prefer to refer to this time as the Period of PURPLE Crying. This is not because the baby turns purple while crying. The acronym is a meaningful and memorable way to describe what parents and their babies are going through."

 

 

I also really like LR. Knost's books and work. 

A book by Jane Nelson on Positive Discipline or "Adventures in Gentle Discipline" might be good as well.

 

Edited April 2, 2016 by umsami

[Caroline]

I liked Penelope Leach Baby and Child. It doesn't make parenting seem difficult or expensive and it allays a lot of fears by sensible assessment of real risks.

I loved this book. When I was pregnant with my first, I was on bedrest for three months and saw her on a talk show and loved her. I mentioned it to my sister, and she bought me the book.

[FriedClams]

Normally, Honey for a Child's Heart, but I like the one you picked in this situation much better.

[EKS]

Nathanson's Portable Pediatrician for Parents.

[Maus]

I liked "Your Baby's First Year Week by Week" somewhat better than the "What to Expect..." series.  

 

Not so much a parenting book, but I've given Jim Trelease's "Read Aloud Handbook," with a couple of our favorite board books as a new mom gift before.

[fdrinca]

FWIW, my insurance company gave me a copy of this book. Not sure if others do as well, but it's a good reminder to see what kind of benefits your insurance company does offer and to take advantage of them when possible.

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

For a more big picture book, I love Simplicity Parenting. I am also currently reading Soul of Discipline by the same author and it's great.

[Liz CA]

I liked Penelope Leach Baby and Child.  It doesn't make parenting seem difficult or expensive and it allays a lot of fears by sensible assessment of real risks.

 

She was on PPS when my ds was little and I loved watching her - I hope I am thinking of the right person.

[Liz CA]

:bigear:  Paying attention here since niece is expecting first girl in the entire family in over 20 years.

[ThisIsTheDay]

After thinking hard, I would probably give Slow And Steady, Get Me Ready for a number of reasons.  You can find online and at the doctor's office plenty of 'what to expect this month' type things - in fact, I got a weekly email from somewhere telling me what to expect. However, finding ways to connect with baby were not as readily available.  For the new, unsure parent, this provides a guideline of safe, appropriate activities.

 

I came to post exactly this book.  It's fantastic, and I only wish I'd found it long before my youngest turned 4!  It's a wonderful book for all parents, regardless of experience, imo!

 

[Kareni]

Not so much a parenting book, but I've given Jim Trelease's "Read Aloud Handbook," with a couple of our favorite board books as a new mom gift before.

 

As have I.

 

Regards,

Kareni

[Lanny]

Before DD was born, we bought copies of a book by the American Academy of Pediatrics (I'm not sure if that's the correct name, it is the group that Board Certifies M.D.s who have completed a Residency in Pediatrics).  We bought it in English (for me) and in Spanish for my wife. My wife said that it was like having a Pediatrician in the house.    We gave the Spanish language edition to someone years ago and 2 or 3 months ago, we gave the English language edition to the daughter of a family we are friendly with in our Homeowners Association. She had her baby a month or so ago.  The book we purchased was for Newborns up to 5 years of age as I recall.