THE INFORMED PARENT

The latest scientific findings on child-rearing from pregnancy through toddlerhood.

As Haelle (Seasons, Tides and Lunar Phases, 2016, etc.) and Willingham (The Complete Idiot's Guide to College Biology, 2010, etc.) point out in their introduction, the book does not provide advice on child care. Instead, the authors gather the latest science on a variety of issues, letting parents make their own decisions after learning what the most recent research indicates about various stages of child care. Beginning with the months and days before pregnancy has even occurred, the authors discuss the need for prenatal vitamins, weight gain of the mother and fetus, medical screenings during pregnancy, whether certain foods can affect the fetus, and how to choose the best person to assist the mother during labor. Then they move rapidly into the labor and delivery room, providing extensive information on the pros and cons of circumcision, breast-feeding vs. formula feeding, vaccines, and cloth vs. disposable diapers. Not only do they point out what is best for the infant, they also analyze the emotional ups and downs a new mother may experience, including postpartum depression, sleep deprivation, and the inability to bond with the infant. Moving beyond infancy, they discuss trips to the dentist, solid foods and food allergies, potty training, letting children use technology, air and water pollution, preschool, and a host of other pertinent topics. About 90 percent of the book centers on scientific data, but Haelle and Willingham also offer readers glimpses into their personal lives and the things they did or didn't do for their children during these first four years, which adds a more personal touch to this already accessible and informative book. For anyone headed into parenthood, this is a must-read, as it answers so many questions new parents are bound to ask.

Easy-to-read, up-to-date information on the latest research into pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood.