Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products (Best Baby Products) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Guide to Baby Products is a useful book in thetraditional "Consumer Reports" style. For each category of baby product, there is a chapter that introduces you to the features of those types of products, issues to look for especially in terms of safety and durability, and then finally, includes a comparison of various products on a feature by feature basis.There are chapters on cribs, car seats, high chairs, for example.
If you are a new parent to be, and appreciate a logical analysis of products, this is the book for you.
I, on-the-other-hand, think that the book that you really MUST buy is Denise and Alan Field's "Baby Bargains" book. What I loved about their book was that they had strong opinions for and against certain products and were not afraid to express them. They also have lots of advice about where to buy products to get the best price.
I believe that your book preference will depend on how you like information presented. I found it useful to have both books side by side so that I could assimilate information from both.
Finally, I am so glad that there are book like the Guide to Baby Products and Baby Bargains to help us parents-to-be through the maze of baby product shopping.

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* What you need to know about baby gear, from strollers to car seats, diaper bags to cribs* At-a-glance details on hundreds of individual items in the all-new Product Guide* Ratings of car seats, carriers, play yards, and travel systems* Comprehensive list of recent safety recalls* Guide to the most commonly prescribed medications for babies* Shopping guide to web sites, catalogs, and stores

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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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The Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood (Mod Moms Survival Kit) Review

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(More customer reviews)While this book has some great tips and some good info, I was appalled by the misinformation in the section on breastfeeding and how negatively it was presented. For instance, you don't have to have a stellar diet and there's very few foods MOST breastfeeding moms have to worry about at all. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anybody who has any interest in breastfeeding, or wants to read a book with correct health information.

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From the author of the bestselling The Modern Girl's Guide to Life comes a must-have book for the young mom, including best-kept secrets, practical advice, and multiple solutions for problems from birth to age four

Just when you thought you could cook (hey, one meal counts), clean (if the queen was coming), and seduce a man (well, long enough to get married), life throws you a curveball that makes all of your previous ineptitudes in life pale in comparison. With the appearance of one little extra line on a pregnancy test, you're thrown into a world of covering up leaks on shirts and taking a pacifier away from a two-year-old who has the grip of a pit bull.

In this funny, smart, and honest book, Jane Buckingham cuts through the clutter to give you simple information and practical advice for navigating the different stages of motherhood. From how to get your child to sleep and how to wean, to how to get him off the pacifier and how to stop his tantrums, this book will help moms feel in the know and in control! Some of Buckingham's favorite tips:


If your baby has a hard time feeding because of a stuffy nose, turn on the shower to steam up the bathroom and feed her there.


Put your children's paints in an empty egg carton -- it's the perfect size, and there's no mess to clean up when you're done. Use an old raincoat with the arms cut off as a smock.


You should buy a new car seat, rather than borrowing a friend's old car seat, as there are constant safety upgrades. Also, be sure you are the person registered to that car seat (send in that registration card!) so that you'll be notified in case of a recall.


Keep the three-day rule in mind: Almost any bad habit can be broken in three days. Granted, they may be tough, torturous days, but you can do it!


The Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood helps modern moms do it all with love, style, and flair!

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Early-Start Potty Training Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a stay-at-home mom of a 15-month-old. I am also a trained Montessori teacher. I have used cloth diapers with my son from the time he was one-month-old. I have seen many children toilet train before age 2.
So, I came to this book agreeing with some of what the author had to say. I think she makes a good case for changing our society's preconceptions about toilet training, but this book is short on extensive practical advice that parents (and teachers) need.
The author does not approve of any sort of diaper, particularly disposables. However, she recommends cloth diapers as a lesser of 2 evils sort of thing. Her advice on laundering diapers is laughably out-of-date (treated wet pail, wash 3 times(!), etc.). Washing machines are far more evolved than the author realizes, and I would not use cloth diapers if it were as much trouble as she describes. She even thinks you still have to pin prefolds.
Some of the ideas in this book are useful, but it will have to be supplemented with books that go into greater detail. It cannot be the only book you read for potty training info.
If you want to read a book written by someone with very strong opinions about early potty training and the problems with diapers, then you may like this book. If you want a more balanced approach, I would pass over this one.

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The time-tested, gentle, and successful method that introduces children to potty training as early as six months

While parents around the world successfully potty train their children well before preschool age, in the United States, we've moved away from this early introduction. However, there's no evidence that later is better--in fact, there's even significant reason to believe that later can be detrimental.

Written by a respected child psychologist, Early-Start Potty Training shows why the early-start method is preferable to the commonly used readiness method. Waiting until children show signs of readiness can hold them back from preschool, cost a fortune in diapers, and lead to health problems. The early-start method avoids these concerns by starting the process of training as early as six months old.

This easy-to-follow program provides you with:

Time-tested training tips for introducing toddlers--and even infants--to the potty
Methods for combating common problems of training delay
A troubleshooting plan for moving toddlers from diapers to potty independence
Hints on how to overcome accidents and build confidence in children

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Twin Sense: A Sanity-Saving Guide to Raising Twins -- From Pregnancy Through the First Year Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a good book for somebody who already has already done some research, taken classes, or has familiarity with raising kids. It is well-organized and provides a quick reference. However, it was not a good fit for me. I do not have older kids, and this is the first book I read on the subject. Too many of the terms the author used were unfamiliar, and the book does not provide a good explanation for them. What is a boppy? How exactly do you swaddle a baby? I found it frustrating to have to read the book practically at my computer, so that I can google all unfamiliar terms. A few pictures or explanations would have gone a long way. I was also annoyed by the constant reminders (practically every other page) to take prenatal classes to really learn the subject in each chapter. I thought the book was supposed to provide the necessary information. I next read the book "Juggling Twins" by Meghan Regan-Loomis. I found it a lot more informative for somebody who is just starting and trying to learn the basics not only when it comes to twins, but to babies in general. In short, in my opinion, if you want a quick reference on important points when raising twins, "Twin Sense" is a good book. If you need more detail, you may want to read something else first, or do some online research on your own.

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The Busy Mom's Book of Preschool Activities Review

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(More customer reviews)I liked this book because it doesn't require a drive to the crafts store and it has easy quick games to play. Yes I could have thought of many myself but after 4 hours sleep it is nice to have a resource to look at for some fun things to do at 3:30pm when the coffee stops working.

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Maximize your preschooler's learning power right now with these tried-and-true ideas, activities, and games that spark creativity, independence and reading-readiness. Here, you'll find a wide assortment of fun things to do, each one geared towards developing skills used in everyday areas. Celebrate a "letter of the day" and give your child a head start on school. Establish Photo Time in the morning and begin the day on a fun note. Or, for the budding artist, try projects like Soap Buddy, Scrapbook Fun and Step Stones. From making yummy snacks in the kitchen, to experiencing the outdoors, to helping mom around the house, the activities in this small treasure chest will bring little ones endless enjoyment while preparing them for school and beyond.The author lives in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

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Hold That Thought For Kids: Capturing Precious Memories through Fun Questions, Images, & Conversations (Hold That Thought Keepsake Coversation Journals) Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this book as a gift from a teacher girlfriend. At first I was overwhelmed-it's a big book. My friend told me to trust her, pick a page (any page), gather my kids and start. I am glad I did.
I started with an interview titled "All the Senses". As an introduction, my 5 and 7 year olds and I talked about what our senses were. Then I interviewed them, writing down both of their answers to questions about their favorites smells, sounds, sensations, sights...in the same book. The kids liked having this "talking time" with me. After a few minutes, my husband, overhearing us, stopped doing the dishes and joined us so he could listen too.
In our family, the temptation is to just get things done in the evening. This book helps my husband and me spend just 10 or 20 precious minutes really talking and communicating with the kids. It's easy. It's fun and together we're creating a keepsake treasure. I recommend it to parents everywhere.


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Filled with conversation-starting questions and dialogues, this colorful keepsake brings the family together by providing a handy place to record and save the funny, wise, and precious words of childhood. Fifty diverse sets of seven thematically related interview questions and games are included. Sections encourage kids to find the words to describe the whole of their interests, personal connections with relatives and peers, perceptions of their world, and expectations for the future.

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Hands Are Not for Hitting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this book, and "The Way I Feel" in response to my almost 2 year old going through a hitting phase. I could not be more pleased with how this book (and the other) addresses the issue and proposes solutions for dealing with anger and frustration. My son LOVES acting out the things that hands can be used for. He sits through the whole book and often wants to read it again. He quotes catchy phrases that he remembers from the book. It is so interactive! I really think that it has made a difference in my son's behavior over the period of 3 weeks.

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The Amazing Dad: More than 400 Ways to Wow the Kids Review

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(More customer reviews)These days fathers need all the help they can get. My eight-year-old daughter used to think I was the coolest guy in the universe, but lately I've been getting hip-checked by the backstreet boys and n'sync. I've found myself competing for her attention; and I've been trying for the past few months to pull any fun rabbit out of the hat I can find (I got one of those "juggling for klutzes" kits and practiced in secret). A few weeks ago, a buddy of mine (also a dad- and familiar with my plight) told me he'd come across a really cool book called The Amazing Dad. I pounded the pavement till I found the lone remaining copy at a local bookstore; and I was blown away- on darn near every page there's a cool trick or fun activity that any spaz can do. Every one I've tried so far has left my children laughing, squealing, and begging for more. The diagramming makes everything an easy-to-duplicate, no-brainer. This book has become my "FUN BIBLE"- I keep it hidden so as not to reveal the source of my new-found coolness. Each time the kids ask me "Where'd you learn that?", I just give them a shrug and play it off like "Oh, I've got a million of 'em- you ain't seen nothin yet"- which means they better come out with volume two before I run out of rabbits. Seriously- a dynamite book.... big thanks to Preuss and Livera for making me a cool dad again. Maybe they can teach me to sing and dance.....

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You are a father. You are the most important man on the planet. You are the maker of moments. . . the creator of memories. . . the ultimate hero in the eyes of your child! You are THE AMAZING DAD!This fun and fully-illustrated source book presents hundreds of games, gags, crafts, and tricks that will astonish and enchant children of all ages. The definitive guide for today's busy father, it shares hundreds of astounding secrets, providing dad with powers beyond his kid's wildest dreams.* Build volcanoes!* Defy gravity!* Find treasures!* Grant wishes!* Produce rainbows!* Read minds!* Create an endless supply of Wonder and Laughter! Leave a Legacy! Be a hero! Become The Amazing Dad!

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Everyday Circle Times Review

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(More customer reviews)Great book with a lot of themes. Each theme contains games, book suggestions, movement activities, etc. I have put it to use already.

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101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces: At the Doctor's Office, on Car, Train, and Plane Trips, Home Sick in Bed . . . Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It has lots of old ideas I'd forgotten from my own childhood and it has lots of new ideas. The writer understands the needs of children. They can behave a lot better if they have interesting little things to do like the ideas that are in this book.

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You can never have enough space. And if you can't, just think of your kids--all the time they have to spend in tight spaces--like cars, planes, trains, the doctor's office, the grocery store, being sick or housebound, waiting in line. Kids need room to move around, but there are many times when they just plain can't have it.While raising two exuberant boys, teaching preschool, leading Cub Scouts, and running a birthday party business, Carol Kranowitz came up with savvy, creative ways to keep kids content in tight spaces. Her activity ideas combine old standbys with new ones born of desperation and cramped quarters. They follow a philosophy that helps kids develop their different skills and abilities while entertaining themselves and interacting.You'll find great projects for every imaginable small space parents and children encounter:Fun Food for Tiny Kitchens:Ants on a Log, Footprints in the Snow, and Aiken Drum FacesIn the Urban Community:Windowsill Garden, Bug Jar, and Corn-on-the-SpongeWhen the Walls Seem to Be Closing In:Pillow Crashing, People Sandwich, and Teeter-TotterWhen what you've got is a small space and a restless child, what you need are 101 ingenious solutions--right away. Here they are--easy to implement, creative fun for the three to seven-year-old--activities that can turn tough moments into teachable, terrific ones.

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Gymboree - The Parent's Guide to Play (Gymboree Play & Music) Review

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(More customer reviews)Hi! I love this book, every activity has a picture, so you know how to do it properly. I love that it does not require to buy tons of toys! One piece of advice though, there are two other Gymboree Play & Music, one for babies, and one for toddlers... buy this book instead of those two, its cheaper, and they have exactly the same!!!
My baby is 3 months old, and ejoys this activities so much!!!! We have a daily schedule to develop different areas!!!! Its a great companion for play time, and I really, really, really recommend it!!!
Take care, and have a nice day!!!

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170 Gymboree activities that help parents discover new ways to play with their babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Gymboree -- The Parent's Guide to Play combines the best baby and toddler activities into one book that offers hours of fun for parents and their little ones. These kid-tested activities also provide children with a solid foundation for the skills they will need in preschool.

With activities designed to stimulate imagination, expand vocabulary and build skills, the book features:

Skill Spotlights, describing each activity's benefits
Parental Tips and Research Reports, explaining how a child develops
Tips for using materials at home
Words and clapping rhythms to songs.

Organized by age, activities range from quiet observation and singing to boisterous climbing games and music-making. From interacting with a newborn, to engaging a toddler, to exploring the world with a preschooler, this book makes excellent use of the experience, wisdom and imagination that have made Gymboree a famous brand name around the world.
(200701)

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Creative Coping Skills for Children: Emotional Support Through Arts and Crafts Activities Review

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(More customer reviews)This book hits the perfect balance between activities parents can use for their own kids with activities professional counselors and therapists can use with their child clients. One section reminded me The Womans Comfort Book, only for children. "A Pirate's Survival Guide" really impressed me with its ability to provide children living with addiction, poverty and chaos a mental framework in which to better deal with those challenges. My favorite section was the pages and pages of boxed ideas for unstructured time that could be photocopied, cut apart and rolled up/folded to be chosen at random by a child needing something to do. The ideas were so appealing, I felt like getting up and doing them myself as they were exactly the kind of fun I would have loved when I was little, though I wouldn't have thought myself of doing them. There are plenty of ideas to help children w/ anxiety, grief, coping skills, goal setting, and transition times. In short, any parent or chld therapist will find this book to be a resource they can turn to often.

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Everyone has different needs when it comes to coping with life's stressors, and children are no different. Some need quiet and soothing activities to calm them down, whereas others require more physical activity or intense sensory input to relax their minds and bodies. This resource comprises a collection of fun, flexible, tried-and-tested activities and make-it-yourself workbooks for parents and professionals to help a child in need of extra emotional support find the coping skills that fit them best. Each activity lists the materials required and includes clear directions for how to do it. There is something for every child: whether they are dynamic and creative or more cerebral and literal. Projects of this title include making wish fairies, dream catchers, and mandalas; managing unstructured time with activities such as creating comics, dioramas and tongue twisters; and, simple ideas for instant soothing, such as taking deep breaths, blowing bubbles, making silly faces, and playing music. "Creative Coping Skills for Children" also includes specific interventions for anxious or grieving children such as making worry dolls and memory shrines. This book is full of fun, easy, creative project ideas for parents of children aged 3-12, teachers, counselors, play therapists, social workers, and all professionals working with children.

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The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought this was a sweet book, and a pleasant read. Amanda Soule is a wonderful writer. I was a little disappointed that there were no new ideas presented here though. I felt like I was reading the same Waldorf family book I've read several times before. People say "everything has been done before", but I feel that authors can still incorporate new ideas or put their own twist on things. I did not see this here.
I was also disappointed with the craft projects. Aside from the fact that many were the same projects found all over the internet and in many other craft books, I found that most of them were projects geared towards adults with small touches added by children. I was expecting more projects actually for children, or where children played a much bigger role.
I think this would be a perfect book for someone who is new to Waldorf and Montessori philosophy and was looking for ways to incorporate these philosophies into their family life, or for someone who is looking for a simple, pleasant read paired with beautiful pictures. If you've been involved in simple family living for quite some time and are looking for something new, I would look elsewhere.

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When you learn to awaken your family's creativity, wonderful things will happen: you'll make meaningful connections with your children in large and small ways; your children will more often engage in their own creative discoveries; and your family will embrace new ways to relax, play, and grow together. With just the simple tools around you—your imagination, basic art supplies, household objects, and natural materials—you can transform your family life, and have so much more fun!Amanda Soule has charmed many with her tales of creativity and parenting on her blog, SouleMama. Here she shares ideas and projects with the same warm tone and down-to-earth voice. Perfect for all families, the wide range of projects presented here offers ideas for imaginative play, art and crafts, nature explorations, and family celebrations.This book embraces a whole new way of living that will engage your children's imagination, celebrate their achievements, and help you to express love and gratitude for each other as a family.

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