Babies and Other Hazards of Sex: How to Make a Tiny Person in Only 9 Months, with Tools You Probably Have Around the Home

by Dave Barry and Maron Barry

Book Overview

Dave Barry exposes natural childbirth for what it is: a pop phenomenon of the 1960s that, along with paisley bell-bottoms & creative sideburns, deserves a rest. Barry gives parents-to-be the hard... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0878575103
• ISBN13: 9780878575107
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Rodale Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.3" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

The King Of Comedy Rules Again

My wife got me this as a gift, and my only complaint is that my youngest is now eight, and I could have used this a long time ago. Dave Barry hits the nail right on the head with this book.In this book, Barry puts a very serious subject in a humorous tone, but he still speaks the truth. Yes, this book is intended as humor, but his reasoning and descriptions are pretty dead on true. I seriously could relate to a lot of the situations he described. This book was hysterical.Jerry O'Brien's illustrations are hilarious, and, as always, the perfect compliment to Barry's book. For any new parents or expected parents, this book is definately for you. Not only will this book not pull any punches, and tell it like it is, but it is very enjoyable reading, and will help ease some of the axieties that you may already have. Yeah, it might add a few as well, but hey, at least you'll laugh so hard, you'll forget about labor pains.Dave Barry is easily the king of comedy, and this short book even illustrates this even more. You won't be disappointed.

Completely accurate

When I first read this, before I had (or even considered having) children, I assumed that it was intended as humor, and I laughed (a lot) at what I imagined were its comic exaggerations. Now that I have a child, I realize that this is in fact a no-nonsense, completely serious and accurate description of pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. While other baby books mislead you with emotional descriptions of the joy and wonder your "little one" will bring, Dave Barry pulls no punches in his hard-hitting, gritty portrayal of baby behavior. There is a quiz early on whose purpose is to deter prospective parents who may be weak of heart or stomach, with questions such as "How many diapers will an average baby go through before it is toilet-trained?" or "What is the most repulsive thing a baby would put in its mouth?" Those of you who are parents will know the answers. Those of you who are not, be warned: you may think Dave Barry's answers are too outrageous to be true, but you're wrong!Anyway, this book is an excellent source of information for anyone who is considering having children, or who is considering not having children. It is also useful for those who already have children, as it will reassure them that they are not alone -- though they may wish they had read (and heeded) it sooner.

Move over Dr. Spock! Barry's on the case...whew, thanks!

Hi all you expectant parents out there. If are like my wife and I, as soon as we learned that we were pregnant my wife immersed herself in Dr. Spock and other "reputable" child care and parenting books. Being of a somewhat different ilk, I undertook my own brand of pre-baby training with this wonderful primer about babies, where they come from, what happens when they get here, why they do what they do, and how to cope with it all as a parent.Know what? Dave Barry's book is the most readable, enjoyable, and useful introduction to the little people who show up at our homes that I have ever seen. Move over Dr. Spock! Dave gives advice about diapers and dealing with unsolicited advice on parenting. He also explains in perfectly understandable detail why babies spit up their food (it's the "food-return loop" that causes it), drool, and other typically unexplainable baby behaviors. In addition, there are tips to fathers about when diapers need to be changed, etc.Read it and weep or laugh out loud, depending on whether your baby's already home or still on the way. This book presents real life...no sugar coating here!This book also makes a great wedding present!5 stars, no doubt about it!

Tragically realistic, chilling in its detail!!!

At last, an author willing strip away the pastel, candy-coated mystic of parenthood! If you have children, read this book and know you are not alone. If you're considering having children---RUN AWAY!!!Seriously, though, like the movie "Parenthood", this book is especially hilarious for those of us who've been there. Right on, Dave!

Dave Barry is Hilarious and Right on Target!!!

I first read this book when I was pregnant with my second child in 1984--since I am the oldest of 6 kids and already had a 1 year old son, I could see that Dave was right on in his perception of the craziness that parents experience! I spent many late nights reading this book and laughing out loud at his descriptions of what parents go through in this profound life with children!