Bringing Baby Home: An Owner's Manual for First-Time Parents

by Laura Zahn

Zahn's sense of humor and clear directions make this a simple, enjoyable book to read. Real advice for the real world -- go buy it today. The Best Books for You & Your Baby. Benjamin Franklin and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0939301911
• ISBN13: 9780939301911
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Down to Earth Publications
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Humorous Baby Care Book

The author who wrote this book did a very good job on keeping it entertaining all through-out. I read some other baby care books that it was literally hard to stay awake for, but this one kept me turning the pages. Answers most questions new mothers would have. It even has convenient shopping lists at the end of the book so you know what to get and what not to waste your money on. She even included a diary of a new mother's first 30 days with her little newborn at the end of the book so that you can get a glimpse of what your new motherhood will be like.

A very useful book for some

I can't see quite why so many people gave this such terrible reviews. It is a small book written about the first six weeks of having a newborn at home. The author bottle-fed and circumcised her baby boy so if you have made those choices you might feel more comfortable with her book (she still gives information about breastfeeding, which I found to be accurate and I was grateful for) than others. It isn't really meant to be comprehensive, just short chapters about what you really need to have ready when the baby comes home, and a diary of what it is like for the first six weeks. I found it tremendously useful in trimming down the loads of information in other books into something I could wrap my head around. I had zero experience with babies before I had my daughter, and this book was very straightforward and helpful. Because of its small size and basic information, I was even able to get my husband to read it (he thought he'd just figure it out as he went along before he read the book). Quibbles about pet euthanasia (I wouldn't have put my pets down) have nothing to do with the information she presents. I would and have recommended this book for people with little or no experience with babies. If you are familiar with newborn care and lots of people around you ready to give you advice about newborns, this book might not be necessary or seem too basic.

Fabulous information!

I feel so much better after having read this book. While much of the advice from the author I have seen in other books, many topics were covered much more thoroughly. You hear all about how you won't have any time after the baby's born, but this book helps give you a good idea why by breaking down how much time feeding, sleeping, changing and awake time actually take. Of course, every child is different, but I feel better having at least a vague idea! Also, the author's diary of the first month with her child was VERY reassuring. I will definately give this book to all my friends who are first time parents.

Loved it!

As soon as I picked up the book- I felt like she was speaking to me...I'm a first time mom-to-be...and I have a lot of baby anxiety. It's excellent for those who want a real down-to-earth reading about baby care. I would totally recommend it to friends and am considering buying this book as a shower gift for my friends who will be having babies.

How-To Parenting for Beginners with Newborn

Reading this book is like sitting at Laura Zahn's kitchen table and getting the scoop on what to expect when you bring your new bundle of joy home. It's written in a friendly, sincere, down-to-earth tone. I read it several times before my son was born and it really helped me feel emotionally prepared. It's small enough that you can read it cover to cover, and yet it also has an index so you can use it as a reference, later. I also bought Penelope Leach's book and Dr. Spock's latest edition. They are great for reference, but page for page, I got more good information from Zahn.