Publisher: Atria Books

The following review was contributed by:  Molly Martin & CLICK TO VIEW  Molly Martin's Reviews

The narrative is not a storybook. The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years The real moms’ survey of top rated products and advice is a 222 page compilation of new parenting information gathered by the editor.

Chapter one covers Pregnancy including ways to cope with morning sickness, maternity wardrobe and picking the baby name.

 Chapter two offers information pertaining to the nursery while Chapter three guides the new parent toward wise purchasing of baby gear.

 Chapter four helps prepare new parents for the birth of the baby; what to take to the hospital, getting rid of the extra pounds and the homecoming.

Chapter five covers creative Birth announcements, stress free baptism and a plan for getting thank-you notes taken care of.

 Chapter six provides the new mother with some hints on taking care of herself; how to deal with all the unwanted advice that comes to all new moms, coping with sleep deprivation and taking time for herself.

Chapter seven offers some ideas on taking of baby; some easy methods for getting baby to nap, how to deal with the early wake ups and how to face colic, burping, constipation and bath time with ease.

 Chapter eight covers an assortment of food and nutrition related themes.

 Chapter nine presents some thoughts regarding child care; how to locate great child care, how to choose a nanny and the transition back into the work force.

 Chapter ten is filled with saving money tips. Chapter eleven offers getting organized information; how to save time in the morning, getting stains out of kids’ clothes and how to get dinner on the table fast.

 Chapter twelve: entertainment discusses toys, books, music and TV.

 Chapter thirteen offers help for parents facing sickness and health issues; teething, how to take baby’s temp, how to get a good night’s sleep with a sick baby in the house.

Chapter fourteen deals with making and preserving memories.

Chapter fifteen provides information for dealing with toddlers; how to get rid of the pacifier or stopping thumb sucking, moving from crib to bed, potty training.

Chapter sixteen: ready for another one offers information on best times to conceive, pregnancy with toddlers or older children to care for and how to tell children they will have a new baby in the house.

Editor Gallagher has produced a book using contributions from real moms and meant to be used by real moms. From start to finish the new mom is offered suggestions on everything from which type of formula is best and why individual women prefer one over the other to what features to look for in a stroller. Moms who have faced late night diaper changes suggest one piece pajamas with zippers rather than cute footed garments that are hard to put on and take off.

Women who have faced sleep deprivation during the first weeks following the birth of their baby offer good sound advice to new moms concerning the importance for baby AND mom to get enough sleep. Each hint is presented in clear, concise language and in type large enough to read easily. Chapters are filled with short easily read hints new moms can read while nursing or bottle feeding their new baby, while waiting for the train to pass by or the light to change. Format is sensible; few new mothers have time to plow through pages and pages of tiny print.

The real moms’ survey of top rated products and advice is the product of some 200 moms, including 30 doctor mothers, world wide who contributed to the book. For interested women

The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years