However, when I was pregnant with our first child, like most new parents I consulted every written source of advice available. I read all the books, even ones written by Dr. Spock many moons ago. I read online articles as well as printed magazines. If the word “baby” appeared within a source, I found it and read it.

Amidst all my reading I was aware of the most popular books and spent a little extra time on them. Then for Christmas my mother in law gave me Baby 411. I read it as thoroughly as I had read all my other books. At this point I was pregnant, but not yet a mother, so therefore I did not really know what a little treasure trove I was holding. In fact, I did not really know anything.

It wasn’t until after my daughter was born that I realized how wonderful this book is. During the first year of my daughter’s life my husband and I consulted this book on many occasions, looking up ailments, finding the right sleep routine, predicting her growth spurts and eating habits, etc. I am very grateful to having had this book, especially at 2 a.m. in the morning when our daughter would be wailing inconsolably.

Now, being pregnant with my son, I am sure I will use this book many more times during his first year. In fact, I am already starting to look through it in my spare time to refresh my memory. Next time you are at a book store looking for your newest addition to your baby book library, whether you are expecting or expecting to be expecting, don’t overlook this one.