The Portable Pediatrician, Second Edition: A Practicing Pediatrician's Guide to Your Child's Growth, Development, Health, and Behavior from Birth to A

I am ordering this as a gift for a new mommy for about the 25th time. I have at least 30 different parenting books, and yes, I usually consult all of them when I have a problem,and no, I haven't found any that I agree with 100% on every single issue, but this one is by far my favorite. Dr. Nathanson is funny, she does not seem to have an agenda, and she is, quite simply, right. My favorite thing about her books is that she can explain the child's behavior from the child's point of view, which goes so far in diffusing baffling parenting situations. Once I understand why my child is having that tantrum, solving it becomes much easier. Her advice is down to earth, and extremely practical, and she is does not condescend when giving medical information. I also find her book more thorough than most. I don't know why this woman isn't revered the way some of the other baby book authors are. She's like your best friend from college who has 6 kids, more common sense than anyone else you know, and also happens to be a pediatrician.

I think this is one of the best books on parenting that I have. It has everything that you need to know about development of your child. Each chapter has "Portrait of an age," which always "fits" with my child's actual behavior so you can read ahead and know what to anticipate in the coming months. The book also has a very detailed medical information and "what if..." sections which I haven't found in many other books. For each chapter "what if.." sections talk about how life-changing events such as starting a daycare, moving, getting pregnant with a second child, getting a divorse etc influence your child's behavior and development at a particular age. I think the author has a great common sense approach about disciplining your child as well. And yes, ignoring your child during a tantrum actually works and makes him stop doing it! I found a lot of valuable advice on how to deal with the negative behavior and prevent it by setting the limits ahead of time. The author also spends a lot of time on how to communicate with your child at each stage to stimulate his development. I really like the book and would higly recommend it to all parents.

I have three children of my own as well as own a child care center. I still refer to THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN FOR PARENTS weekly to answer my questions and satisfy my concerns. I have even found information on little known childhood ailments like my daughter's that other book's fail to recognize. Many of the parents I serve have borrowed this book to answers some of their child rearing questions and it is now my first choice for a baby shower gift. Parent's with children over five should also know that the author has another book available called THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN"S GUIDE TO KIDS that covers medical and developmental issues of older children (5-12 years).

My wife and I love this book -- it provides a great "by the age description" through Kindergarden, and great common sense advice on common illness and child rearing issues. AAA+++

The Portable Pediatrician is the most neutral, common sense guide and reference to raising children (and I've read them all)!! It gives the basics, from how formulas are different to what to expect of your two year old. It also provides the most comprehensive and understandable outline of illnesses, what they are, why they may or may not be dangerous and HOW TO MAKE AN ASSESSMENT of the seriousness of the illness! This is a must have reference book that every parent should own!!