It seems that everyone is having a baby these days, and I'm not just referring to the latest rash of Hollywood arrivals. With so many of our friends embarking on the journey of parenthood, it seemed to me that is was a good time to dispense with some very, very valuable advice for first time parents.
What is the most important book you need to own as a first time parent?
Some would surely say What to Expect When You're Expecting (dubbed by Duane as What to Freak Out About When You're Expecting). Others would say you can't live without Dr. Spock, Dr. Brazelton or Dr. Sears. The list could go on.
With a few years of perspective now behind us, Duane and I have come to agree that Baby Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields was the best book we bought for our expensive entry into the parenting world! With the billion dollar parental industrial complex getting more and more ridiculous by the day, this book is so helpful in knowing what you need and what you don't need as a first time parent. For the things you actually do need, this book has great advice on getting these things for the best price. It not only saved us tons of money, it saved our sanity by outlining simple things like how many onesies one child can actually wear and how many crib sheets you'll really use.
So if you're expecting (or even if you have one already), our best advice is that you shouldn't set one foot inside your local baby superstore without a copy of this book in your hands!
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An interesting side note: Baby products change quickly as new technologies are developed and safer and better products are introduced. Denise and Alan Fields offer downloads of the most current reviews for items such as car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc. You can find them here.
Definitely a great book! I also love their "Baby 411" and "Toddler 411". Both have been lifesavers!
Posted by: Brooke Moore | July 31, 2008 at 07:52 PM