****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
When I first read this book about 6 months ago while my wife was still pregnant I thought it was a great read. Now that I am the proud father of a 4 and a 1/2 month old baby boy, I think its a fantastic read and a phenomenal reference.Heres why:1) Clear explanations: Cohen is great at describing what will happen, why it will happen, and should you let it happen. For example, his description of all the things that will be done to your newborn right after the baby is born (eyedrops, vitamin K etc) and why this will happen, was clear and let me know exactly what was going on.2) Evidenced based explanations: He doesn't simply tell you what should be done to your child, or why you should make a certain choice (vaccine or not, tummy or back (BACK!!!) he gives clear, evidence based explanations, mentioning (although not citing which I wish he did) relevant studies and research.He even goes so far as to do this when it counteracts both his recommendation and the american pediatrics society (or whatever the title is) such as when he discusses a study comparing peanut allergies in Europe vs. Israel (result earlier exposure fewer allergies).3) Daddy vs. Doctor: This is probably one of the best thing about the book. Ever wondered what the doctor actually does at home, does he follow all his advice, does he sleep train on the first try. When did he start solid food? etc. Well this answers questions like that. Moreover it highlights areas where his emotions conflicted and explains why he let one side win (he doesn't always go with the doctor), which helps you understand how to make your own decisions.4) Common Sense Bottom Line: Hands down the best part, this little paragraph at the end of every section tells you what to be neurotic about and what to let go.More importantly, especially as a reference, it tells you when to panic and call the doctor / head to the ER and when to relax, take a deep breath, maybe a drink, and go back to sleep. Little things like knowing that if a rash blanches and isn't bothering the baby its a viral rash and not a problem, save long hours waiting for the doctor to call you back while you worry your baby. This section also has advice like what type of bottle to get (just about any type) etc.5) Hilarious anecdotes: Right off the bat Cohen brings on the funny stories: shopping for a mattress for his daughter Aubrey he asks the clerk what they recommend the clerk tells him they recommend asking a pediatrician... hmmm. Or my favorite the story that starts out with a father calling because his child's poop "tastes funny." Youll have to read the book to find out how that one goes.6) Great reference tool: Cohen put lists in the back of the book for photocopying like a pre-child checklist, and a dosage list. But the clear answers to questions, accurate descriptions of ailments, and common sense bottom line sections mean that the entire book really functions as an easy to check and very thorough reference for, "what the heck is going on?" moments. And as a new parent I have a couple of those every day.Oh yeah, my one con, the book didn't adequately prepare me for the sheer amount of laundry that my child would generate. Between spit up, poop escaping his diaper and copious amounts of drool my son goes through several outfits a day, and (so do I). Make laundry should definitely be in the title. But seriously...Common Sense Bottom Line:If your pregnant, or have a newborn (even if its your second), you should have this book on you shelf. Honestly I cannot recommend this book enough, my wife and I are giving a copy to just about everyone we know who's giving birth, so if you know me and are pregnant, you can push off buying this. Otherwise get it... NOW.
