Rating: 
Summary: Handy reference
Review: This book has great monthly "what to expect" lists that tell you what most babies at that age are doing, or learning. It covers the typical issues for a certain month of age and gives lots of tips. The index is complete so you can find what you're looking for. One warning! If you are a breastfeeding, co-sleeping, slinging type of family you'll need to read this with caution as much of the advice is not supportive of these things. I'd recommend you also look at Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley for a more supportive read in these areas.
Rating:
Summary: This Attached Parent Likes It.
Review: This book covers controversial issues like breastfeeding, vs. bottlefeeding, when to start solids, returning to work, co-sleeping, and letting babies cry. It is somewhat objective about the issues, but you still can tell what parenting styles and methods the authors prefer. Most baby books don't even attempt to be objective about hot topics. They either don't discuss the issues, or they are are so one-sided that they almost accuse the other side of child abuse. I planned a home birth and I follow most of the priciples of attached parenting. I don't follow every parenting method encouraged in What To Expect The First Year. For instance, I co-sleep and the book pretty much says crib sleeping is ideal. However, the authors don't judge me for my choice, and they supply info about both sides of the issue. If you think you know THE WAY to raise a baby and are disgusted by Moms who don't do things just like you, then don't buy the book. If you want a book to use as a reference, in order to make informed desicions, this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Loved it
Review: I hated the what to expect for pregnancy. I took a chance on this one and LOVED it!! Check it out! If you are a new mom like me, this will definately come in handy.
Rating:
Summary: A great tool
Review: I coudn't agree less with the person who said it wasn't pre breastfeeding.
I thought it was right down the middle. I think it was telling us that Breastfeeding is best but not to beat yourself up if you can't or don't.
I think this book was extremely valuable in helping parents know what and when to panic over. It showed me developmental stages and tips on feeding,crying and everything else. I couldn't have gotten through the first year with out it. I had post partum depression and with out this I wouldn't have known the difference between PPD and baby blues and therefore would have gone with out help. I this the entire "What To Expect" series is a must have library for all new moms. Also helpful for moms who aren't new moms but who have more than a few years between pregnancies. GREAT BOOK...Great for dads too as they tend to panic over things they don't understand and this is a way for them to understand those things.
Rating: 
Summary: Not for attachment parents -- or busy moms
Review: This book advises that you not wear you baby in a sling (the baby could sleep too much), not sleep with you baby -- even in the same room -- and let your baby cry him/herself to sleep. It also advises against doing your own diapers, and is not pro-breastfeeding. Also, she advises you make all meals from scratch, which few of us have time to do. I recommend "The Baby Book" by William and Martha Sears for those who want their babies to be attached or who are interested in instinctive parenting, rather than 50s-era detachment parenting.
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Summary: A Grandmother's Saving Grace!!!
Review: It had been 23 years since my son was a baby - and I (thankfully) realized I had forgotten A LOT! I purchased this book and it was a life-saver for me and my granddaughter. I could make sure she was on track developmentally, and that was my main concern. (Of course, she was way ahead of herself most months!!!) I also bought the toddler years book - again, it was fantastic. I only wish they would publish a book about pre-schoolers...!
Rating:
Summary: Don't be misinformed about plagiocephaly!
Review: This book spends a lot of time informing the reader about the risk of SIDS and how important it is to have the infant sleep on their back. However, there was only a small tidbit of information (p. 120) on plagiocephaly (flat spot on the head, which they don't even use that term in this book) due to back-sleeping, spending time in swings, bouncy seats, etc. They misinform the reader that, "If in spite of your efforts her head flattens or a bald spot develops, don't worry. These problems will gradually correct themselves as she gets older."--FALSE!!!!! This condition does not correct itself spontaneously. It does go on to say that "severe cases can be corrected with a special headband or helmet". "Back to sleep, tummy to play" should be stressed more in this book--not to scare people, but to just have people be aware that babies should not spend too much time on their backs. If possible, don't buy a swing or bouncy seat. Carry your baby in a baby bjorn or hold him/her! Being a mom of twins, carrying them was a hard thing to do...but knowing what I know now (with no help from this book), I would have done it different...
Rating:
Summary: The best baby resource
Review: I kept this book by my bed for the entire first year. It was a great resource to refer back to again and again. It helped me know that what my baby was doing--and what I was worrying about--was normal. I highly recommend this book! Sheryl Gurrentz, author
"The Guilt-Free Guide to Your New Life as a Mom" (Gold Parenting Resource Award Winner) and
"If Your Child is Bipolar"
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad, but there are better options
Review: This book is the logical continuation to the "What to expect when you're expecting" book, which all expecting parents get, whether they want it or not (I mean, it's almost inevitable to get a copy of it -we got it through our gyno-obstetrician!) However, with the follow-up book, the nice organization and logical structure breaks down a bit, and wanting to cover too many things, it becomes hard to follow. Sure, there is a chapter corresponding to each month of the baby's life, but then after that, there's mention about the first six weeks (yes, after the twelfth month, the first 6 weeks pop up!) Now, what to do? Go get a copy of the EXCELLENT "Learning Early", by Dorothy Einon. It's got a great organization and it's also packed with color pictures to help you through the first months of your baby's life.
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Summary: The Trusted Parenting 'Encyclopedias'
Review: I love What to Expect When You're Expecting as well as What to Expect the First Year. The authors did a fabulous job of including just about everything I want to know, especially the developmental and medical norms and milestones. I appreciate the friendly tone of the series. My husband and I consult the books as concerns come up with are two kids only 15 months apart and we usually come away feeling informed and reassured that everything is OK. I think every new parent should own this trusted series that eases the anxieties of a new parent. Also recommended: 2 Books...WHAT TO EXPECT TODDLER YEARS (the last book in the series) and THE POCKET PARENT (also published by Workman) which is a compatible little pocket guru of sanity saving suggestions for dealing with the challenging behaviors of the next age group...2's, 3's, 4's,& 5's
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