Rating: 
Summary: I enjoyed it!
Review: I purchased an older copy of this book at the half-price store and found it to be incredibly useful. I didn't buy it for the ratings - there's no way a print book could keep up with the changing products - but for the suggestions of what to look for in a quality product, what to watch out for, things to think about, and even whether a particular type of product is even worth bothering about.I loved it, and found Baby Bargains to be disappointing.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is a must have for the new parent!
Review: I purchased the 3rd edition at a yardsale. I can't wait for the 6th Edition. This book has all the integrity of Consumer Reports. If they say it's gonna rain....set your bucket out. The authors insight and abillity to advise on the smallest of details trains the parent on what they need and don't need. It is truly an unbiased assessment of the most popular child products. All new parents should make purchases based on these recommendations if they are concerned about their childs safety and want a quality product.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed Consumer Reports fan
Review: I rely on Consumer Reports constantly for my purchases, so I was very disappointed at how little useful information this book contained. There are very few ratings and lots of too general information. Consumer Reports, fix this - parents need your advice on how to avoid spending a bundle on baby! And, I agree - buy the Baby Bargains book instead.
Rating:
Summary: Few ratings....instead try "Baby Bargains"
Review: I was here to buy the Consumer Reports Guide, and after reading the previous reviews here, I bought both the CR and the Baby Bargains book. I was disappointed with the CR book; you can get the two product reviews it has in two previously published CR magazine issues. Instead "Baby Bargains" is much more what I was looking for. It is full of product reviews evaluating safety, cost, necessity, etc. And most of their information is emailed to the authors by current parents. Skip the CR Guide and go for "Baby Bargains".
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected from Consumer Reports
Review: I was hoping for a format similar to their magazine with rating charts. But, it is more text with a few charts. It was more cumbersome than helpful and a waste of money. I have found that "Baby Bargins" is a great resource. Highly recommeded!!! I just got it a couple weeks ago and have saved money on a quality crib and it helped me to decide which stroller was a better option.
Rating:
Summary: I do not recommend this book - too general.
Review: I was very disappointed with this book. It was too general and provided very few ratings, which is especially disappointing since it is Consumer Reports. You would be better off buying Baby Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields. It is much more detailed and helpful. Lots of ratings and detailed information.
Rating:
Summary: New Mom-to-be
Review: Not impressed at all. If you are the type of person who thoroughly researches things before you buy them, you will probably know just about everything that is in this Consumer Reports book (yes I am a first time mom-to-be). Don't let the first 10 chapters fool you not a single product is actually rated. I was especially disappointed to find that a meager 10 pages in the back of the book were actually dedicated to rating products which is really what you want from Consumer Reports. If you are looking for comprehensive ratings don't buy this book!! The only things rated are: Car Seats, Boosters, travel systems, play yards and soft carriers all in a meager 10 pages so that should give you an idea that this book barely scratches the surface of rating baby products. If you want a book really worth the money buy "Baby Bargains" by Denise & Alan Fields. It is more comprehensive in the comparisons and ratings and even compares their results to Consumer Reports. "Baby Bargains" is worth every penny. Consumer Reports baby book left me feeling like a new mom swindled into yet another worthless baby book!!
Rating: 
Summary: addressed to readers of the customer reviews
Review: The "reader from Tarrytown, NY" is not expecting her first child in a few months. She's an employee of Consumers Union, who happened to market the book. She already has two small children and is not expecting anymore at the present time. It's not fair and ethical to write a review for it. Let the book stand/fall on its own merits.
Rating:
Summary: Useful Information ... For First Time Parents Especially
Review: The Guide to Baby Products is a useful book in the traditional "Consumer Reports" style. For each category of baby product, there is a chapter that introduces you to the features of those types of products, issues to look for especially in terms of safety and durability, and then finally, includes a comparison of various products on a feature by feature basis. There are chapters on cribs, car seats, high chairs, for example.
If you are a new parent to be, and appreciate a logical analysis of products, this is the book for you.
I, on-the-other-hand, think that the book that you really MUST buy is Denise and Alan Field's "Baby Bargains" book. What I loved about their book was that they had strong opinions for and against certain products and were not afraid to express them. They also have lots of advice about where to buy products to get the best price.
I believe that your book preference will depend on how you like information presented. I found it useful to have both books side by side so that I could assimilate information from both.
Finally, I am so glad that there are book like the Guide to Baby Products and Baby Bargains to help us parents-to-be through the maze of baby product shopping.
Rating:
Summary: Useful Information ... For First Time Parents Especially
Review: The Guide to Baby Products is a useful book in the traditional "Consumer Reports" style. For each category of baby product, there is a chapter that introduces you to the features of those types of products, issues to look for especially in terms of safety and durability, and then finally, includes a comparison of various products on a feature by feature basis. There are chapters on cribs, car seats, high chairs, for example.
If you are a new parent to be, and appreciate a logical analysis of products, this is the book for you.
I, on-the-other-hand, think that the book that you really MUST buy is Denise and Alan Field's "Baby Bargains" book. What I loved about their book was that they had strong opinions for and against certain products and were not afraid to express them. They also have lots of advice about where to buy products to get the best price.
I believe that your book preference will depend on how you like information presented. I found it useful to have both books side by side so that I could assimilate information from both.
Finally, I am so glad that there are book like the Guide to Baby Products and Baby Bargains to help us parents-to-be through the maze of baby product shopping.
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