Rating: 
Summary: Great roundup, but not really a "bargain hunter" book
Review: This book has a wealth of info on baby products that first-time parents will find extremely useful. As a mom who has been there, I would urge parents to buy it and read it, but don't follow the recommendations down to the letter for two reasons:1.)the most recent edition is becoming woefully out of date for the baby product market--items like strollers and car seats change models constantly and this book can't really keep up. While the authors refer you to their website, it's really just a list of updates (no reviews from what I could tell) in a non-intuitive, boring website. You'll need to visit the store and check out the new products on your own before you decide. 2.) The authors have a knack for pushing higher end products, not real bargains (a lot of "this product is okay, but if you can afford it, buy the better one" , well...duh! If we could afford to buy top of the line everything, why would we be buying a Baby Bargains book?!). Parents need to figure out for themselves what they are willing to shell out the big bucks for (say, a quality car seat) and what they can save on (not everyone out there can afford a [$$$] high chair).
But overall--a must read for parents!
Rating: 
Summary: For the BABY'S SAKE (and you wallet's) Get this Book!
Review: What a wonderful book - I could go on forever about the wealth of information covered. Everything from maternity clothes, formula to strollers are mentioned. Product history, recalls and even regional preferences. Note: The author's are Pro Nursing - but don't let that discourage you. They do offer some great information about formula - Did you know that store brand formulas are identical to name brands? That there is no difference between name brands?? The only difference is between the types of formula: soy, lactose, etc... ...I especially valued the recall information for car seats; as well as picking out a stroller suitable for the area I live in - sometimes quality does mean extra [money] and sometimes you can get around that - this books tells you the inside scoop! Get it, register for it - don't have that baby till you've read it! Great even for "experienced" moms who are expecting. Take it from a seasoned veteran!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I leared a lot about the different brands and quality of baby stuff such as car seats, strollers, playpens, highchairs, etc. I really liked how this book had consumer reivews in it. This book was very helpful and I highly recommend it to any parent-to-be.
Rating:
Summary: Great reference and well appreciated baby gift
Review: I liked the last version of this book so much I bought the new edition and have bought multiple copies for friends that are expecting. The world of baby products is a vast and confusing maze for the newly initiated, and it can be very difficult to tell the quality/gotta have it merchandise from the junk and absolutely unnecessary. That's what this book is for. Yes, it can get a little wordy at times, but the money it's saved me is well worth it. It's also an enjoyable enough read. The Fields' have a friendly, upbeat and no bull writing style. Buy this book instead of the Consumer Reports Baby book. For about 5 bucks less, you get at least ten times the information. Also, check out the website for this book. lots of info, including message boards and updates on the newest items out there that haven't made it into a book yet, ie: Fisher-Price's new highchair, What's new for 2002, improvements on this year's car seats, etc. This may be the best [price]you spend on baby stuff!
Rating: 
Summary: Not great for the truly frugal, but good product reviews.
Review: This book has very useful product reviews so those of
us on the market for baby stuff can make informed decisions.
The Fields also provide lots of information about where to get the best retail prices
for baby stuff. They generally promote a couple large
chains of baby superstores (which should be the
obvious choice anyway, assuming there is one in your community).
A few things about this book really surprised me, however.
Since the book is purportedly about how to get what you need
for your baby cheaply, I was stunned at how non-frugal the
Fields really are. They recommended the following items
as essential:
1) a "Diaper Genie" to squelch the odor of used disposable diapers.
2) A machine that warms baby wipes (what's wrong with using a warm damp washcloth?)
3) an electric piston breast pump that costs $1200 but that you can rent for "only" $50 per month.
4) a certain brand of frozen baby dinners (forzen baby dinners?? Haven't they ever heard of manual food grinders that easily and quickly convert adult food into paste suitable for babies?)
While they did mention the possibility of using consignment and thrift stores, I am not convinced they have ever been in a thrift store (they usually focused on the more expensive consignment stores whenever the subject of second-hand items came up. Also, there was no mention whatsoever of buying clothes, toys and other items at yard sales, where you can buy many things for 90% off retail.
They also tried to argue that cloth diapers are MORE expensive than disposable diapers, which is a ridiculous proposition unless you assume (like they did) that everyone would use a diaper service. You can save many hundreds of dollars a year by using cloth diapers and washing them yourself.
The Fields also seem oblivious to the fact that moms don't have to work if the family just uses some creative frugality. (Their assumption that all mothers have to work drove them to recommend as "essential" the $50/mo expenditure on the more efficient electric piston breast pump.)
I'm only glad I didn't fork over my own money for this book (I got it for Christmas).
If you really want to learn how to cut the cost of child-raising, buy The Tightwad Gazette, The Tightwad Gazette II, and The Tightwad Gazette III (just released). These are available through Amazon books.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Reading!
Review: Being a first consumer of baby products, I found this book to be extremely well written and a constant resource. I followed a lot of the author's advice and was never disappointed in their recommendations. Definitely a time and money saver!
Rating:
Summary: Objective, straight-forward recommendations
Review: Just a couple of follow-up responses to previous reviews: First, someone brought up the fact that this is not the current version (site advertises edition 5.0, and 'version' 5.1 is available). I placed order on 5/12/04 and IT IS THE CURRENT EDITION (i.e, ver 5.1). Secondly, one recent reviewer questions the method that these authors test products and implies that Consumer Reports' methods are superior. Allow me to quote Chapter 1, p. 13--a section entitled "Baby Bargains Versus Consumer Reports." "First, understand that we have different research methods. . .Consumer Reports often lab tests products to make sure they are safe and durable. . .We rely on parent/reader feedback to make our recommendations (the reader feedback loop is our secret sauce)." They go on to explain that not surprisingly, most of the time they AGREE WITH CONSUMER REPORTS, but they also point out that Consumer Reports often goes years b/w reports on certain categories since their primary focus isn't on baby products. Obviously everyone has their own opinion, but for my wife, I'm taking advice from the practical application world of home nurseries, family trips, malls, and Target---not guys in lab coats that tested current products several years ago.
Rating:
Summary: Love it
Review: I loved Bridal Bargains and now that I've got Baby Bargains, I love that one too. Lots of helpful hints on what to look for from real parents.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have For New Families
Review: This is truly a great book and I have recommended it to every new mommy that I know. It really gives you perspective on all the available options from cribs to baby bottles and everything in between. We have saved over $500 using the tips in the book and we were a family that was worried about how we would afford everything that we needed. Don't miss the opportunity to get this one - and while you are at it - the "Baby 411" book by the same author is wonderful too.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: This book is excellent! I have used it mostly as a ratings guide as well. I am a first time mom and my husband and I were at a complete loss of where to start. My sister gave me a older copy of the Baby Bargains book and after reading it, we went an bought the latest version. We couldn't imagine purchasing anything for the baby without referring to this book. Their website is also helpful providing up-to-date information. In addition, they also compare their picks with that of Consumer Reports. I haven't followed all of their suggestions, however, I am now a more informed shopper and that really is the key.
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