ABC's of Newborn Care

Some new parents have never diapered--or even held--a baby before being handed their own little bundle of joy. What do you do after a medical professional says “Here you go?” In 17 short chapters, “baby nurse” Michele Kemlar demonstrates how to care for newborns, covering topic such as holding, swaddling, dressing, bottle cleaning, breastfeeding, formula feeding, bathing, cord care, diaper care, bowel movements, crying, and car seats, with a bonus section on “essential” baby products. Unfortunately, the chapters are arranged in the above order, which does not make for the most organized program (why was the information on bottle cleaning placed before the breastfeeding chapter and two chapters ahead of that for formula feeding?). In addition, the presentation is frequently stilted, with both new mom Nicole and Kemlar sounding (and looking) very scripted at times. Still, ABC's of Newborn Care is factually sound and is therefore an optional purchase for public libraries with large childbirth collections. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)