Reviews

I was very impressed by how most of what you wrote matched exactly what I say, or would like to say, to parents. I found my self turning over page corners for each piece of advice that I thought was great but I stopped doing that since had turned over most of the pages. Some of what you wrote was so perfect it made me say "great advice" out loud or write "great tip" on the page. I feel what you said was right on the money. There are so many pieces of advice out there, and you captured most if not all of the important ones. This book would alleviate at least half of the preventative advice I try to give expectant and new parents. Common sense and being realistic are part of my approach and obviously part of yours. I find that nothing replaces common sense personal experience when it comes to parenting and your experience has paid off. From the tips on diaper rash, burping, feeding issues, gas, teething - all real advice for real parental issues. I could go on and on but that would be a summary of your book.

I am a little jealous that you wrote this and not me. If there was a handbook out there that I would give parents at the first visit, this might be it, except I would want my name on the cover.
David Geller, MD
Practicing Pediatrician, Patriot Pediatrics
Bedford, MA

I reviewed the book as well has had my secretary - who is a new mother - read it! She was very impressed and said that she wished she had the book before her child was born!! Here is what I would say about your book, "An absolute must for all new parents-to-be! Clearly written with practical information for every aspect of the first year experience."
Patricia W. Stevens, Ph.D.
Chair, Counseling and Educational Leadership
Eastern Kentucky University


What a lifesaver! Chock full of practical advice from parents who survived three children under the age of one, this book is not only informative, but fun! Organized into 100 easily consumed "tidbits," the advice ranges widely - from the relative benefits of various diapers to how to keep your marriage from suffering. I simply can't imagine any new parent who wouldn't breathe a sign of relief at having found such a down-to-earth and user-friendly resource.
Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
University of California
Author of Baby Signs and Baby Minds

After reading 100 Things I Wish I Knew in My Baby's First Year, you may wish that Randy Dean and Lorri Gorno were your parents! These parent/authors offer sound advice without implying there is only one right way to do anything. The reader is given a variety of choices and some innovative suggestions. For example, they offer a rationale for teaching babies sign language. This book will serve as a pressure free asset for new parents.
Barbara K. Polland, Ph.D., M.F.T.
Professor, Child and Adolescent Development
Author - We Can Work It Out, Conflict Resolution for Children and No Directions on the Package, Questions and Answers for Parents of Children Birth to Twelve.

As one who is never short of opinions, it is unusual that I can agree with more than 60% of something I read. In this case your approval rating exceeds 90%. Good advice from two parents who not only survived the birth of three babies in one year but managed to enjoy the experience.
William Wilkoff, M.D.
Practicing pediatrician and author of Coping with a Picky Eater and How to Say No to Your Toddler.

This manual is filled with many tips that a seasoned parent may take for granted but that we all had to learn when we were first timers. In addition, there are ideas that are born of a child rearing philosophy that respects the unfolding of a natural process of development and educates parents about fostering it. Setting limits early, trusting a baby's ability to soothe himself, encouraging independence by limiting the propensity to provide constant entertainment, being mindful of ascribing labels to a child's character that may not be conducive all help parents put their children on the road to developing a healthy sense of self.
Dana Chidekel, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Author of Parents in Charge: Setting Healthy, Loving Boundaries for You and Your Child

I appreciate the way you have backed up your hints with advice from the "experts" - sometimes they DO know what they're talking about. But parents also need to rely on their own good judgment and their knowledge of their own babies. Good balance there. I am especially pleased to see sections on "Tummy Time" "Just Say No to Juice" and "Sign language" and on building/strengthening the marriage relationship. I have spent many years researching and teaching about marriage -- and certainly this important relationship can be stressed by the arrival of a baby. It is good to remind parents that they were spouses first. My wife is the teacher of the University of Alabama Infant Laboratory (where they try to implement the best practice they can with babies & toddlers). They also emphasize tummy time -- with the emphasis on back sleeping to reduce SIDS, many babies don't like to be on their tummies & have difficulties/delays with crawling. And the Infant Lab limits the amount of juice to toddlers & offers milk & water at snack time. And they use sign language with the children & have found it to be very helpful in reducing frustrations in pre-verbal children. (and very gratifying -- as when one of the little guys signs "more" just after a book is read). Now for a quote you can use "Wide-ranging, practical suggestions for new parents, backed up by research. This book will help parents have confidence in their ability to take great care of their babies."
Nick Stinnett, Ph.D.
Professor of Human Development & Family Studies
University of Alabama

100 Things I Wish I Knew in My Baby’s First year includes many practical suggestions that first time parents will welcome and find to be very helpful.
Jean Berko Gleason, Professor,
Department of Psychology
Boston University