Taking Care of Your Child, Ninth Edition: A Parent's Illustrated Guide to Complete Medical Care

I used a much earlier edition of this book 30 years ago with my own children, and found it so helpful that I just ordered copies for both my adult children to use with their children. I especially like the flow chart layout in the book. It asks you questions that can be answered with a "Yes" or a "No", and guides you to the appropriate action. Very informative, clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend this new edition!

I purchased this book for each of two young mothers. I referenced the older version all the time when my children where young. They don't know it yet, but they'll be thrilled to have it in the middle of the night to help decide what they can do at home, or if they should take their child to see a professional. When you're a new parent, you need all the support you can get!

I have been purchasing this book for baby shower gifts for many years! One of the things I like best about it are the flow charts to evaluate symptoms. By following the questions, the charts will help you determine if a symptom can be managed at home, requires urgent medical attention or can wait for a scheduled appointment. Now in its 9th edition, the physician authors help you stay up-to-date about medical care affecting your child. Many home medical guides are full of information about esoteric diseases. This book is practical. Keep it handy for reference! A companion book, Take Care of Yourself, is available for adults.

I really like the idea of this book: enabling parents to determine when to treat their children at home, see a doctor, or go to the emergency room. Each medical scenario features a neat workflow diagram and easy-to-follow instructions. Some basic first aid info is also provided.A good portion of the book is devoted to basic health information for parents from pregnancy through adolescence. While this info is helpful, some of it was outdated or overly-simplistic. For more complete information on nursing, I recommend "The Nursing Mother's Companion," and for eating and nutrition, I recommend "Baby-Led Weaning."However, if you're looking for a book to help you know what to do in a given medical crisis with your child, Taking Care of Your Child is a great resource to keep on your shelf.(I read the 9th edition of this book.)

Used the first edition when my children were growing up, so purchased this for my daughter in law. The rash chart is indispensable with young children. Easy to follow suggestions for caring for the most common child illnesses.

Someone bought an earlier version for me when I was pregnant with my first child 40 years ago. It was a godsend as we didn't have the internet to search for all the illnesses and care of a child. I just bought one for my son who will have his first child this year. I'm afraid the internet now provides too much information about illnesses and too much bad or false information. I've warned him to depend on the book instead.

Years ago, I was given this book when expecting my first child. I still have it, and it’s well worn from use. I’ve purchased a dozen more over the years for other new mothers. The format is quite unique. Using a series of questions about symptoms or appearance (say, of a rash), you are guided to determine if at-home care is all that’s needed, or something more (call the doctor or go to Urgent Care now). Very reassuring when you’re new to caring for an infant or toddler and that rash looks like it could kill ‘em. Thank goodness it’s only heat rash, and a cool bath will take care of it. Buy it. Buy two, and give one away. And relax — you’re gonna do great!

I got this for my son and daughter in law who are expecting their first little baby the end of July, 2023. When I had my first AND second babies, I had a similar book and it was a lifesaver. I know they will use it a lot...I used mine a lot.