The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent

Pediatrician Michel Cohen delights in offering anxious parents unconventional wisdom about children and toddlers: "less medicine is often the best medicine." Following an A to Z format, Cohen successfully skewers myths about every aspect of childcare. Using generic case kids "Lucy" and "Jimmy," and "real questions from real parents" he offers a compendium of health care information. Whether talking about behavior (bed-wetting, thumb sucking, school anxiety), symptoms (green mucus, earwax or eczema), or prevention (immunization, vitamins, toothbrushing), Cohen's approach is fresh and his tone is wise and wry--when discussing the drawbacks of medication for carsickness, he suggests that the best remedy is a plastic bag. Consistent core beliefs underline Cohen's alphabet: Doctors should not medicate all ills, antibiotics weaken natural immunity, you can't spoil your baby, but you can spoil your life. This practical, enjoyable guide is limited only by its short A-Z format--the information is so clear and valuable that parents will surely want to hear more from Dr. Cohen. --Barbara Mackoff