When I had my first baby in 1997, I bought A LOT of child care/medical reference books. My purchases included work by Dr. Spock, Dr. Sears, Penelope Leach, and Dr. Brazelton. "Your Child's Health" is the only one that I still have. First, this book is organized in a VERY useful way. For each type of issue/illness, there is a quick summary that leads you quickly to an understanding of what you probably should do for your child right now, tomorrow or at your next doctor's appointment.
This book also helps to calm nervous parents. The section about fevers is a great example of this. Barton acknowledges that fevers are scary for parents. He then provides calming words, clear facts and direction about when you really need to worry.
This book does break down when it comes to issues that I consider cultural or social in nature. I do not think that this author is an expert about family beds, breast feeding or feeding schedules. I think that he is simply expressing views that were in vogue when he was in med school. I would strongly reccomend Dr. Sears or the La Leche League for more thorough and thoughtful information on these subjects.
Despite this small weakness, I think that this is a book that every family with babies and small children MUST have.
The first time I used the book was for a call about a child with a ring stuck on her finger. I told the mom what to do and it worked! From that time on, I have told parents to get this book. If you don't have access to an advice nurse line, I highly recomend you get this book. The information is easy for any parent to understand. It's straightforward information to ease any parents mind.
One of my co-workers even gives this book as part of a wonderful basket of goodies for baby showers! What a great idea!!!As this book is nearly a decade old, it desperately needs updating. It makes little or no reference to attachment parenting, "child-wearing", or co-sleeping. Prescription information is woefully outdated. Current research on breast-feeding is obviously non-existent and the ear thermometer (a device available for over five years now) was, at the time of this book "not yet available for public use." In today's day and age, you should not have to risk your child's health relying on out-dated information.I got this book before my now 2 1/2 year old boy was born, I was given several books, and this is by far the best one. I have used this book several times, and it has sure helped in notify doctors of the problem even if it is over the phone. I have had friends come over and call at all hours asking me to check certain things out in this book. I would definately recommened this to all mothers and fathers
