I Didn't Expect This... Review on What to Expect the First Year - Arlene Eisenberg

I have three 'What To Expect' books. I absolutely loved the first book- 'What To Expect When You're Expecting.' It was my bible while pregnant with my son. I was sorry to see it's usefulness end six weeks after the birth of my son, and longer for the next in the series- 'What To Expect The First Year.'

I didn't get a chance to buy this book until my son was about two months old. Everywhere I saw it, it was priced at about twenty five dollars (American), and way to expensive in my opinion. It wasn't until my husband and I were looking in a second hand children's shop that I came across a used copy. I bought it then and there.

About The Book

Much like the first book in the series, 'What To Expect The First Year' is written in a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) style. Each chapter discusses developmental milestones and what to expect at well baby check ups. There are also questions about certain behaviors that most new mothers have. There's also chapters on special needs children, first aid, illnesses, and basic baby care (like diapering, bathing, feeding, and dressing).

Thoughts?

This book can be very informative, but it fell a little short of my expectations. Since purchasing, I've read the book through once, and then looked things up a few times. I don't like the milestones that they list each month- all it did was make me worry that my son wasn't developing fast enough. I also found that there were too many 'go ask your doctor' referrances. I believe that this book isn't so much reassuring as it is terrifying. There's almost too much information in these books, and while some people may think that they are a must, this one can be left behind.

What I did use a lot- and still do- is the very helpful section on illnesses. When my son came down with roseola at the age of twelve months, it was to this book and one other that I turned for a description. Everything listed in this book is what my doctor told me when she diagnosed the roseola.

Final Thoughts?

I think that I was disenchanted with this book because as a new mother, there's not enough time to read through each chapter carefully. I found it a better help as a reference book, but really, it contained nothing that my copy of another pregnancy and baby book by the Mayo Clinic did not have- and that one was more new mom orientated in that it covered three month intervals.

I have not given up on the 'What To Expect' series, in that I've found more time to read 'What To Expect The Toddler Years.' 'What To Expect The First Year' tends to be a little terrifying- pass this one up for your peace of mind.