The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care - Podcast Shows - Bookish Discussion

Initial Guidance:** The book begins with a letter to the mother and father, emphasizing the importance of trusting their own instincts. It assures them that they know more than they think and encourages them to seek answers as questions naturally arise. The book also acknowledges the challenges faced by fathers, particularly the feeling of being an outsider during the hospital stay after the baby's birth.

Feeding:** The book extensively covers various aspects of feeding, including both **breastfeeding and bottle-feeding**. It stresses that feeding is not just about chemistry, but about understanding the baby's needs and feelings. It encourages parents to be flexible and responsive to the baby's cues rather than strictly adhering to rigid schedules. The text discusses the sucking instinct and its importance to a baby's satisfaction. It also emphasizes the importance of not urging a baby to eat more than they want. The book also addresses common issues such as insufficient breast milk, and offers guidance on weaning, including gradual and sudden methods. It also provides a lot of information about making a formula with cow's milk, both pasteurized and evaporated. There's advice on when to omit night feedings, and how to transition a baby from breast or bottle to a cup.

Schedules:** The book explores the topic of feeding schedules, noting the common practice of a set schedule and also presenting the concept of a “demand” schedule where the baby is fed whenever they seem hungry. It also describes how to transition a baby off of night feedings.

Formulas:** There are detailed instructions on preparing formulas, including different types of milk, sugars, and how to adjust them for a baby’s changing needs. There's also advice on how to temporarily weaken a formula or when to increase or decrease sugar.

Digestion and Related Issues:** The book covers topics such as colic, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea, providing guidance on how to address these issues. It also addresses concerns such as getting up the air bubble.

Hygiene and Health:** The book discusses important aspects of hygiene, including diapering and the prevention of diaper rash. It also advises on the care of a baby's skin, scalp, and mouth. The book includes information on common childhood illnesses such as colds, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, croup, measles, and mumps. It also discusses allergies and their symptoms.

First Aid:** The book provides first aid guidance for common injuries such as cuts, burns, sprains, and head injuries. It also gives advice for handling situations such as choking, swallowing objects, and poisoning, including ways to induce vomiting.

Developmental Aspects:** The book delves into various aspects of child development, including thumb-sucking, speech development, and how to foster a child's self-confidence and joy in life. It emphasizes the importance of a warm and supportive environment for a child's emotional and social development.

Special Circumstances:** The book addresses special situations such as caring for a premature baby, traveling with a baby, and issues related to separated or divorced parents, including how to explain the situation to a child. It also discusses the unique challenges faced by the working mother, the fatherless child, and those adopting a child. There is also information about caring for a child with a handicap and how to find resources.

* **Other Topics:** The book also includes discussion of topics such as television, radio, and movies, and their impact on children. It gives advice about the importance of letting children develop their own appetites.

In summary, "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" is a comprehensive guide that seeks to empower parents with knowledge and confidence in caring for their children. It blends practical advice with an understanding of the emotional and developmental needs of babies and young children. The book provides detailed information about various aspects of child care, from feeding and health to development and handling specific situations.