Recommended Reading
One trip to Barnes & Noble and you will be overwhelmed by the reading options for parents. To make it easier here are some of my favorites:

General Pediatrics

Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care
One of the oldest and still the best.
A reference book rather than a page turner, Spock provides concise, commonsense guidance for new and experienced caregivers alike. In the 1987 movie "Raising Arizona", actor Nicholas Cage refers to Spock simply as "The Instructions". That says it all.

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5
by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Stephen P. Shelov (Editor).
Straight from the Authorities.
One of a series of reference books, encompassing all of childhood and adolescence, but this one is the best-seller. Though not exhaustive, it is full of practical advice. Also included are clear and concise declarations of the AAP’s official recommendations on everything from circumcision to skateboard parks

Baby 411 - Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year
by Ari Brown
Ari’s book is full of common-sense, non-alarmist advice and it’s right on target with the kind of advice I give to parents. I have a mom who’s been reading it and she loves it.

Breastfeeding/ Feeding

The Nursing Mother’s Companion
by Kathleen Huggins
Keep a copy within reach for at least 3 months.
In the old days, most new mothers got breastfeeding advice from their own mothers and even grandmothers. These days, many of our mothers didn’t breastfeed us, so where can one go for help? This book is a wonderful substitute.

The Vegetarian Mother and Baby Book
by Rose Elliot
Vegetarians can stop worrying!
My wife and I stopped eating meat a few years back for health reasons. When my children were born, we wondered whether they would get enough protein and iron without meat in their diets. Rose Elliot’s book put those fears to rest. And her recipes are terrific!

Sleep Issues

Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems,
by Richard Ferber
zzzzzz!!!!!
Thousands of parents daily thank Dr. Ferber for saving their sanity. Dr. Ferber’s solutions to most sleep problems are absolutely on the mark. You may not enjoy the process of "Ferberizing" your child, but once it’s over, you’ll sing his praises. My wife and I did.

How to Get Your Baby to Sleep,
by William Sears, et al.
A Second Opinion
Sometimes referred to as "the kindler, gentler" alternative to Ferber. Sears offers what is referred to as the "No-Cry" method. It just doesn’t work for everybody.

For more information about Natick Pediatrics, or to talk to the doctor, please call the office at (508) 655-9699.

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Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax

Updated: 6/16/08