The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your Child's First Fo

As someone who has spent many years as a biomedical researcher, I was keen to find a book covering the early years from an evidence-based perspective. After a few hours’ research I decided to buy this book, and I’m glad I did. Both authors are seasoned veterans in the world of parental and infant research and present the state of knowledge at publication in 2016. The book is wide-ranging, covering pre-conception, pregnancy and birth right through to pre-school. There are detailed examinations of hot topics, such as SIDS, vaccinations, and screen time. Throughout the book, they present the research without pre-judging it. Unfortunately the answer to many questions is “more research needed”, but the known positives and negatives are given along with any caveats. Any anecdotes are clearly signed, and they go to great lengths to point out that each child is different, so averages of meta-analyses should be taken with a pinch of salt. I found the style very accessible, certainly easier than the type of academic reviews I’m used to reading. Although I have a biology background, I feel the authors have done a good job of balancing medical terminology and comprehensibility and explain concepts in detail where necessary. Being an American book, some parts won’t be relevant to a UK audience (such as choosing a paediatrician, and gun safety). However, I doubt a similar UK-specific book exists – at least I couldn’t find one. It would have been helpful if the contents included the sub-chapters, but there is a thorough index to direct you to specific subjects. I also found the lack of references in the book a little annoying (they are all set out clearly on the book’s website), although it does improve the flow. However, these are minor issues and don’t detract from the overall quality of the book. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to read about evidence over headlines or philosophies.

I am going to recommend this book to every new parent I know. I wish I had had it during my pregnancy! Instead I read the popular What to Expect book and was very disappointed. While it was more in depth about everything I felt it lacked hard information on the questions I really wanted answered. The Informed Parent has this information. And it presents it in a factual way, without the heavy biases you find online these days. I was able to read sections that pertained to where I am now with a 6 month old and feel like I can make smart decisions. Another great aspect is that they explain the problems with studies on all sorts of issues and aren't afraid to explore that very few things have a clear cut 'perfect' way to parenting. But when there is heavy evidence supporting something, even if it is controversial, they present the facts as such. I love this book, and now feel armed with evidence!

Difficile de vraiment se forger son propre avis car il y a trop peu de détails sur les études mentionnées

I have always enjoyed Tara Haelle's articles and posts around health and science. She is one of the best science communicators out there in my opinion. This book is a further example of that. It is a great science-based resource addressing many of the concerns that parents have in those early and scary days of becoming a father/mother. As a family physician, I have often referred patients to some of Ms. Haelle's article but now have recommended this book for them. I also think it's a good one to have in the waiting room. The topics are well-chosen the information is presented clearly and effectively. It's a helpful and useful resource for patients - and physicians who care for young families.

This is a great book. Just what we were looking for, an evidence informed view of many aspects of parenting removing the anecdotes and drama.