Eat, sleep, poop

Cohen, a Beverly Hills pediatrician on the Cedars Sinai Medical Center teaching staff, penned this guide during his daughter's first year of life. Neither starchy reference tome nor sentimental diary, the book weaves useful facts and information with Cohen's often comical, personal accounts of being a regular dad who is also a pediatrician (sidebars called "Daddy vs. Doctor" probe such topics as sleeping through the night, Apgar scores, and birthmarks). In keeping with the book's title, Cohen maintains that three mundane activities--eating, sleeping, and defecating--make up "most of baby's agenda." He devotes a good portion of his text to these three subjects, but also delves into a flurry of other concerns, such as vaccinations, why babies cry, and what to do about colic (presenting a viable theory relating to stress). For each issue, Cohen concludes with "common sense bottom line" summaries, advising parents to stick to the essentials, whether planning a nursery or choosing a pediatrician. Doing what works for one's individual family is what counts--for instance, he counsels moms that breast is best but not to feel guilty if they choose to bottle-feed. Cohen's practical approach is sure to pacify and entertain first-time parents who can easily become overwhelmed by both the joys and challenges of baby's first year.