Baby Boom!

As we are experiencing a baby boom in Ireland at the moment, more and more of you are becoming parents for the first time. Why not look to your local library for some advice? We have a huge range of books that could help you. Whether you are thinking about starting a family, have just found out that you are expecting a baby or are trying to cope with a demanding toddler, we have something to suit all your needs.

Thinking about starting a family? Trying to Conceive: The Irish Couple’s Guide by Fiona McPhillips provides practical information on medical issues and issues concerning fertility for those who are trying to conceive. It also deals with issues concerning assisted reproductive technologies, infertility and miscarriage.

If you are expecting your first baby, it can be both an exciting and scary time. Heidi Murkoff’s best selling book What to expect when your Expecting, in its 4th edition, offers expectant mums advice on issues such as dealing with your doctor, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising during pregnancy, as well as a month-by-month description of how your baby is developing and advice on any problems or issues you may be having.

And lets not forget about you expectant dads – fathers-to-be are also catered for with books like The Bloke’s Guide to Pregnancy by Jon Smith. The Expectant Father by Betty Parsons is also a deliberately dad-centred book which aims to provide men with a better understanding of pregnancy from week 1 right up to labour and the delivery.

Dr. Miriam Stoppard has been writing for 20 years about childcare, and many of her books can be borrowed from your local Dublin City Public Library. For example Complete Baby and Childcare follows the first 5 years of your baby’s life and provides information for parents on topics such as newborns behaviour, play and development, children with special needs and healthcare and first aid.

Jo Frost, better known for her television programme Supernanny, also has a range of books, which offer guidance and advice to parents. Ask Supernanny: What Every Parent Wants To Know is the #1 New York Times bestseller which sees Jo answering the most frequently asked questions from frustrated parents, as well as giving advice on a wide range of topics. In her book Jo Frost’s Confident Toddler Care, Jo guides parents, step-by-step,  through her tried and tested methods, from discipline to potty-training.

Finally, It is not just new parents who need advice from time to time. Parents of teenagers are also often in need of help when it comes to dealing with challenging behaviours and issues concerning understanding and communication. The presenter of RTE’s Teens in the Wild programme, David Coleman, has also written a book called Parenting is Child’s Play: The Teenage Years. In this book Coleman deals with topics such as self-esteem, peer pressure and relationships as well as offering advice on alcohol, drugs, depression  and eating disorders.