Father Knows Best: The Expectant Father, Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-To-Be; The New Father, a Dad's Guide to the First Year; A Dad's

by Jennifer Ash and Armin A. Brott

Featuring the latest research on many topics, from the reasons for premature birth to nutritional supplements, this new edition has an updated finance section, advice for expectant adoptive fathers,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789208245
• ISBN13: 9780789208248
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Abbeville Press
• Length: 784 Pages
• Weight: 3.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.8" x 5.9" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

A collection Dad might actually read!

I was wary of buying ANY books relating to pregnancy or childrearing for my husband, but these books were worth it. Firstly, the book relies upon usable, relatable information to draw the reader in, as opposed to some male-oriented books in which the tone is overly casual and joke-y. Secondly, this advice reads less like a textbook and more like the wise advice of an imaginary father of 10 who also happens to be a terrific pediatrician. Luckily I opted to buy the 3-book set, because now I know all of these books will come in handy as we embark upon first-time parenthood.

Essential Reading

These Armin Brott books are absolutely essential reading for dads-to-be. Having read the Expectant Father before my first daughter was born, I hoped I was prepared. My daughter was born at a teaching hospital. There were two medical students in the OR for the Cesarean. After the procedure, the two students asked me was I "in the medical profession?" I asked them why they asked, and they said that I asked pertinent and relevant questions during and after the procedure that lead them to believe that I had formal training. I laughed to myself, and thought of Armin Brott's trademark humor and informative wit. What a pleasure these books are to read. I even compared some of the information in the Expectant Father to What To Expect When You Are Expecting. The nuts and bolts are nearly the same, while Brott's tone is less formal and guy friendly. What is important to note is that Brott assumes that the reader intends to actively engage in his child's live from conception to adulthood, not be a casual dad. I found that approach refreshing, as fatherhood has taken a hit as of late, and a lot of literature for dads-to-be reads condescending and disrespectful to men. I already own all three in the Father Knows Best set, and made this purchase for my brother in law as a gift. Again, essential reading for guys expecting, with a new baby, or a toddler. Armin Brott rocks.

I wish the books written for moms were this smart.

We have the first two books in this series, and they are great, intelligent, thoughtful books that focus on the whole family. All the books I have are written in the bullet-pointed, anxiety-driving style that's borrowed from women's magazines. And unlike these books, they barely mention that there is another human involved who is not the baby. His last chapter in the first book, especially, is recommended reading for everyone, especially if you're wondering how far fatherhood has come since the 1970s, and where it could go.

Great Baby Shower Gift!

This was the gift I brought to a Couples Baby Shower and it was the hit of the evening. I had never been to any kind of a baby shower before. This looks like the right way to include dad's in from the start. I watched the mom-and-dad-to-be share in the excitement and love of their friends. I think this early bonding to the experience will strengthen the family unit. Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash are to be congratulated.

The "best" collection for expecting Dad's and beyond.

With its sophisticated "New Yorker" style comics and light hearted, realistic approach. I enjoyed reading these much more than my "What to Expect" books, which I still consider invaluable resources. I loved how these books covered practical issues, such as college savings and some relationship issues that the Mom geared books don't touch. It supplies advice about weathering Moody Moms and creative ways to offer support. It gives enough relevant information to the Dad to understand and relate to the wife's stages of pregnancy, infant health and development and charts toddlers moods and stages without bogging down with a lot of potentially superfluous detail. These books even have some special "Dad" recipes, like making pretzels in the oven, that are supposed to be fun for Dad and Toddler. (I think that is pretty neat.) In short these are great books, geared towards Dads, covering some things that the more technical books don't have room for, AND they didn't set off my "sexist" alarms. Let me tell you, my alarms are sensitive. I loved reading these. -The Mom (Oh, and my husband liked them too!)