Baby Time

Baby Time - Baby to Be: The Video Guide to Pregnancy

From figuring out your due date to recognizing the start of labor, this video guide takes moms-to-be from the beginning of pregnancy to the end--and the beginning of motherhood. Hosted by actress and mom Bess Armstrong and divided into chapters for easy reference, this 55-minute primer focuses on prenatal care, nutrition, embryonic development, changes to Mom's body and mood, and how all of these affect Dad. Throughout, various moms (including Armstrong) share their experiences. The mothers and mothers-to-be encompass a rainbow of ethnicities, ages, and situations--making them easily identifiable to any viewer. While a more detailed book would still be needed for troubleshooting, this guide gives the definitive overview and would make an appropriate shower gift. The additional benefit is that it's probably easier to get the father-to-be to sit down and watch this video than to tackle that pregnancy manual. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Baby Time - First Days Home: Keeping Your Baby Healthy & Happy

There's a lot to remember when taking care of a newborn these days: from car seats to colic, from circumcision care to crib safety. Dividing its information into 10 chapters (easily referenced by numbering in the right-hand corner), First Days Home covers baby's appearance, breastfeeding and formula, sleeping, crying, bathing, diapering, health and safety for baby, mom's recovery (hemorrhoids, discharges, and other fun stuff), and family relations. This 56-minute primer can't possibly have the details and depth of a book on the subject but makes the perfect summary for Dad or a babysitter, or a refresher course for a second-time mom. Chapters range in length from 2 to 9 minutes and cover all the basics, most importantly when to call the doctor for either baby or Mom and how to distinguish between "baby blues" and the more serious postpartum depression. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Baby Time - Baby Talk: The Video Guide for New Parents