Skip it if you've already done some research...

We're expecting our first baby in July and watched this DVD hoping to get some basic newborn care, as the DVD implies. However, as other reviewers have noted, this DVD is way too basic with nothing described in much detail. I suppose this DVD would be good for thinking about things you might need, or what to expect, but I was surprised, for a video made in 2004 it felt like it was made in the early 80's. The DVD it very generic, scripted, and seems a bit modest. It doesn't cover actual issues with breastfeeding, just one small example of how to unlatch a baby by using your finger (never mind that the baby is just sitting in the mothers lap not breastfeeding).

I wouldn't say this was a terrible DVD, but it felt like one of those movies your forced to watch during a parenting class where the instructor has a book and pauses the video at the end of each chapter to add further discussion.

So I'd recommend this DVD to parents who haven't done any research, who have no idea, and need something to get started with.

[Friday, January 02, 2009]

ABCs is right... this is BASIC stuff.

I'm about to become a first-time dad. My wife is about to become a first time mom. We needed to start out at the basics, and it's harder to get more basic than "ABCs," so we watched it together.

There's no question that this was certainly basic. It seems to have been geared towards first time moms whose first question at the doctor's office was is "wait a minute... the baby comes out where?" Very, very basic stuff... but good info.

The actual film was akin to the driest health class video you can remember from high school. The inexperience evident in the directing and camera work would seem to suggest that some similarly naive questions were asked on the set: "now that's not right... which end of the camera am I supposed to be looking into?" The acting... there really wasn't any. The nurse did most of the talking, and while knowledgeable she was clearly terrified of the camera.

If it's as bad as all that, how did it earn a three star rating? There really was some very good information in there that is sure to prove invaluable in the months to come. Enough information, in fact, that I have a good feeling that it will help to tale a little of the "Oh, God! Where's the instruction manual!" feeling out of the process.

On the back of the DVD case, Amy and Eric Chasko (new parents) are quoted as saying, "We can actually see what to do and not read about it in another 200+ page book." That's the very appeal that drew me to this in the first place, and it did not fail to deliver that.

[Tuesday, December 30, 2008]

Rent or borrow instead

I am expecting my first baby in 6 weeks and I have a ton of questions on baby care! Although ABC's of Newborn Baby Care is comprehensive in terms of the range of topics (from choosing a pediatrician to car seat safety), the time spent on each topic is very brief. You may find you'll have more questions in the end than you started with after watching this DVD. The script and acting are also kind of cheesy.

In comparison, Laugh and Learn About Newborn Baby Care was more engaging and entertaining to watch. However, it only covers Bathing, Diaper Change, Dressing, and Swaddling.

There are pros and cons to both DVDs. There are tips and techniques included in one that are not in the other. My suggestion is to rent or borrow instead. I got both at my local public library and I'm waiting for another DVD from Netflix, Bringing Baby Home: The Ultimate Baby Care DVD. Afterwhich, I'll decide which DVD I will purchase to keep as reference.

[Monday, March 10, 2008]

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