I was compensated for this review, although all opinions are my own.
I am a worrier. Big time. I wish I could be like my sister. She is more of a “fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants-what-will-be-will-be” type of personality. I remember when I was pregnant saying to my friend, ” I just can’t wait until he is born, then I can just look at him and know he is ok.” Then my son was born, and boy, was I wrong.
Even after having the boys, I continued to worry.
What is that bump? Os that mark OK? How should I handle an accident or an illness?
I have learned the hard way about using “Dr. Google” to diagnose symptoms. This tactic usually produces the worst case scenarios and sends me into a panic attack.
I have learned to only search for information in trusted sources. Then I found The Big Book of Symptoms, The American Academy of Pediatrics’ new book. What could be more of a trusted source than a pediatrician?
The Big Book of Symptoms: A-Z Guide to Your Child’s Health is an awesome resource to help you navigate the most common ailments found in infants, children, and adolescents. It is a practical, real-world guide to help parents and caregivers make sense of both their child’s physical complaints as well as behavioral and emotional issues.
The book is divided into three sections according to age: Infancy (the first few months), Babies and Children, and Adolescence. Within each section the symptoms are then listed alphabetically according to their common name. When you look up a symptom it includes a brief introduction, as well as a chart that lists your concerns, possible causes, and the actions to take.
There is also an awesome, illustrated pull-out first aid manual and guide to safety and prevention. This is something that would be perfect to hang up somewhere in the house in case you ever need it, or it is also handy if you have a babysitter or grandparents watching the children.
This is an amazing book, especially for parents who are worriers like me. I feel confident that if my sons do have an injury or an illness I have a source that I can turn to for advice on whether it is something I need to call the pediatrician or if it is something I should worry about.
The Big Book of Symptoms is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, the AAP Bookstore, and bookstores nationwide.
In addition, I am giving away a copy of this new book. To enter, simply enter using the form below. The giveaway will run until 11:59 p.m. EST on August 15, 2014.
When my children had high fevers I always had a problem deciding whether to take them to the doctor or wait it out. This book would have helped.
I’m always on the fence about fevers. Whether to take my son to the doctor or treat it at home.
My daughter gets rashes that I would love to know more about.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
I always get concerned whenever my children are feeling nauseated or feverish.
My son developed a rash and a fever that spiked really high and this book would have helped immensely!
I would have liked to have solutions for chicken pox in there.
whenever he gets a fever
My Son once had a rash that was really weird. I’m sure this book would have helped.
There hasn’t been anything major yet, so i’m looking for this for future boo-boo’s
My daughter developed a sudden rash and I was not sure if it was a allergic reaction or not, It turned out she was allergic reaction to the new bubble bath.