Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care is a 967 page encyclopedia of all things baby. It has the answer to virtually every question a parent could ask. Dealing with homosexuality and homophobia? Page 460. How to treat a fever? Page 707. Straining with stools? Page 71. See, everything!
I must admit I haven’t read it cover to cover. I don’t think it was meant to be read that way though. I read the sections on newborns and the first year. I figure by the time I get past the first year I’ll just use the handy index to figure out how to deal with puberty and toilet training. It’s good to know that I have a resource of answers any time I may need.
My only argument against this book is that you can pretty much google this stuff to get the answers. However, google obviously isn’t a doctor and will give you 206 different opinions. This book serves as an easy one source for general questions. It doesn’t go into depth on each issue so this isn’t a one book library. I would still recommend a few books that go into detail on child care.
Note: There are many different versions of this book. Don’t be cheap by buying the 2nd edition – the medical community’s verdict on things have changed drastically over the years.