The long wait has ended. The baby is here. He is no longer a hope or a wish but a dream fulfilled... (from Section 2) 

{HISTORY}

First published in 1946, the Better Homes & Gardens Baby Book was a go-to reference book for all expectant moms and child-raisers. Packed full of information on everything from nutrition to nursery design, exercises to clothing choices, developmental needs to first moment recordings, this book covers the gamut of the pregnancy experience from  the prenatal stage up until baby's 6th year of age. 

It is of special interest here in the Vintage Kitchen because it shares a lot of information about food for both mom and baby. Not only covering the basics like feeding schedules, proper nutrition, vitamins, first meals, etc but it also dives into liquid diets, solid diets, what to encourage, what to avoid, how to build good habits, managing meals and preparing food for all the different stages of the little one's life. And the food component is just one section of the book! All the other sections cover so much more about the health and well being of babies to ensure the best start is offered to each little one at the very beginning of life. 

A fascinating look in the mindset of midcentury child raising, this is the 1973 edition of the 1969 reprint, offering the most current and update information of its time since the original publication in 1946. Full of really cute photographs of babies at all ages along with whimsical illustrations, this book would make a really fun design element for a baby shower or a gift for a new or expectant mom who'd like to gather some words of advice from an older generation. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 1973 edition, Fifth Printing, Fifth Edition of 1969 version

- 239 pages

- Illustrated throughout with black and white photographs and whimsical drawings

- A personalized section in the back offers a place for recording details about baby including vital statistics, medical records and developmental milestones

-  Includes  bevy of charts and graphs throughout for easy reference and quick organization of material 

{CONDITION}

Overall in great vintage shape with tight spine, bright cover and all pages intact. Two pages have repaired from rips with clear tape. A few pages retain some mild wrinkles from previous water spills. All pages are clean and bright.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.75" inches (width) x 10.25" inches (length) x .5" inches (thick) 

{STYLE IDEA}

Plan a baby shower brunch around the colors included on the cover of this book and turn it into an active member of the party by having guests sign the inside endpapers with words of advice for the new mom-to-be. The baby book will turn into a special keepsake and become a future family heirloom based in decades of history.