YOUR NEWBORN: Head to Toe

L.A.-based pediatrician Natterson wisely taps into parents' need for practical medical information during the first year of their child's life, providing a comprehensive, straightforward guide. The first section deals with the hospital experience, including everything parents should know about delivery, Apgar scores (which determine a newborn's health) and problems that may arise. Natterson goes on to address caring for a baby literally from head to toe, discussing each aspect of an infant's anatomy. For each topic, she includes a section on what parents can do, when a doctor needs to be involved, tests that are required, what the results mean, treatments and possible complications. Finally, Natterson covers tests and vaccines, giving basic information on when and why they're necessary. Natterson's style is parent-friendly yet professional, and she's terrific at tackling universal parenting questions that may be especially compelling during the first days and weeks of a child's life. Both veteran and parenting newcomers will find this a worthy resource, with solid advice and information (including up-to-date Web sites). (Feb. 11)

Forecast: Natterson's book joins a crowded market (at least three books on infant health were published this fall). But a national print, radio and television publicity campaign, coupled with ads in BabyTalk magazine, could attract readers.