The Parents' Book of Checklists

Sally Coulthard is a writer and working mum, whose books focus on the home, whether it is interior design, green living or family life. Her writing also appears in a wide range of magazines and newspapers.

"There's nothing quite as satisfying as ticking off your checklist.  In The Parents Book of Checklists by Sally Coulthard you'll find life saving lists of what to expect, what to do and how to cope as a parent.... because it is in list form you can dip in and out of the book as you need to.  Brilliant!" - I'm Pregnant Magazine, April 2007"A life-saving series of checklists for parents" - Lincolnshire Today January 2007"At hand when you need essential advice, without wading through acres of info" - Yorkshire Today January 2007"a no-nonsense guide to your young child's life stages, packed with practical tips" -  Your Family"an ideal guide… no-nonsense step-by-stp.. Helpful tips and advice and covers everything" - Essex Life March 2007

• 1. Looking After Yourself During Pregnancy*Diet and supplements *Exercise *Relaxation* Common discomforts* Complications 2. Antenatal Care* Choosing your midwife* Your first appointment* Choosing your birth plan* Common antenatal worries* What to expect from antenatal checks3. The Birth* Preparing for your stay in hospital* What to pack in your hospital bag for you and baby* Pain relief options* What to expect after the delivery* Dealing with well-wishers 4. Buying for Baby* Preparing the nursery* Nappies* How to choose a pram or a pushchair* Choosing and fitting a car seat* Bathing and grooming essentials 5. New Parents* Bonding with your baby* Handling your baby* Coping with tiredness* Your relationship and sex life* Feelings and post-natal depression 6. Coping with crying* Reading the signs* Calming your baby* Dummies* Baby massage* Controlled crying 7. Sleeping* Creating a sleep haven for your baby* Understanding your baby's sleep patterns* Settling your baby to sleep* Common sleep problems* Preventing cot death 8. Getting back into shape after birth* Common post-natal problems* Pelvic floor exercises* Eating well - perhaps Staying well so that you can include tips about rest/sleep of the mother* Getting fit* Learning to love a new you 9. New Baby* Breastfeeding and expressing milk* Bottlefeeding your baby* Bathtime* Changing your baby* Choosing clothes 10. Starting solids* When to wean* First foods* Introducing a cup* Finger foods* 10 foods to avoid 11. Play* Baby milestones - what to expect at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months* Encouraging your baby's development* Buying toys - toys for 1 month, 2-6 months and 7-12 months* Reading* Physical play 12. Health* Immunisations* Common health problems inc teething and colic* Alternative remedies* When to consult your GP* When to call 999 13. Holidays & Travel* What should go in a change bag* Holiday essentials* Choosing a child-friendly holiday* Common holiday health complaints* How to have a holiday at home 14. Safety* Essential safety equipment* Safety in the kitchen* Safety in the living room* Safety in the bathroom* Safety in the garden 15. Work & money* When to return to work* Working from home* Being a full-time parent* Juggling your finances* Saving for your baby's future 16. Choosing childcare* Childcare options* Choosing a nursery* Preparing for the first day of nursery* Babysitters* Common childcare problems and how to avoid and overcome 17. Talking and Walking* Rolling and crawling* Pulling up and climbing* Walking and dealing with falls* Encouraging baby talk* First words 17. Personality* Separation anxiety* Coping with tantrums 18. Family and friends* Support through pregnancy* Helping at the birth* Helping after the birth* Being a good grandparent* 10 things new parents always want but never ask for 19. Special occasions* Organising a baby shower* Gift ideas for a new mum* First birthdays* Capturing memories* Taking your new baby to a special event 20. Useful contacts and further information* Pregnancy & Birth* General parenting advice* Health & bereavement* Practical & financial support* Further reading - top ten parenting books