The Portable Pediatrician: Everything You Need to Know About Your Child's Health [Paperback]

William Sears (Author), Martha Sears (Author), Robert Sears (Author), James Sears M.D. (Author), Peter Sears (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 23, 2011

Imagine you are up at three o'clock in the morning with a sick child. Wouldn't it be nice to have expert advice readily at hand to help get you through the night? Encyclopedic in scope, THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN features timely and practical information on every childhood illness and emergency, including when to call the doctor, what reassuring signs can help you know your child is okay, how to treat your child at home, and much more-all in a convenient A-to-Z format. Among the scores of topics covered:

teething; sprains and broken bones; nosebleeds; measles; ear infections; choking; rashes; colic; headaches; eating disorders; fever; hip pain; warts; allergies; obesity; seizures; Asperger's Syndrome; bronchitis; masturbation; sunburns; pneumonia; speech delay; lice; vomiting; asthma; heart defects; blisters; sleep problems; and more.

The Searses guide parents and caregivers from a child's infancy through the teen years, teaching them what to expect at regular checkups as well as how to boost a child's well-being, devise a family health plan, work effectively with their pediatrician, and more. Distinguished by the Searses' trademark comprehensiveness, reliability, and accessible, comforting one, this book is a must-have for all families who want to keep their children healthy and happy.

Look for THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN app! Available for download from iTunes, it offers a complete browsable A-Z list of pediatric concerns, illnesses, and emergencies; a searchable database, growth charts; a portable medicine cabinet; helpful advice about pediatric checkups; and more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN, are the pediatric experts on whom American parents increasingly rely for advice and information on all aspects of pregnancy, birth, childcare, and family nutrition. Dr. Sears has practiced pediatrics for more than 40 years, and is an associate clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Martha Sears is a registered nurse and parenting and health consultant. Robert W. Sears, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in private practice in southern California. James Sears, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and co-host of The Doctors. Peter Sears, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in family practice in Nashville, TN.

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (February 23, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316017485
• ISBN-13: 978-0316017480
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1.7 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William Sears, M.D., received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital and Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. He has practiced as a pediatrician for more than thirty years. Martha Sears is a registered nurse, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding consultant. The Searses are the parents of eight children. Drs. Robert and James Sears are both board-certified pediatricians at the Sears Family Pediatric Practice in San Clemente, California. All four authors live in southern California. More information about the Searses can be found at www.SearsParenting.com and www.AskDrSears.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Portable Pediatrician March 11, 2011

By Johanna LoPorto

Format:Paperback

I have to start this post by being very honest, as parents, we always want our children well and taken care of. Yet, sometimes when my son is sick, I just don't want to take him to the doctor. Franco is 20 months old and attending daycare, he is always coming down with one thing or another, so I requested The Portable Pediatrician to review as I heard it was the best tool a parent should have in their home. Simply said-this book is awesome!

Sometimes, we are not sure whether to take our child to the emergency room to wait endless hours, for something that may not be life-threatening. Well, that is where The Portable Pediatrician comes in. This book is a must have reference for every home regardless of your child's age. The Portable Pedetrician is part of the Dr. Sears Parenting Library that was recently released on February 23rd and covers everything from a common cold, ear aches, teething to learning disabilities,vaccines and so much more. This book even goes from newborn development all the way to puberty. It includes charts and little synopsis of when you should worry, seek a physician or simply try a remedy at home. The Portable Pediatrician is that basic but also that extreme, discussing common illnesses to more serious diseases.

The format of the book is easy to read and similar to an encyclopedia, with all topic listed from A-Z which I found very convenient. The information provided is practical and detailed. I have had this book for about a month now and have had the chance to put some of the advice to practice. The results were great. Please know however, this book is no way to be used to eliminate medical for your child, but simply, to be used as a helpful guide. I just love the fact that I have something to refer to when Franco is not feeling well.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST have, even if you have the other Sears books! March 12, 2011

By MissLiss1234

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a mother of three young kids--a kindergartener, preschooler and infant. I have almost all of the Sears books, so I was hesitant about getting this one. I am so glad that I did! It is loaded with valuable information, tips and is very easy to read. I looked up every illness and reason I have ever gone to the doctor's and all of them were included in this book. And who better than the Sears family to get information from?! Love it, needed it, and hope every family gets it!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't get a better guide, clear facts in a comprehensive format even the most experienced parents will find comfort in. April 7, 2011

By Autumn Blues Reviews

Format:Paperback

THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN is a comprehensive guide, totalling 554 pages, not including the index, covering the health of infant through preteen. Health is a gift one cannot take lightly or purchase for our children, the next best thing is having the gift of knowledge. Based on the best science, medical references and the most current information available THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN provides this for you. Beginning with an introduction on how to use the book it moves fourth to chapter I titled "Four Things All Parents Must Do to Keep Their Children Healthy," from choosing the right doctor to tips on providing the best nutrition. Chapter II explains the importance of "Well-Baby" and "Well-Child Exams" from vaccines to school sports physicals and more. Chapter III lists "Pediatric Concerns and Illnesses" alphabetically, including treatment, causes, what to do, when to worry, home remedies and so much more. Chapter IV of the book "Medicine Cabinet," guides you through giving medicines to your child to allergic reactions and more. There are very helpful Dr Sears Tips throughout the book with the index at the back for quick reference.

This is a large book, don't expect to sit down and read this whole book in one sitting, for many reasons. Although the Sears authors give the reader the most important points of each illness, that a parent or caretaker can take care of, it is best to come back to the book as your child develops and the need arises. Another important thing to remember is that each child is an individual and your child may never experience some of the illnesses in this book in his lifetime. The Sears authors stress the information provided in this book is not meant or intended to replace the medical care of a physician, so be sure to follow the advice of your child's doctor first, especially and most importantly if any particular symptoms arise that may require immediate attention or during a medical emergency This guide is one of the best to keep on hand for anyone that cares for children. I recommend it to all expectant parents to begin reading before their child is born. Whether you are a first time parent, a parent of 10 or a grandparent, THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN is for you. It truly is one of the best health guides for children I have read.