In this Be Prepared book review I explain what this book is, is not and who should buy it. Let’s get started!

Title: Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads

Author: Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden

Published: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2004

Be Prepared Book Review

What I loved:

I loved how visually appealing Be Prepared was. The graphics, even the rounded page corners… it’s exactly like a vintage boy scout handbook. I would know because after showing this book to a friend he went digging and pulled out a very old copy of such a handbook. The resemblance was striking!

Obviously, they were going for the “boy scout be prepared theme” and they nailed it! Because of the awesome branding I think most dads wouldn’t hesitate to pick this book up. It is manly and nods to his sense of adventure.

What I liked:

One of the best parts of Be Prepared is the humor! For example on page 94, “Never, ever wake your partner for sex. It’s like taking food away from a wild animal.” Also, on page 75 the list of ideas of how to stay awake at work is hilarious (and sadly, ridiculously helpful).

I also really liked how the book addressed postpartum mood issues and gave great practical advice. On page 112 they suggest dads to put a spare car key in their wallet on the off chance they accidentally lock their kids in the car. Sadly, I’ve done this and it was not pretty. A spare key will save you a bashed in windshield and mild PTSD. :/

What I learned:

I absolutely learned parenting skills from Be Prepared, even though I already have three kids. I learned new tactics for taking a rectal temperature (and general information about fevers), how to string up baby chain links in the backseat to entertain a fussy baby (and other really practical ideas for car rides), and how to cut your baby’s hair while they’re asleep.

What this book is:

The Be Prepared book is an entertaining, visually stimulating, extremely helpful and full of practical parenting advice for the father who wants to be hands on, involved and prepared. This book will walk new dads through many scenarios they could not have imagined on their own devices. A MUST read!

What this book is not:

The Be Prepared book is not a guide to childbirth. In fact, the book starts at the first week of your baby’s life. You’ll want to refer to a list of pregnancy books for dads to be prepared for that event.

Buy It: Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads

If you’re interested in Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads, get your copy on Amazon today.