[.ca] Toddler Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on ... (ISBN 1889392162)

3 books kept in my glove compartment...always handy:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this book in addition to "Baby Bargains." With a 3-year-old and a brand new baby, I truly appreciate the objective and honest "FIELD studies" that thoroughly explain options to the variety of decisions that must be made. These 2 books are full of sensible product comparisons related to price, safety, ease of use, and necessity. Additionally, practical tips of all kinds are included to help a very busy parent with a toddler make good choices concerning "wants" and "needs"--(such as choosing toys, vacations, clothes, and classes). Along with these 2 invaluable books, I keep "The Pocket Parent" a fabulous quick-read guide of the very same shape that fits perfectly in the glove compartment. This A-Z compendium is written just for parents with 2's, 3's, 4's, and 5's whom (as you already know if you have one) often don't wish to cooperate on money saving shopping sprees. I found so many great tips that work on the spot for such challenging behaviors as the oh so annoying "Gimmes", Whining, Fighting, Interrupting, Bad Words, "I Hate You's", and Tantrums in public that can drive you close to your wits' end. In addition, all 3 books are loaded with compassion and humor, probably because the authors are parents that have personally "been there" too. My husband and I highly recommend these 3 outstanding books to help moms and dads make wise decisions while remaining somewhat sane in the process!

Not as Good as "Baby Bargains":
We looked forward to reading this book. Baby bargains was great. Toddler Bargains is just ok. There is alot to like about this book, but it does not live up to the predecessor. As usual, where the book rates products the ratings are very helpful. The book is based around the opinions of the Fields, with some input from consumers via e-mail and other sources. "Baby Bargains" would state that the authors did not care for a type of product and then rate those items for people who really wanted to buy them, this book doesn't. In the furniture section they say that they recommend skipping the toddler bed for a twin bed, and then go on to discuss bunk bed safety. This ignores the fact that many readers have practical reasons for buying a toddler bed and would like the guidance. Another problem is there is an abundance of "filler" to make the book bigger in addition to the very helpful information, that makes this book more of a treasure hunt than "Baby Bargains". Much of the information is general, and alot can be easily found online. Overall this is a good book, but look through it before you buy it, or buy it on sale.

New 2nd edition is out now!:
If you want this book, be sure to order the new SECOND edition, which came out in May 2004. The 2nd edition has a YELLOW cover. The 1st edition is GREEN. Click on "other editions" above to find it!

Great Potty Training Guidance:
I found this book to be very informative especially for a first time parent. There's so much to choose from in the stores that it's hard to know what item to purchase, let alone what products offer the most value. I especially found that true of the potty training section of this book. I had actually purchased a potty before getting the Toddler Bargains book and found out that the potty I had purchased was a poor performer, especially for boys. Fortunately, the potty was still in its box and I was able to exchange it. I wish I had used the sister book also written by Fields, Baby Bargains. Regardless, I'm glad I purchased this book. These bargain books are just as important as the "What to Expect" series, especially for first time parents.

Good followup to Baby Bargains, but could be improved upon:
I thoroughly enjoyed the Baby Bargains book and looked forward to the Toddler Bargains. I liked the information provided in Toddler Bargains but was somewhat disappointed with the format and lack of definite recommendations. There were several items that just listed places to find that particular kind of item but did not have a specific review. I felt a kind of information "overload" in some instances. Don't get me wrong. Alan and Denise should keep up the work that they are doing. No other author(s) have made the efforts they have to truthfully educate prospective parents. I definitely would recommend the book but I do feel that it was somewhat rushed to press (I found several typos) and could be very much improved.