Beginning with the growing embryo, the author guides us through birth; post-natal period, breastfeeding; caring for the newborn; how and what to feed your baby; caring for a sick child (acute, chronic and childhood illnesses). This edition features questions on contraception, drugs, father's presence at the birth, thumb-sucking, where the infant should sleep, cot death, overheating, etc. Dr zur Linden's commentary is the fruit of a lifetime's experience as a paediatrician and general practitioner.