Bringing Up Baby Via Videotape

For new moms and dads more concerned with that recent arrival at home than with recent arrivals at their video store, here’s a sampling of videocassettes on baby care. Tapes are unpreviewed and therefore carry no recommendations. If your store isn’t helpful in locating a tape, the telephone numbers listed after each item are possible information sources. In some cases, tapes can be ordered by mail.

“Caring for Your Newborn With Dr. Benjamin Spock.” The renowned child expert gives advice on everything from feeding and bathing to medical care. 111 minutes. VidAmerica, $34.95. (212) 355-1600.

“Creative Parenting: The First 12 Months.” Among the topics covered in this one-hour tape with Dr. Jeffrey Marsh: how much development to expect in the first year, the father’s role, nutrition. Hosted by Beau Bridges. A&M;/RCA-Columbia, $29.95. (213) 469-2411 or (818) 954-4950.

“Your Newborn Baby: Everything You Need to Know.” Joan Lunden from “Good Morning America” and pediatrician Dr. Jeffrey Brown guide you through 11 chapters, including “Feeding Your Baby” and that subject dear to us all, “Your Baby’s Crying.” One hour. Meridian, $39.95. (213) 463-2832.

“What Every Baby Knows.” Hosted by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, these two 60-minute volumes are derived from a Lifetime cable series. Volume One addresses “Most Common Questions About Newborns, Infants and Toddlers.” Volume II is on “The Working Parent: Day Care, Separation and Your Child’s Development.” Family, $14.95 each. (714) 474-0355.

“Getting Ready for Baby.” “Baby Comes Home.” “Meeting the World.” “Learning About the World.” Four cassettes made in association with Parents Magazine. Karl-Lorimar, $19.95 each. (714) 474-0355.

“Swim Baby Swim.” With home movies and current material, Esther Williams shows how she turned her children and grandchildren into watersprites, earlier than most people would think possible. One hour. Karl-Lorimar, $39.95. (714) 474-0355.

“How to Teach Your Baby to Read.” A 110-minute, step-by-step program with child-development specialist Glenn Doman. Karl-Lorimar, $39.95. (714) 474-0355.

“The Baby-Safe Home.” Consumer reporter David Horowitz and his wife Suzanne point out potential hazards. 45 minutes. Embassy, $29.95. (213) 553-3600.