Because parents-to-be in Santa Barbara needed hands-on, practical assistance prior to the birth of their child, Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) volunteers organized the Baby Basics program. Like all PEP services, Baby Basics is a supplement to, but not a substitute for, medical advice. Part 1 of this guide describes the history, philosophy, and organization of Baby Basics. Program organization is discussed in terms of the steering committee, publicity and registration, time and place, fee, PEP volunteer participants, community participants, instructional methods, subjects covered, displays and storage, equipment and supplies, and evaluation of each session by PEP volunteers. Part 2 provides scripts of presentations and demonstrations concerning welcome of parents and introduction of volunteers, car seat use, California law, feeding, behavior of the newborn, bath and cord care, and postpartum feelings. Guides for demonstrating equipment and how to bathe and diaper the infant are included. Part 3 (which has been issued as a separate booklet entitled "Baby Basics: A Guide to Your First Weeks as Parents") offers numerous handouts concerning infant behavior, safety, and care. Related forms, worksheets, and other program materials are appended. (RH)