Based on the belief that black parents have the power to prevent many of their children's health problems, and thus the responsibility to do so, this manual provides practical advice and lists resources in seven chapters. Chapters concern: (1) prenatal care; (2) having a baby; (3) the child's first 12 months; (4) information every parent should know, concerning child development, developmental landmarks, immunizations, and safety; (5) conclusions; (6) health care resources, including public programs for low-income parents and families and other programs on maternal and child health, stopping smoking, drug treatment, alcohol dependency, and AIDS and other communicable diseases; and (7) references. Publications of the National Black Child Development Institute and its organization are described. (RH)