Best Books For New Parents
Best books for new parents
There is no event in life that is more exciting and seamlessly terrifying than becoming a parent.
I mean, sure, you’ve technically got nine months to prepare for your little one.
But there’s nothing that can fully prepare you for the moment the pediatric nurses hand you your first child, push you out the hospital doors, and wish you luck.
It’s harder to get a mortgage or adopt a pet from the SPCA than it is for the doctors to send you on your way with a little baby you’ve got to care for.
But it’s the best adventure you’ll ever have.
And like any epic adventure, having a guidebook (or several) can make the journey a whole lot smoother.
Whether you’re looking for advice, tips, what to expect, humor, or anything else, I’ve got you covered.
Before I became a mom, I found myself feeling completely overwhelmed by all the parenting advice out there. (Who isn’t, right?)
So, I dove into reading books to help me find clarity as I began charting this new journey in my life.
And some of them were absolute lifesavers.
So, I’ve compiled this list of my favorite books that I highly recommend for all new parents!
Happy reading, new parents!
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10 Best Books For New Parents
1. The Simplest Baby Book In The World by S.M. Gross
If you don’t love reading, prefer to learn visually, or want something you can look at now, you’ll love this book!
Instead of providing the material in a wall of text like you get with most books, the authors of this book decided to lean into visual learning by including helpful illustrations.
No more reading about how to fold the blanket just right to create the perfect swaddle and trying to make sense of it. Now you’ve got pictures that show you step-by-step how to do it.
I also appreciated that:
- It was an easy read (because who has time to read long books?)
- I could easily reference it once my baby was here.
- It was organized, making it easy to find what I needed.
- And it honestly sticks to the basics every new parent needs to know.
My only complaint about this particular book is that some of the advice was very regimented.
I tend to lean toward going with the flow, as every day as a parent is different.
With that said, the tips and techniques shared still make this book a must-read for new parents!
2. We’re Parents! The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Adrian Kulp
Hey dads – you should also be reading and getting ready for your first baby, because there’s alot you need to know!
Luckily, we’ve now got books explicitly written with dads in mind.
This book, The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year, has it all!
- Step-by-step how-to’s for everything from burping to baby-proofing your home.
- Checklists of things you can do around the house, doctors appointments, and more, all designed to help you do your part.
The cover says it all – this book is your comprehensive guide with everything you need to know to survive and thrive with your partner, as this will be a monumental shift in your life as you knew it.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it’s a four-time dad who writes it for other dads, so you know you’re getting the creme dela creme of advice here without any of the fluff.
3. New Dad, Same Bad Jokes by Slade Wentworth
Okay, yes, first-time parenthood can be a little bit overwhelming.
But the worst thing you can do for your baby and even your partner is to let the overwhelm and exhaustion take over.
You’ll be amazed at how good it can feel to just laugh with your partner.
That’s precisely what this book inspires!
Every day, you get a new ‘Bad Dad Joke’ to help lighten the mood!
This is a great gift to get your partner or anyone else you know who is expecting their first baby!
4. Cribsheet by Emily Oster
Would you prefer to take a more data-driven approach to parenting?
(I’m talking to my type-A parents here!)
If this is your personality trait, I think that’s great – just lean into it!
But trust me, you’ll want this data-driven guide by your side.
In the book, economist Emily Oster dives into the research behind everyday parenting decisions, from breastfeeding to baby sleep training, providing evidence-based advice to help you make informed choices.
Even though I didn’t personally want to take a data-driven approach to parenthood, I still really appreciated this book because it debunked many myths and empowered me to make more confident decisions.
The bottom line of why we love it: It cuts through the noise and offers clear, data-backed recommendations that can ease new parent anxiety.
But I will warn you – this book is wordy. So, if that’s not your style, I would skip it.
5. The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson
Even though this book isn’t necessarily about how to survive with a newborn baby at home, it is absolutely a must-read for all new parents.
Understanding how your child’s brain works and their overall brain development can make a world of difference in how you parent. (Trust me!)
This book combines neuroscience with practical advice to help you nurture your child’s emotional and intellectual growth.
It came in especially handy when my daughter was a toddler and started having tantrums and meltdowns!
While it is a wordy book, the information the author shares is broken down into digestible knowledge that is easy to read and a must-know!
The only downside to the book was the quality. It’s not a very thick cover or paper so it gets damaged easily.
However, the information is incredibly helpful, so I still recommend it as a great reading resource for new parents.
6. There Are Moms Way Worse Than You by Glenn Boozan
Real talk – I was incredibly hard on myself as a new mom.
I had these expectations of myself that I would be able to handle my newborn baby without any help from my partner, that I’d be able to keep the house clean, cook amazing dinners every night, and still be there for my partner.
Then, my baby arrived, and I was in for a harsh reality check.
It turns out that motherhood is HARD.
And we make it so much harder on ourselves with the crazy expectations we either place on ourselves or have others so graciously put on our behalf.
That’s why we all need a little reminder now and again of the amazing job we are doing as moms – and that’s exactly what this book is for!
It’s an indispensable guide, reminding us that we are doing a great job!
And if you have other mom friends, be sure to give her this book so that she can be reminded that she’s not alone!
7. What To Expect The First Year by Heidi Murkoff
I think it’s pretty safe to assume that we’ve all heard of the ‘What To Expect’ book series as new parents.
I mean, it’s in the name, and these books are known worldwide.
Yet, I would be remiss if I left it off this list of the best books for new parents because it truly is a gold mine of information you’ll want to know as first-time parents!
It’s like the instruction book they should probably give you as they push you out the hospital doors, but don’t.
Everything from your most-frequently asked questions answered to tips you may not have thought about – this book has it all.
And considering the volume of content, I’d say it’s fairly well organized, making it a great resource for finding answers when you need them.
*Tip – To avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information in this book, it’s okay to not read everything right away. Instead, I recommend reading it as you go, only reading what you need right now or in the coming weeks so that you don’t completely overwhelm yourself.
8. The Happiest Baby On The Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
If you’ve ever found yourself at wit’s end with a crying baby, this book is for you!
Enter: Dr. Harvey Karp, the hero you didn’t know you needed.
His book, The Happiest Baby on the Block, introduces the magical “5 S’s” (swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking) as techniques to soothe your little one.
Dr. Karp’s methods are backed by science and have worked wonders for countless parents (including me).
Not only is the advice practical, but it’s also easy to implement, which is exactly what you need when you’re overwhelmed. Am I right?
This book is a lifesaver for sleep deprived parents, but more importantly, the techniques shared in this book help your baby feel more comfortable and get better sleep too, which is essential for their growing bodies!
The only drawback I didn’t like about this book was that some of the information is a little bit repetitive. But trust me, it’s definitely worth the read, so don’t skip it!
9. Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl G. Zieglar
Let’s be honest – parenting is exhausting. (Hello, permanent state of tiredness!)
Everything from the late night feedings, constantly worrying about your baby, trying to still be there for your partner, family and friends, and managing the household can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt out.
Dr. Sheryl Ziegler’s Mommy Burnout tackles the stress and overwhelms that many moms feel, offering practical advice on how to take care of yourself while taking care of your family.
I didn’t realize how burned out I was until I read this book.
Dr. Ziegler’s tips for self-care aren’t just fluff; they’re actionable and doable, even on the busiest days.
Trust me, you’ll feel seen and supported.
Bottom line of why I love it: It’s a reminder that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your child.
Because when you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically at your best, you’ll be a better mom, spouse, daughter, and friend.
10. Caring For Your Baby and Young Child by the American Academy of Pediatrics
And last but definitely not least on my must-read books for new parents is Caring For Your Baby and Young Child.
In this book for new parents, you’ll find everything from birth to age five, offering expert advice on health, nutrition, and child development.
I’ve found myself turning to this book countless times, whether it’s for dealing with a stubborn rash or figuring out the right feeding schedule.
It’s like having a pediatrician on speed dial without the copay.
Even when I was unsure about a lot of things, this book provided the clarity and confidence I needed.
It’s an essential on my parenting bookshelf.
The expert advice is both reassuring and practical, making it a go-to resource for new parents!
Where To Get These Book Recommendations
Wondering where to snag these must-have parenting books? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!
- Local Bookstores: Support your local businesses! Most bookstores have a parenting section, and you can often find knowledgeable staff who can recommend their favorites.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores have a wide selection of parenting books. Plus, you can read reviews from other parents before you buy.
- Libraries: Check out your local library. They often have a great selection of parenting books that you can borrow for free. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option!
- Second-Hand Stores: Don’t overlook thrift stores and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or ThriftBooks. You can find gently used books for a fraction of the price.
- Parenting Groups: Join local or online parenting groups. Other parents can offer great recommendations based on what’s worked for them.
No matter where you choose to get your books, having these resources at your fingertips will be a huge help as you navigate the incredible journey of parenthood.
Why I Recommend New Parents Read Books
Let’s be real – parenting doesn’t come with a manual.
- Every baby is different.
- Every parent is different.
- And there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.
But these books can really help fill in the void.
You’ll find books fill with much needed expert advise, practical tips, different perspectives, and most importantly, reassurance.
Not only will you be able to learn different approaches to parenting, but you’ll also feel less alone in this journey.
Trust me, there’s something incredibly comforting about knowing that other parents have been in your shoes and found ways to thrive.
How To Fit In Time To Read As A Sleep-Deprived Parent
I know, I know – finding time to read when you’re juggling a baby, a household, and maybe even a job can seem impossible.
But here’s the thing: you deserve those little moments of escape and enlightenment.
Here’s how you can sneak in some reading time without losing your sanity.
Tip #1 – Short Bursts
Forget about hour-long reading marathons; they’re just not practical in this season of life.
Instead, aim for 5-10 minutes whenever you can.
Waiting for the pediatrician?
Feeding the baby?
Perfect time for a quick read.
Tip #2 – Audiobooks
If you like audiobooks, these are a lifesaver!
Pop in your earbuds and listen while you’re doing chores, driving, or even during those middle-of-the-night feedings.
Tip #3 – Bedtime Routine
Make reading a part of your bedtime routine.
I know that by the end of the day, all you might want to do is turn on the TV and watch some mindless garbage.
But remember, while that might feel good in the moment, it won’t serve you in the long run.
Plus, you might actually find reading to be much more relaxing, and you’ll fall asleep earlier than you would have if you’d gotten sucked into a show.
Even if it’s just a few pages before you crash, it can become a relaxing ritual.
Tip #4 – Keep Books Everywhere
Stash books in different spots around the house – the nursery, the living room, even the bathroom.
That way, you can easily grab one whenever you have a free moment.
Tip #5 – Read eBooks Instead
With traditional books, you have to rely on having a bright enough space.
Plus, there is nothing worse than holding a regular book while also holding your baby.
With ebooks, you can read one-handed and in the dark, which is perfect for those times when you’re rocking the baby to sleep.
Plus, since the ebooks are on your phone or reading tablet, you can easily read on the go, in between appointments, while waiting for meetings, etc.
Tip #6 – Set Small Goals
Lastly, don’t pressure yourself to finish a book quickly.
Set small, realistic goals like a chapter a week.
Progress is progress, no matter how slow!
Remember, reading isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s also about giving yourself a break and some much-needed self-care.
You’ve got this, and a good book can be your secret weapon in navigating this crazy, incredible journey called parenthood.
Happy reading, and enjoy your parenting journey!
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