After all the work that goes into having a child, new parents often bask in the glow of a victorious pregnancy until reality catches up: the biggest responsibility is fast approaching, and it comes without instructions.
Don’t worry. He’s not the first new dad and he won’t be the last.
books can be a great resource to help new parents feel informed before the journey begins. Here are five of our favorite titles that we recommend to new parents.
1. Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year by Dr. Ari Brown & Denise Fields
This is one of those gems that combines real-world experience and advice from parents who were in the trenches with research-based input from a pediatrician.
The book contains everything you need to know about your baby, including tips on how to help your baby sleep, how to choose a pediatrician, and how to feed your baby. This book is a fantastic discovery for any new parent.
Available on Amazon.
2.The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp
Dr. Harvey Karp has a well-known and respected reputation for helping babies sleep better. If you want to keep some peace of mind by making babies sleep better, this is a must-have.
Newborns often have trouble sleeping, which means their parents will too. Sleep deprivation is in nobody’s interest, which is why a read like this is worth reading. This title offers some tips and suggestions to help all family members improve their state of sleep deprivation and enhance the new parenting experience.
Available in Happiest Baby
3.What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff with Sharon Mazel
The What to Expect empire is well known and with good reason. The books cover all topics and offer good advice. For new parents, What to Expect in the First Year is no exception.
Often referred to as the “New Baby Bible,” What to Expect the First Year is a book every new parent should own. It covers pretty much everything a new parent can find and serves as a good reference to have on hand.
Available on Amazon.
4.Your Baby and Child by Penelope Leach
Leach’s approach to this title sets it apart from other required reading for new parents. The book offers the same or similar advice that you may find in other baby books, but the author’s advice is not limited to simple child care advice. She reflects on what her son is doing, experiencing, and feeling, adding important context to the conversation. Your baby and child is also a great option as it provides advice to parents during their first five years. Any new parent who adopts this author’s approach will likely be poring over her sites for years, making it a worthy investment.
Available from Penguin Random House.
- The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children by Shefali Tsabary, PhD
This title helps new parents improve their technology and, inevitably, their child’s life by explaining the impact of their actions on their baby. Children absorb and reflect on what their parents are doing. So before a parent can provide quality parenting, they must first evaluate themselves.
Tsabary’s approach is very different from most other baby books for new parents available today, but it’s worth reading.
Available from Barnes & Noble.
There are countless ways to prepare for the day you bring your newborn home. Whether you’re interested in books, podcasts, or blogs, you’ll find invaluable resources online, in stores, and in-person to ensure you’re ready for your parenting journey.