The Best Books for New Parents: Our Top 7
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- New parents can prepare themselves with practical books.
- Learning about pregnancy and birthing is also a good idea.
- Consider the audience, subject, and age group before purchasing.
- Emotional ups and downs in new parenting are normal.
- Planning is key to the physical and mental health of new parents.
It’s no secret that parenting comes with a learning curve. I’ll be honest—it threw me for a loop! I remember loading my firstborn into the car after I was discharged from the hospital, thinking to myself, I’m not 100% sure I know what I’m doing! Should they really let me go home? It was a bit intimidating, to say the least.
Maybe you’re pregnant and looking to get a headstart on the learning curve, or perhaps you’re in the thick of it, searching for answers to the questions that keep you up at night. Whatever your situation, this list of the best books for new parents is surely a remedy to your midnight woes.
Our Choice: Cribsheet by Emily Oster
- Oster, Emily (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 04/21/2020 (Publication Date) – Penguin Books (Publisher)
There’s no shortage of books for new parents, but Cribsheet by Emily Oster is easily one of the best on the market. Written by a no-nonsense author with a knack for disproving myths, Emily Oster provides parents with real answers and practical advice without the judgment of differing ideas or choices.
She tackles all of the significant issues, from breastfeeding to sleep training, giving parents permission to block out the pressures and misinformation society hoists onto new parents. If you’re looking for a book that shows you how to truly take control over the decision-making for your child’s first year, this is the book for you!
Number of Pages: 352 pages | Publication Date: April 21, 2020
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What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff
- Murkoff, Heidi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 704 Pages – 10/07/2014 (Publication Date) – Workman Publishing Company (Publisher)
Undoubtedly a classic, What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff has sold over 11 million copies to date, and for a good reason! It gets down to the nitty-gritty details of your little one’s entire first year, updated with the most recent and accurate information. If you’ve got any questions about your baby, the answer is likely inside this “baby bible.”
Written in an easy-to-navigate format, the book takes you month-by-month through endless subjects. Saturated with information, you’ll learn the answer to common questions like, “When will my baby sleep through the night?” and “Is my breastfed baby getting enough to eat?” Practical and straightforward answers are what you’ll get here.
Number of Pages: 704 pages | Publication Date: October 7, 2014
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Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields
- Clarke-Fields MSAE, Hunter (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 184 Pages – 12/01/2019 (Publication Date) – New Harbinger Publications (Publisher)
A parenting book that’ll have you doing some serious introspection, Raising Good Humans by Hunter-Clarke Fields takes a deep dive into reactive parenting. Written by a mindfulness mentor and mother of two, she gets the day-to-day hustle and bustle of mom life. She also gets how easy it is to react quickly without a thoughtful response.
This book lays out some super simple mindfulness skills that allow parents to calm themselves enough to respond and react to their child’s big emotions in a healthy way. She also offers guidance on how to identify the unhealthy reactions you may have developed from your upbringing and how to break those generational cycles.
Number of Pages: 184 pages | Publication Date: December 1, 2019
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The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel
- Bantam, A nice option for a Book Lover
- Condition : Good
- Ideal for Gifting
- Siegel M.D., Daniel J. J. (Author)
If you’re ever wondering what’s going on in your child’s head, The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel has some insight for you. Authored by a neuropsychiatrist, the book explains the inner workings of a child’s brain and the science behind how they mature. The explanations truly make understanding their emotions and tantrums a lot easier.
Siegel goes as far as giving parents examples of common issues with strategies for overcoming the tough times, all backed by approaches that promote healthy brain development. If you like the idea of using the most recent neuroscience research to understand where your child is coming from, this is a book you don’t want to miss.
Number of Pages: 192 pages | Publication Date: September 11, 2012
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1-2-3 Magic by Thomas Phelan
- Phelan PhD, Thomas (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 02/02/2016 (Publication Date) – Sourcebooks (Publisher)
Discipline isn’t the most fun part of parenting, but it’s definitely one that can’t be neglected. Let 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas Phelan lead the way with its counting method that’s been proven to stop those pesky behaviors in their tracks. It won several awards over the years as struggling parents have finally found a solution in its contents.
It covers an array of topics, from whining all the way down to sibling rivalries. What’s great about the technique is it doesn’t just help to stop the behavior; it also works to instill positive actions in its place. You’ll quickly see the ripple effect it has, creating a happier and more peaceful family life from morning to night.
Number of Pages: 320 pages | Publication Date: February 2, 2016
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We’re Parents! The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Adrian Kulp
- Kulp, Adrian (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 220 Pages – 08/06/2019 (Publication Date) – Rockridge Press (Publisher)
Coming straight from a dad of four himself, We’re Parents! by Adrian Kulp gives new fathers a manual they don’t want to miss. Kulp writes in an entertaining style that’s both fun and enlightening; it makes you feel like he’s right there with you. Chock full of personal experiences, it leaves amateur dads feeling acknowledged and understood.
One of the best parts about this new dad’s survival guide is that it leaves nothing to the imagination. It’s got illustrations that model the correct methodology with step-by-step instructions that guide you along the way. It’s also got valuable charts to keep track of the baby’s development and milestones with newborn checklists for everyday tasks.
Number of Pages: 220 pages | Publication Date: August 6, 2019
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The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
- Johnson, Kimberly Ann (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 360 Pages – 12/26/2017 (Publication Date) – Shambhala (Publisher)
Speaking from experience, preparing for postpartum is a huge part of being a new parent that often goes forgotten. Reading through The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson is an excellent idea for parents who want to be sure that the mom is understood and taken care of when the spotlight shifts after baby arrives.
In her book, Johnson takes a holistic approach to postpartum, covering all elements of the experience, including how to heal physically and emotionally. Learn how to keep your close relationships strong, deal with challenging emotions, and implement a self-care plan that’ll make for the most enjoyable fourth-trimester experience.
Number of Pages: 360 pages | Publication Date: December 26, 2017
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Best Books for New Parents: Preparing for the Journey
You’ve probably seen by now that new parents can learn about many important topics from these books. The subjects above are just the tip of the iceberg, though! Parents can be taught how to soothe a fussy baby, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, child development, baby-led weaning, speech delays—the sky’s the limit!
Baby books aside, expectant parents can also read books to help them prior to the birth of their baby. There’s so much that goes on throughout pregnancy that it can be helpful for moms and partners alike to be informed. Likewise, the actual birthing process can be overwhelming and even scary at times. Knowledge is power, especially on these topics!
How to Choose the Best Books If You’re a New Parent
When you’re trying to pick out parenting books, there are a handful of elements to keep in mind that’ll help make your decision simple.
- Audience: Are you and your significant other planning to read the book together? Maybe you’d like to purchase separate books that speak to the specific experiences of a mom or a dad?
- Subject: What are you looking to get out of the book? Are you hoping for common topics like potty training and infant sleep or more concerned with learning how to be a calm, conscious parent?
- Age Group: Think about what age group you want to learn about before making a purchase. Some books will only cover the first year, while others will go up to the first five years of your child’s life.
FAQs
How can new parents navigate the emotional ups and downs of parenthood?
There are a few ways parents can navigate the emotional ups and downs of parenthood, starting with communication. It’s so important to communicate your feelings to your partner. Holding back emotions, whether good or bad, isn’t a recipe for success. Make sure you’ve got clear lines of communication prior to the baby’s birth.
It’s also crucial for parents to know when to get help. Sometimes new parents need more than just the support of a partner, and that’s okay. If you feel your emotions getting out of control, talk to family, friends, or even a therapist. Also, remember that your emotions may not be what you expected.
Maybe you’ll find yourself so in love with your baby at first sight, or maybe you’ll wonder what you’ve just gotten yourself into. It’s okay to accept whatever you’re feeling, acknowledging emotions as they come. You’ll absolutely experience an emotional rollercoaster as a new parent, but remember, you’re not alone!
In what ways can new parents ensure that they are taking care of their own physical and mental health while caring for a new baby?
Ensuring new parents are taking care of themselves while caring for their new baby all comes down to planning. It’s a well-known fact that a person’s physical health will affect their mental well-being, but let’s be real—it’s not the first thought on a new parent’s mind. That’s where some planning comes in.
Fully stocking the home with healthy foods prior to the baby’s arrival helps immensely. Prior to both of my births, I also made a ton of freezer meals I could pull out in a cinch. This helped keep our bodies properly fueled and saved us the hassle of cooking on those extra tired days.
Maintaining mental health generally comes down to taking much-needed breaks, which also requires planning but comes with so much reward. If your partner isn’t able to give you time to yourself during the day, call on a friend or family member. Even just an hour to shower or grab a coffee alone will do wonders for your mental health.
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