Congratulations, new dad and father-to-be! It's time to prepare for the fatherhood journey, like many men have done before. Without former experience, the new world of parenthood can feel intimidating and mysterious. That's where 'dad books' come into play. These best new dad books are our favorite ones on the market. They are informative guides and sources of inspiration, support, and wisdom for navigating the highs and lows of being a dad. So, whether you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, or simply looking for guidance, these helpful guides for dads are packed with honesty and insightful advice.
Benefits of Reading Parenting and Baby Books
Reading best-selling parenting and baby books is a great way to gather information as new parents. Parenting knowledge is helpful whether you plan to be a working or stay-at-home dad! But we do understand not everyone loves reading, so if you're on the fence, consider these benefits:
Books for expectant dads are filled with countless tips (hello diaper changes), tricks, and advice on navigating the ups and downs of raising a child, including those tricky first few months.
You can gain valuable insight into baby's first year and what development may look like.
Learn discipline techniques and ways to be an extra incredible good dad.
Becoming more knowledgeable before becoming a dad will grow your confidence as the day approaches.
You may feel a sense of community and support as you connect with the experiences of other parents, especially if this is your first baby.
Like illustrations? Some parenting books have plenty!
Not all books are created equal, so it's worth picking up a few books and seeing which resonate with you before the big day.
Best Books for New Dads and Fathers-to-Be
If you're convinced that reading a book about parenting for dads is totally worth it, we're high-fiving you right now. To get you started, here's a list of our favorite parenting books for new dads.
"A Dude's Guide to Baby Size: What to Expect and How to Prep for Dads-to-Be" by Taylor Calmus
In "A Dude's Guide to Baby Size," Taylor, also known as Dude Dad, breaks down everything you need to know about your baby's size while in the womb, but with a twist. Baby sizes are no longer being compared to fruits but being compared to "man things" like a football, circular saw, or concession-stand nachos. It's like having a cheat sheet to understand how big your little one gets each week. Taylor's hilarious and relatable tone makes it a breeze to read through, even if you're not much of a bookworm. In addition to baby size information, the book also discusses specific topics, such as ovulation, things to not say to your pregnant wife, and more. You'll get honest and straightforward advice from another dad's perspective.
"We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook" by Adrian Kulp
If you're a first-time dad, you're probably freaking out a bit (okay, a lot) about the whole pregnancy thing. But don't worry, “We’re Pregnant!” has your back. It's packed with practical advice, hilarious stories, and helpful tips on surviving the rollercoaster ride of emotions that comes with being a dad-to-be. This book goes through the first, second, and third trimesters thoroughly. Then, for even more support, Adrian gives advice about the "fourth semester," which includes three additional months of knowledge and how to support Mom. It's like having a pregnancy guidebook in your hands for all moments. You may find yourself coming back to this book time and time again for guidance and a good laugh.
"The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be" by Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash
“The Expectant Father” is a game-changer for soon-to-be dads. It's chock full of practical advice, easy-to-understand tips, and real-life stories to help you navigate the wild ride of fatherhood. Whether you're overwhelmed or clueless, this book has your back. The best part is that it doesn't read like a boring textbook with long, drawn-out chapters. There are plenty of bullet points, charts, and illustrations throughout. The authors have a way of cutting through all the jargon and getting straight to the point in an intriguing way. Plus, they cover everything from pregnancy symptoms to preparing for labor, so you'll be well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
"The Guys' Guide to Being a Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Plan for Birth and Bring Your Baby Home" by Andrew Shaw
Throughout “The Guys’ Guide to Being a Birth Partner,” Andrew Shaw covers everything from what to expect during labor and delivery to tips on supporting your partner before birth and after baby is born. Shaw breaks it down in a straightforward and relatable way so you won't feel overwhelmed or clueless when the big day arrives. Plus, he offers practical advice on preparing to bring your new bundle of joy home, from setting up the nursery to navigating those first few sleep-deprived weeks. There are colorful illustrations on some pages and a slew of tips for new fathers from a dad's perspective. So grab a copy and get ready to be the best birth partner you can be!
"The Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions" by Penny Simkin
Are you planning to be Mom's labor companion when the big day arrives? Is Mom thinking about working with a doula? “The Birth Partner” has all the information you need to support her during childbirth. Penny Simkin knows her stuff and breaks it down in an easy-to-understand way. "The Birth Partner" covers breathing techniques and pain relief options. Even if you've been through childbirth, there's always something new to learn or refresh your memory. Plus, there are tips and strategies for effectively communicating with the medical team and advocating for the mom's needs.
"You're Going To Be A Dad!: The New Dad's Guide To Pregnancy and The First Year of Fatherhood" by DaddiLife Books
“You’re Going To Be A Dad!” is a great survival guide, giving you all the tips and tricks you need to take on the whirlwind of pregnancy and the first FULL YEAR of fatherhood. Second-time dads and dads-to-be can get a lot of information from reading this book as it thoroughly walks through each week of pregnancy. Once the baby is born, you can read about the first few weeks and months until baby's first year. This book stands out because it's written from the personal experience of many dads, including dads of twins, dads going through IVF, and more. There may even be some dad jokes sprinkled in there! Finally, there's a handy "terms to know" section at the beginning of each chapter, which easily defines common pregnancy terms.
Tips for Incorporating Reading into a Dad's Routine
Incorporating reading into your routine doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are a few simple tips to help you make reading parenting books for dads a regular part of your day.
Try setting aside a specific time each day dedicated to reading. Whether in the morning with your cup of coffee or before bed, finding a consistent time can help make it a habit.
Pick books that interest you. As you can see, a variety of dad books are available. See which style and voice resonates with you the best. Don't be afraid to mix it up and try new things.
Underline or take notes if you find yourself getting distracted while reading.
Finally, remember the wealth of knowledge you'll be taking in and how much more prepared you will be as a father and helpmate to Mom!
Conclusion
Books for dads to read serve as beautiful tools to help navigate the journey of fatherhood. From practical tips to emotional support, these books offer advice for new dads trying to find their way in this new superhero dad role. The knowledge and reassurance found within these pages can truly make a difference in how dads take on the challenges and joys of parenting. When it comes down to it, your relationship with your child will be one-of-a-kind. Cherish the little moments as they come!