The sheer number of parenting books—not to mention the wealth of novel, and often conflicting, advice within—is enough to make even the most eager new parent’s head spin. So here are a few we found helpful for different reasons…because part of keeping a sampler on hand is feeling empowered to trust your own instincts and take what you will from each title.
What to Expect The First Year by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
This go-to guide is organized by month and designed to answer every question you might have about the new little person in your ife. From monthly milestones to how much spit up is the right amount of spit up to finding the right childcare to when and how to start solids, it’s exhaustive but not exhausting.
Moms on Call Basic Baby Care by Laura Hunter LPN and Jennifer Walker RN BSN
Written by two pediatric nurses with eight children between them, this is a pretty straightforward guide to newborn care. To each her own on the sleep-training front, but the most helpful things here are the “Typical Day” sample schedules based on your baby’s age. It’s perfect for the days when you forget what day it is much less how your baby should be spending it. We also like the simple, actionable advice of creating a consistent bedtime routine.
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
While “Ten Ways To Impersonate Your Uterus” might not have been top of mind before baby, it will come in handy as soon as you become viscerally familiar with what Dr. Harvey Karp calls your baby’s crying reflex. Simply put, this book is concerned with why babies cry and how to help them. If you only read one chapter make it the one on the 5 S’s”: Swaddling, Side/Stomach *Your baby’s feel good position,” Shushing, Swinging and Sucking. The book also goes quite in depth on colic and sleep safety. The tone is straightforward, warm and often funny.
How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids by Jancee Dunn
Jancee Dunn’s memoir meets self-help book is a much needed respite from the dogma-drain of other parenting books. It will make you laugh, sure, but it’s also an important reminder that your baby will affect your marriage and vice versa. Let’s just say it will make you feel seen when, one week in, you seriously consider hurling every expletive in the book towards your partner—and even give you the tools you’ll need to take the high road together.
