Parenthood can be exciting, but it brings many challenges. New parents often find it difficult to adjust to this major life change. Fortunately, there are many books that can help expectant parents prepare for their new baby. Below is a list of classic books expectant parents should consider reading.
The Baby Owner’s Manual by Joe Borgenheit and Louis Borgenheit
You’ve probably heard parents say that children don’t come with an instruction manual, and while that is true, The Baby Owner’s Manual will make it a lot easier for new parents to get through the first year. This book covers topics like getting a newborn to sleep through the night, how to swaddle the baby, and when it is time to take the baby to the doctor.
The Baby Book: Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two by Martha and William Sears
This book will teach you some of the most important things you need to know about your baby’s first two years of life. It covers topics like how to handle your baby’s first few days at home, giving a baby a bath for the first time, and developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, and talking. It also discusses fevers, colds and other health concerns. This book was written by a registered nurse and medical doctor.
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp
Many parents are frustrated because their baby seems to cry for hours on end, and cannot figure out why. The Happiest Baby on the Block discusses some of the most common reasons babies cry, and methods that can soothe them. It also talks about ways parents can get their baby to sleep longer at night.
Baby 411 by Denise Fields
Most new parents have a lot of questions about their newborn. What should I look for in a pediatrician? What can I do to get my baby to sleep through the night? Why is my baby so fussy? The answers to all of those questions and much more can be found in Baby 411. It’s a great starter for your family and can help you find solutions for all those tricky problems.
Honey, I Wrecked the Kids by Alyson Schafer
Discipline is one of the keys to raising a happy, respectful, and well-adjusted to child. However, discipline is something many parents struggle with. They always wonder whether they are doing too much or too little. Honey, I Wrecked the Kids discusses effective discipline techniques, and the author is a psychotherapist. It’s a great tool for getting the hang of good parenting skills.
50 Things to Know About Surviving the First Year of Parenthood by Lisa Marie Rusczky
If there is anything you want to know about your baby’s first year, then you will probably be able to find it in this book. It discusses baby feeding, baby clothes size charts, and baby medicine basket items. This book also talks about things you should know before giving birth, such as what you should pack when you are going to the hospital to deliver. The book also discusses ways you can take the stress out of traveling with a new baby.
Most parents agree that while having a new baby can be a very joyful experience, it can also be a very difficult one. You can prepare for parenthood by reading these books before your baby arrives. Also remember to rely on more than just these resources. Ask your doctor about pregnancy and delivery and what to expect those first few weeks. Your obstetrician might be able to direct you to more resources than you might have known about. Dr. Gilbert Webb always directs high risk patients to support groups, for example, so they know they aren’t alone in their situation. It’s a scary time, but parenthood is a learning experience and with the right starts, you’ll be good to go.
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