There’s so much information about pregnancy and parenthood and the do’s and don’ts, that it can easily become overwhelming. From books to magazines to mommy blogs, it can feel like there’s not enough room in your brain to store it all. So we’ve complied a list of the top ten best books to take you from pregnancy to parenthood, whether you’re a first time parent or a seasoned veteran.
1. What To Expect When You’re Expecting
We start off our list with America’s #1 Pregnancy book. With it’s comprehensive tips, advice, and regular updates to include current trends and news, there’s a reason why it’s number one.
2. The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly
A journal is a perfect way to memorialize your pregnancy. This journal is great because it’s already broken up into weeks and trimesters with space to include ultrasound pictures, belly growth pics, and your baby’s footprint. It also asks you questions about your moods, cravings, and thoughts. If you love to scrapbook then this is the perfect journal for you!
3. Funny Little Pregnant Things: The good, the bad, and the just plain gross things about pregnancy that other books aren’t going to tell you
It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed about the wealth of information about being pregnant and being a parent. It’s like you could read every book in the world and still feel like you’re not prepared enough. This book aims to fill you in on the lesser talked about preggo problems, all while keeping you entertained.
4. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: From Doctors Who Are Parents, Too!
One of the most informative guides to pregnancy, this book covers topics ranging from worrisome symptoms, your baby’s development, to breastfeeding and going back to work. Plus, it’s written by doctors and researchers so you know it’s accurate.
5. What to Expect the First Year
The sequel to “What To Expect When You’re Expecting”, this book is packed full of everything you need to know to successfully navigate those first twelve months. Whether it’s issues with getting an older sibling adjusted, preparing to travel with your baby, or what motor skills to watch for, this book has it all.
6. The Happiest Baby on the Block; Fully Revised and Updated Second Edition: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer
One of the hardest parts about being a new parent is trying to deal with the serious lack of sleep. In this book by author and doctor, Dr. Karp discusses four concepts surrounding his go to method for soothing fussy babies. With 4.4 out of 5 stars and over 2300 reviews, it’s worth giving this book a go.
7. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 6th Edition: Birth to Age 5
Being a first time parent to a newborn is daunting for many. And it can still be just as daunting when you’re a parent to a 5 year old. This book aims to guide parents from birth to kindergarten. Written by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this book also contains a lot of helpful information about health and safety for your child.
8. The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively
Whether you’re looking to connect more with your child or deepen your relationship, this book can help. It goes into what the author, Gary D. Chapman, defines as the five love languages which are Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Acts of Service, and Gifts. Each “love language” is meant to deepen the relationship between parent and child by making your child feel loved and appreciated for who they are.
9. 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting
Disciplining your child is a challenge, and it’s only made more difficult by the many conflicting opinions about which approach is best. This book focuses on disciplining by providing positive feedback and encouragement to avoid negative behavior and also offers tips on helping your child learn how to control and express their emotions in a healthy way.
10. The Self-Care Solution: A Modern Mother’s Must-Have Guide to Health and Well-Being
Self care is vital for a happy and healthy life, but it can be difficult to set aside time for yourself when you’re taking care of little ones. This book is a great reminder to not neglect your individual needs. The author, Julie Burton, shares her own stories of struggle and how to successfully combat these issues to achieve a more balanced life.
Downton Baby 