There are some things that nobody tells us about parenting. In fact, before becoming parents, I’m willing to bet that none of us had any idea about parenting! Or at least any ideas that helped us when reality hit.
Parenting books are some of the most informative reads out there, some of which are written by the most experienced and knowledgeable in the world of raising children. The best baby books for parents are those that help us to feel connected with other struggling parents, teach us something new, or reassure us that no matter how tired we feel right now, it’s all going to be ok.
There’s no shame in reading parenting books! In fact, it’s one of the very best things that you can do for your own sanity as well as your child’s development and experience of their younger years. We go to the doctor when we don’t know what’s wrong, turning to a parenting book when we feel a little lost is exactly the same. There’s comfort in trusting those that are more experienced to guide us through parenthood whilst also putting our own spin on things.
Below are 13 of the best parenting books ever written. From female hormones to dad’s concerns, to parenting consciously and learning about attachment – these books have it all!
The biggest question is, where will you start?
Disclosure: The products included in this list are not sponsored or affiliated, and have been selected by our blog writer. The mentioned prices reflect prices at the moment of publishing the article.
1. What No One Tells You – Alexandra Sacks, MD & Catherine Birndorf, MD, $17.00
This book is just as much a first-time parenting book as it is a useful guide for those of us who are somewhat familiar with the trials of parenthood. In ‘What No One Tells You’, two top reproductive psychologists explain what’s going on in your brain during pregnancy and motherhood.
From pure joy to difficulties bonding, the authors explain to you why it’s totally normal to feel all of the feelings on your journey to becoming a parent.
2. Weird Parenting Wins – Hillary Frank, $17.00
Among the best books for new parents, in ‘Weird Parenting Wins’, you’ll quickly learn that it’s not only you that does seemingly crazy and wonderful things to get your children to stop screaming.
Some of the very best and most entertaining parent wins make up the pages of ‘Weird Parenting Wins’ – a great book for the mom who’s feeling a little overwhelmed with it all and needs an uplifting read.
3. How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids – Carla Naumberg, $15.95
If you’re a fiery parent (and let’s be honest, aren’t we all at some point?!) this book is for you. Somehow our kids know exactly which buttons to press, how long for, and when, and sometimes all we can do to stop the fire from exploding out the top of our heads is scream at them!
Most of us find ourselves shouting at our children more often than we’re proud to admit – but don’t worry, what’s written in these pages will help you. Become a calmer parent in 2021!
4. Cribsheet – Emily Oster, $13.67
One of the very best new parent books, the author of ‘Cribsheet’ has done all of the mommy research for us so that we can focus on the most important thing, being with our children.
With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s not! This book brings a few myths to light as well as giving some of the very best science-based advice for parenting. From the benefits of breastfeeding to the best time to potty train, you’re sure to feel a lot less confused after reading this book.
5. How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids – Jancee Dunn, $12.30
It’s no secret that relationships can struggle following the arrival of a new baby. Suddenly those things our partners do that never used to bother us become the most annoying thing we’ve ever had to endure. More often than not, we feel like we’re doing everything that we can do to be a good mom whilst they’re continuing life exactly as before.
Know that it’s not the case! This book explains what’s going on as well as how to rekindle the spark and stop yourself from murdering your husband in the night…
6. Taking Care of Your Child – Robert H. Pantell, MD, James F. Fries, MD, & Donald M. Vickery, MD, $24.86
The one question that we ask ourselves about 100 times a day – ‘should I take my baby to the doctor’?
This book is among the best parenting books for newborns and includes easy-to-use decision charts that explain over 175 health problems to help you decide whether or not you actually need to take your baby to see the doctor. Forget late-night Google searches, it’s all here!
Vomit, rashes, and coughs, your baby is sure to have them all – this book will tell you what you need to do when faced with them.
7. The Attachment Parenting Book – William Sears, M.D. & Martha Sears, R.N., $15.99
Everything you ever needed to know about developing a beautiful bond with your baby and ensuring a secure attachment.
This book covers the 6 B’s that are most discussed as effective ways to bond with your baby – birth bonding, breastfeeding, babywearing, bedding close to baby, belief in the language value of baby’s cry, and being aware of baby trainers.
This book will help you to understand your child in their early weeks and years, as well as advising you of the very best ways to nurture them and your relationship with them.
8. Diaper Dude – Chris Pegula, $16.00
If we feel confused about what to do with a baby, imagine how dad feels?! For many of us, a mother’s instinct comes on its own. After all, we carried them for 9 months and the hormones generally come naturally. For dads, it’s not always so easy. And with us barking at them for doing the wrong thing, can we blame them for feeling a little lost?!
That’s why this one’s for the dads! The ultimate guide to surviving the first two years as a parent, this guide is packed with some of the very best information and useful tips. The author lets the dad know that he doesn’t have to lose himself just because he’s got a new job role.
9. How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk – Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish, $29.25
One of the top parenting books of all time, ‘How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk’ has been around for so long that even your own parents might have read it. But there’s a reason it’s remained so popular, it’s so helpful in teaching us how to communicate with our children!
This book will give you the tricks and tools that you need to stop yelling at your kids as well as repeating yourself 1000’s of times every minute.
10. The Fifth Trimester – Lauren Smith Brody, $16.95
You’ve heard of the third trimester, you might have even heard of the fourth. But the fifth?!
This book is all about what happens after the newborn stage when it’s time to go back to work. This book contains practical tips from a mom who’s been there on how to make the back-to-work transition as easy as possible.
Expect pumping tips as well as reminders for how to dress without sweatpants!
11. The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting – Ilana Wiles, $21.52
Award-winning mommy blogger Ilana Wiles has given moms a fun and easy way to feel connected to each other with this book. It’s time to take parenting a little less seriously and laugh alongside another mom who also has no idea what she’s doing!
Sometimes all we need is to sit down with a glass of wine and a funny book, this read is exactly what you need after the stress of 2020.
12. The Co-Parents’ Handbook – Karen Bonnel with Kristin Little, $19.95
Just because you live in a separate house from the person you’ve had a baby with, doesn’t mean that you can’t effectively co-parent.
This book is one of the very best in guiding you through separation and knowing how to get the whole family through it in a simple way. When you don’t know what to say to your children’s questions about divorce, this book will give you the answers.
Separation is difficult! Don’t handle it alone.
13. The Conscious Parent – Shefali Tsabary, $23.25
A twist on your average baby-raising book, this treasure focuses on raising the parent into someone who feels confident and calm in consciously raising an empowered child. Conscious parenting principles and how to be more mindful as parents are the focus of this book.
The author believes that our child is simply a soul that has joined our family. We’re blessed with the job of raising them, but we do not own them. This insight alone is enough to help us approach parenting with less control and struggle.
The takeaway
Becoming a parent is hard — whether you’re an experienced mother of 5 or have just seen your very first blue ‘plus’ sign on a stick. Ultimately, you are your best advice when it comes to parenting. After all, nobody knows your child as well as you do. But sometimes, all we need is a gentle helping hand from a fellow mom or parenting expert to help guide us through the harder decisions and support us in the difficult times.
What are your favorite parenting books of all time? Have we missed anything special from the list?! Share in the comment section below!
