Becoming a new dad is an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are many things to learn and prepare for, including how to care for a newborn, how to be a supportive partner, and how to navigate the changes that come with parenthood. One valuable resource for new dads is books. Books can provide guidance, support, and inspiration during this transformative time.
When it comes to choosing the best books for new dads, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s important to look for books that are written specifically for dads. While there are many excellent parenting books out there, books written for moms may not address the unique challenges and experiences that dads face. Second, it’s helpful to choose books that cover a range of topics, from newborn care to fatherhood identity to relationship advice. Finally, it’s important to choose books that are engaging, accessible, and easy to read.
We spent hours researching and reviewing the top books for new dads to help you find the perfect resource for your needs. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or just a good laugh, we’ve got you covered.
Top 3 Best Books for New Dads
We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads
The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year
As new dads, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to navigate this new chapter in life. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best books to help new dads navigate fatherhood with confidence. From practical advice to heartwarming stories, these books cover a range of topics to help new dads feel prepared and supported. Check out our top picks below.
We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your partner’s pregnancy, “We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook” is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- The book is written by a dad, for dads, so the advice and insights are relatable and practical.
- The chapters are short and easy to digest, making it easy to read a little bit each day.
- The book covers a wide range of topics, from understanding pregnancy symptoms to preparing for childbirth and beyond.
Cons
- Some readers may find the humor and tone of the book a bit too bro-focused.
- While the book is comprehensive, it doesn’t go into as much detail on some topics as other pregnancy books might.
- The book is geared specifically toward cisgender, heterosexual couples, so some of the advice may not be applicable to all families.
In “We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook,” author Adrian Kulp shares his experiences and insights as a first-time dad, offering practical advice and guidance for other dads-to-be. The book covers everything from understanding pregnancy symptoms to preparing for childbirth and beyond, with short, easy-to-read chapters that make it easy to fit a little reading in each day.
One thing we really appreciated about this book is that it’s written specifically for dads, by a dad. This means that the advice and insights are relatable and practical, and the tone is friendly and approachable. Kulp doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous aspects of pregnancy, either – he’s upfront about the fact that it can be messy, uncomfortable, and even a little scary at times.
That said, some readers may find the humor and tone of the book a bit too bro-focused. Kulp is clearly writing for a male audience, and some of his jokes and anecdotes may not land with everyone. Additionally, while the book is comprehensive, it doesn’t go into as much detail on some topics as other pregnancy books might – so if you’re looking for an in-depth guide to a specific aspect of pregnancy or childbirth, you may need to supplement this book with additional resources.
Finally, it’s worth noting that “We’re Pregnant!” is geared specifically toward cisgender, heterosexual couples. While Kulp does touch on some LGBTQ+ issues and acknowledges that not all families look the same, much of the advice and guidance in the book assumes a traditional male/female partnership.
Overall, we think “We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook” is a solid choice for any first-time dad looking for a relatable, practical guide to pregnancy. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great starting point – and at just over 200 pages, it’s a quick and easy read that won’t overwhelm you with information.
Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads
If you’re a new dad looking for a practical guide to help you navigate fatherhood, Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The book is written in a conversational tone and is easy to read and understand, making it accessible to dads of all backgrounds.
- The author offers practical advice on everything from changing diapers to soothing a crying baby, making it a great resource for dads who are new to parenting.
- The book includes helpful illustrations and diagrams that make it easy to follow along with the author’s instructions.
Cons
- Some of the information in the book may be outdated, as it was first published in 2004.
- The book focuses primarily on the early stages of fatherhood, so dads with older children may not find it as useful.
- The author’s sense of humor may not be to everyone’s taste, and some readers may find the jokes and anecdotes distracting.
Overall, we would recommend Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads to any new dad looking for a practical, easy-to-read guide to fatherhood. While it may not be the most comprehensive book on the subject, it offers plenty of useful advice and tips that can help new dads feel more confident and prepared for the challenges of parenting.
The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year
If you’re a new dad looking for a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the first year of fatherhood, The New Father is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Provides practical advice and helpful tips for new dads
- Broken down into weekly sections for easy reference
- Written in an engaging and easy-to-understand style
Cons
- The book’s focus on developmental milestones may not be applicable to every child
- Some readers may find the book too basic or simplistic
- The book is geared towards traditional, heterosexual families and may not be as inclusive as some readers would like
Overall, we highly recommend The New Father for any new dad looking for guidance and support during the first year of fatherhood. The book covers a wide range of topics, from bonding with your baby to navigating the challenges of sleep deprivation and postpartum depression. The weekly format makes it easy to find the information you need, and the writing style is engaging and accessible.
In addition to practical advice, the book also includes personal stories from other new dads, which can be reassuring and helpful for readers who may be feeling overwhelmed or unsure of themselves. While the book’s focus on developmental milestones may not be applicable to every child, we appreciate the emphasis on providing dads with the information they need to be involved and engaged in their child’s life from the very beginning.
Overall, we believe that The New Father is an essential resource for any new dad, and we highly recommend it.
Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a light-hearted guide to get you through the next nine months, Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad! is a great option.
Pros
- The book is written in a casual and approachable style that makes it easy to read.
- It covers a wide range of topics, from conception to postpartum, giving you a complete understanding of what to expect.
- It’s a fun and light-hearted read that will help you feel more comfortable with the idea of becoming a dad.
Cons
- The book’s humor may not be for everyone, and some readers may find it a bit juvenile.
- Some of the advice is a bit outdated and may not be relevant to modern dads.
- The book is relatively short and may not provide as much in-depth information as some readers would like.
Overall, we would recommend Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad! to any first-time dad looking for a fun and approachable guide to pregnancy and fatherhood. While it may not be the most comprehensive book out there, it provides a good overview of what to expect and will help you feel more comfortable with the idea of becoming a dad.
In the book, the author, John Pfeiffer, uses his own experiences as a father to provide helpful advice and insights into what to expect during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. He covers everything from dealing with morning sickness to preparing for the birth and taking care of your new baby.
One thing we really appreciated about this book is that it’s written specifically for dads. While many pregnancy and parenting books are geared towards moms, this one is focused entirely on helping dads navigate this new and exciting time in their lives.
Overall, we think that Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad! is a great book for any new dad looking for a fun and approachable guide to pregnancy and fatherhood. If you’re looking for a more in-depth resource, you may want to look elsewhere, but for a light-hearted read that will help you feel more comfortable with the idea of becoming a dad, this book is a great choice.
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your partner’s pregnancy, then The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be is a must-read.
Pros
- Provides month-by-month guidance on what to expect during pregnancy
- Offers practical advice on how to support your partner during pregnancy and childbirth
- Includes insights from experienced fathers and medical experts
Cons
- Some of the information may be outdated
- The writing style may not be engaging for all readers
- Some readers may find the book too focused on the experience of heterosexual couples
As a first-time dad, I found this book to be incredibly helpful in understanding what my partner was going through during her pregnancy. The month-by-month breakdown of what to expect was especially valuable, as it allowed me to anticipate and prepare for each stage of the pregnancy. The book also provided practical advice on how to support my partner during labor and delivery, which helped me feel more confident in my ability to be a supportive partner.
One potential drawback of the book is that some of the information may be outdated. For example, the book includes a section on how to choose a pediatrician, but the recommendations for how to do so may not be relevant in today’s healthcare landscape. Additionally, some readers may find the writing style to be dry or unengaging, which could make it difficult to stay motivated to read through the entire book.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be to any new dad who is looking for a comprehensive guide to help them navigate their partner’s pregnancy. While it may not be perfect, the book provides a wealth of valuable information and insights that will help you feel more confident and prepared as you embark on this exciting new journey.
I Love You, Daddy: A Tale of Encouragement and Parental Love between a Father and his Child, Picture Book
If you’re looking for a heartwarming book to share with your little one, I Love You, Daddy: A Tale of Encouragement and Parental Love between a Father and his Child, Picture Book is a great choice.
Pros
- The story is touching and promotes positive values such as determination, confidence, responsibility, and trust.
- The illustrations are colorful, vibrant, and engaging for children.
- The book is made of sturdy materials, ensuring it will last through many readings.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too advanced for very young children, as it contains a fair amount of text.
- The cover design may not be to everyone’s taste.
- The book is relatively short, with only 32 pages.
The story follows a baby bear who learns to do grown-up things with the help and encouragement of his loving father. The book is gender-neutral, making it a great gift for any new dad.
The illustrations are beautiful and help bring the story to life. The colors are bright and the characters are cute and expressive, making it easy for children to connect with the story.
While the book is relatively short, it is perfect for a quick bedtime story or for bonding time with your child. The sturdy materials ensure that the book will hold up well to repeated readings and handling by little hands.
Overall, I Love You, Daddy: A Tale of Encouragement and Parental Love between a Father and his Child, Picture Book is a great choice for any new dad looking for a heartwarming story to share with their child.
New Dad Baby Hacks: A Contemporary Guide For Dads
If you’re a first-time dad, this book is worth checking out as it provides practical strategies for navigating the first year of fatherhood.
Pros
- The book is a quick read, with only 125 pages, making it easy to digest.
- The author’s writing style is engaging and humorous, making it a fun read.
- The book is well-organized, providing clear and concise advice.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too simplistic, lacking in-depth information.
- A few readers have commented that some of the advice is common sense and not particularly groundbreaking.
- The book focuses mainly on the first year of fatherhood, so it may not be as useful for dads with older children.
In this book, William Harding provides practical tips and advice for new dads, covering everything from changing diapers to dealing with sleep deprivation. The writing style is engaging and humorous, making it an enjoyable read. However, some readers may find the advice to be too simplistic or common sense. Overall, if you’re a new dad looking for a quick and easy-to-read guide to navigating the first year of fatherhood, this book is worth checking out.
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad: Celebrate Your Father Daughter Bond this Father’s Day with this Special Picture Book! (Always in My Heart)
If you’re looking for a heartwarming gift for a new dad and his daughter, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad is a great choice. This picture book celebrates the special bond between fathers and daughters, and the illustrations are simply adorable.
Pros
- Beautiful illustrations that capture the bond between fathers and daughters
- A heartwarming story that will tug at your heartstrings
- A great gift for new dads and their daughters
Cons
- The book is only 32 pages long, so it may not be substantial enough for some readers
- The reading level is quite low, so it may not be challenging enough for older children
- The book is specifically geared towards daughters, so it may not be as appropriate for fathers and sons
We recently purchased this book for a friend who had just become a new dad, and he absolutely loved it. The illustrations are so sweet and capture the bond between fathers and daughters perfectly. The story is simple but heartwarming, and it’s a great way to celebrate the special relationship between dads and their little girls.
While the book is quite short, we think that it’s the perfect length for a bedtime story or a quick read before naptime. The reading level is quite low, so it’s a great choice for younger children who are just starting to read on their own.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Why a Daughter Needs a Dad to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming gift for a new dad and his daughter. It’s a beautiful book that celebrates the special bond between fathers and daughters, and we think that it’s sure to become a treasured part of any family’s library.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best books for new dads, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Content
First and foremost, consider the content of the book. Look for books that cover a wide range of topics, from basic baby care to parenting strategies and emotional support. It’s also helpful to find books that offer practical advice and real-world examples, rather than just theoretical concepts.
Writing Style
The writing style of a book can also make a big difference in how helpful it is to new dads. Look for books that are easy to read and understand, with clear language and a conversational tone. Avoid books that are overly academic or technical, as they may be more difficult to engage with.
Format
The format of a book can also impact its usefulness. Consider whether you prefer a traditional text-based book, or if you would prefer a book with more visual aids like diagrams or photographs. Additionally, some books come with accompanying online resources like videos or forums, which can be helpful for new dads looking for additional support.
Reviews
Finally, be sure to read reviews of any book you’re considering. Look for books with positive reviews from other new dads, and pay attention to any common criticisms or complaints. This can help you make an informed decision and avoid books that may not be helpful or relevant to your needs.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best books for new dads and feel confident in your parenting journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recommended books for new fathers?
As new fathers, there are a lot of things that we need to learn quickly, and reading books can help us become better dads. Some of the recommended books for new fathers include “The Expectant Father” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash, “Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!” by John Pfeiffer, and “Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads” by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden.
What books are best for dads with daughters?
Being a dad to a daughter can be a unique experience, and there are some books that can help us navigate this journey. Some of the best books for dads with daughters include “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters” by Meg Meeker, “Raising Girls” by Steve Biddulph, and “The Wonder of Girls” by Michael Gurian.
What should I read before becoming a father?
If you are planning to become a father, there are some books that you should read to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Some of the recommended books include “The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year” by Armin A. Brott, “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin, and “Baby 411” by Denise Fields and Ari Brown.
What are some good books for expecting dads?
If you are an expecting dad, there are some books that can help you prepare for the arrival of your little one. Some of the recommended books include “The Expectant Father” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash, “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin, and “The Baby Owner’s Manual” by Louis Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht.
What are some popular fatherhood books?
There are many popular books on fatherhood that can help us become better dads. Some of the most popular fatherhood books include “Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge” by Etan Thomas, “The Dad’s Edge” by Larry Hagner, and “The Art of Being a Dad” by Jay Payleitner.
What are some Christian books for new dads?
If you are a Christian dad, there are some books that can help you integrate your faith into your parenting journey. Some of the recommended Christian books for new dads include “The Christian Dad’s Answer Book” by Dr. Jim Grassi, “The Father Connection” by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler, and “The Dad Difference” by Bryan Loritts.
