Becoming a first-time dad can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are countless things to learn and prepare for, and it can be challenging to know where to start. One essential resource that can help new dads navigate this exciting but challenging time is a good book.
The best first-time dad books offer practical advice and guidance on everything from changing diapers to bonding with your baby. They also provide emotional support and reassurance, helping new dads feel more confident and capable in their new role.
When choosing a first-time dad book, it’s essential to consider the author’s experience and credentials. Look for books written by experts in the field, such as pediatricians, child psychologists, or experienced parents. Additionally, consider the book’s tone and writing style. The best first-time dad books are easy to read, engaging, and relatable.
We spent hours researching and testing various first-time dad books to identify the ones that offer the most valuable advice and support for new dads. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out.
Top 3 Best First Time Dad Books
1. We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
3. I’m Going to be a Dad!: The Ultimate Pregnancy Handbook for First-Time Fathers
As first-time dads, we understand the excitement and anxiety that comes with the arrival of a new baby. There’s so much to learn and prepare for, and it can be overwhelming at times. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best first-time dad books to help you navigate this new chapter in your life with confidence. These books cover everything from pregnancy and childbirth to parenting and beyond, providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to be the best dad you can be. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best first-time dad books.
We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a pregnancy guide that’s easy to read and understand, then We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook by Adrian Kulp is the book for you.
Pros
- The book is written in a humorous and engaging tone that makes it easy to read and understand.
- The chapters are short and to the point, so you can quickly get the information you need without feeling overwhelmed.
- The author provides practical advice and tips that are based on his own experiences as a first-time dad.
Cons
- The book is geared toward dads and may not be as useful for moms or couples who are looking for a more comprehensive guide.
- Some of the humor and language may not be appropriate for all readers.
- The book focuses primarily on the pregnancy and doesn’t provide as much information on the postpartum period or parenting.
As a first-time dad, I found We’re Pregnant! to be an excellent resource. The book covers everything from what to expect during each trimester to how to support your partner during labor and delivery. The author’s humor and personal anecdotes make the book engaging and relatable, and I appreciated the practical advice and tips he provided.
One of the things I liked most about the book was how easy it was to read. The chapters were short and focused, so I could quickly get the information I needed without feeling overwhelmed. The author also includes helpful lists and charts that summarize important information, like what to pack in your hospital bag or what to expect during prenatal appointments.
While the book is geared toward dads, I think it would be a useful resource for anyone who wants a quick and easy-to-read guide to pregnancy. However, it’s worth noting that the book doesn’t provide as much information on the postpartum period or parenting, so you may need to supplement it with additional resources.
Overall, I would highly recommend We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook to any first-time dad who wants a humorous and practical guide to pregnancy.
We’re Parents! The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year: Everything You Need to Know to Survive and Thrive Together
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a comprehensive guide on how to navigate your baby’s first year, then We’re Parents! The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year: Everything You Need to Know to Survive and Thrive Together is a must-have.
Pros
- The book is written in a conversational tone, making it easy to understand and relate to.
- It covers everything from preparing for your baby’s arrival to dealing with common challenges like sleep deprivation and feeding.
- The book provides practical tips and advice for dads on how to bond with their baby and support their partner.
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that the book is very American-centric, which may not be relevant to readers outside of the US.
- A few reviewers have mentioned that the book is repetitive in parts, which can be a bit tedious to read.
- Some of the information provided in the book may be outdated or not in line with current medical advice.
We found We’re Parents! The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year is an engaging and informative read. The authors provide practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of fatherhood while also emphasizing the importance of building a strong bond with your baby. The conversational tone of the book makes it easy to read and relate to, and the practical tips provided are useful for dads of all experience levels.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including preparing for your baby’s arrival, dealing with sleep deprivation, feeding, and bonding with your baby. We particularly appreciated the emphasis on the importance of supporting your partner during this time, as well as the practical advice on how to do so.
While the book is very American-centric, we still found it to be a valuable resource for first-time dads outside of the US. However, some of the information provided in the book may be outdated or not in line with current medical advice, so it’s important to do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider as needed.
Overall, we would highly recommend We’re Parents! The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year to any first-time dad looking for a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the challenges of fatherhood.
I’m Going to be a Dad!: The Ultimate Pregnancy Handbook for First-Time Fathers
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a comprehensive guide to pregnancy, then I’m Going to be a Dad!: The Ultimate Pregnancy Handbook for First-Time Fathers is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Provides practical advice and valuable insights into the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of pregnancy.
- Written from the perspective of a dad who has been through it with his wife a few times and wants to help other new dads.
- Includes mistakes that the author made and how he learned from them, making it relatable and helpful.
Cons
- Some readers may find the writing style a bit too informal.
- The book is relatively short, with only 106 pages.
- It may not cover all the information that some readers are looking for.
This book is an excellent choice for first-time dads who want to be supportive and active partners during pregnancy. It covers everything from conception to birth and provides practical tips and insights into what to expect during each trimester. The author writes from a place of experience and provides relatable anecdotes that make it easy to understand and apply the information.
The book is well-organized and covers a wide range of topics, including what is happening to the mother, what is happening to the baby, and what the father can do to help. It also includes tips on how to be a supportive partner and how to prepare for the arrival of the baby.
Overall, we highly recommend I’m Going to be a Dad!: The Ultimate Pregnancy Handbook for First-Time Fathers for any first-time dad looking for a comprehensive guide to pregnancy. It’s informative, pragmatic, and sensitive, providing the needed stress-buster of essential information for dads.
First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a guidebook to help you through the challenges of fatherhood, then First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Provides practical advice and tips for new dads
- Written in a humorous and engaging style
- Covers a wide range of topics, from pregnancy to the first year of fatherhood
Cons
- Some readers may find the humor a bit too cheesy
- Doesn’t cover some specific topics in-depth
- It may not be as relevant for experienced dads or those with multiple children
As a new dad, I found this book to be incredibly helpful in providing practical advice and tips on how to navigate the challenges of fatherhood. The author’s humorous and engaging writing style made it an enjoyable read, and I appreciated that it covered a wide range of topics, from pregnancy to the first year of fatherhood.
One of the things I liked about this book was that it didn’t just focus on the baby but also provided guidance on how to support my partner during pregnancy and after childbirth. The author also included helpful tips on how to balance work and family life, which was something I was particularly concerned about.
While some readers may find the humor a bit too cheesy, I thought it added a lighthearted touch to the book and made it more approachable. However, I do think that the book could have gone into more depth on some specific topics, such as dealing with postpartum depression or navigating the healthcare system.
Overall, I would highly recommend First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know to any new dad looking for guidance and support during this exciting but challenging time in their life.
7 Chapters Every First Time Dad Needs to Read
We highly recommend purchasing “7 Chapters Every First Time Dad Needs to Read” as it provides a concise and accessible guide for dads-to-be who are short on time.
Pros
- The book is written in an easy-to-read format, making it perfect for busy first-time dads.
- It covers all the essential topics that a first-time dad needs to know, from preparing for the baby’s arrival to managing stress and time.
- The author writes from personal experience, making the book relatable and engaging.
Cons
- The book is relatively short, so it may not cover every single aspect of fatherhood.
- Some readers may prefer a more in-depth guide that covers specific topics in more detail.
- The book is only available in paperback format.
“7 Chapters Every First Time Dad Needs to Read” is an excellent resource for new dads who want to prepare for fatherhood without feeling overwhelmed. The book is written in a friendly and accessible style, making it easy to read and understand.
The first chapter covers preparing for the baby’s arrival, including tips on creating a birth plan and packing a hospital bag. The following chapters cover topics such as managing stress, balancing work and family life, and dealing with the challenges of parenthood.
The author writes from personal experience, sharing anecdotes and insights that new dads will find relatable. The book is also filled with practical tips and advice that will help first-time dads feel more confident and prepared.
Overall, “7 Chapters Every First Time Dad Needs to Read” is an excellent resource for new dads who want to prepare for fatherhood in a concise and accessible way. We highly recommend it to any first-time dad who is short on time but wants to be fully prepared for the journey ahead.
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
If you’re a first-time dad-to-be and want to be fully prepared for the arrival of your little one, then The Expectant Father is a must-have book for you.
Pros
- The book is written in a conversational tone and is easy to understand.
- It provides a month-by-month guide to pregnancy and covers everything from prenatal care to delivery.
- The Expectant Father offers practical advice on how to support your partner during pregnancy and beyond.
Cons
- Some readers felt that the book was geared towards an American audience.
- The Expectant Father may not be the best choice for dads who already have some knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth.
- The book’s personal anecdotes may not resonate with all readers.
We found The Expectant Father to be an incredibly informative and helpful book. It covers everything a first-time dad needs to know about pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of parenthood. The book is written in a friendly, conversational tone, which makes it easy to read and understand.
One of the things we appreciated most about The Expectant Father is that it provides a month-by-month guide to pregnancy. This means that you can follow along with your partner’s pregnancy and know what to expect at each stage. The book also includes practical advice on how to support your partner during pregnancy and beyond.
While some readers felt that the book was geared towards an American audience, we didn’t find this to be a significant issue. The Expectant Father is still an incredibly informative and helpful book, regardless of where you live.
Overall, we highly recommend The Expectant Father to any first-time dad-to-be. It’s an excellent resource that will help you feel more prepared for the arrival of your little one.
The Simplest Baby Book in the World
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the challenges of parenting, then The Simplest Baby Book in the World is the perfect resource for you.
Pros
- The book is easy to read and understand, with concise descriptions and practical tips that make parenting less overwhelming.
- The illustrations are visually appealing and help to clarify concepts and techniques, making it easier to follow along.
- The book is well-organized, with sections covering everything from pregnancy to baby care, making it a one-stop-shop for all your parenting needs.
Cons
- The book may not be detailed enough for experienced parents who are already familiar with some of the information presented.
- The book doesn’t cover some of the more advanced topics related to parenting, such as dealing with behavioral issues or managing complex medical conditions.
- Some of the recommendations in the book may not be suitable for all families, as every child is unique and may require different approaches to parenting.
Overall, The Simplest Baby Book in the World is a great resource for first-time dads who are looking for a comprehensive guide to help them navigate through the challenges of parenting. The book is easy to read and understand, with practical tips and illustrations that make it easier to follow along. While it may not be detailed enough for experienced parents, it’s a great starting point for those who are new to parenting.
What to Expect the First Year
If you’re a first-time dad looking for a comprehensive guide on what to expect during the first year of your baby’s life, then “What to Expect the First Year” is the perfect book for you.
Pros
- Provides detailed information on baby’s development and milestones
- Offers practical advice on feeding, sleeping, and diapering
- Written in an easy-to-understand language
Cons
- Some of the information may be repetitive or common sense
- The book is quite large and may be overwhelming for some readers
- The medical information may not be applicable to all readers in different countries
The book covers everything from the first few weeks of your baby’s life to their first birthday. It includes information on feeding, sleeping, diapering, and bathing, as well as tips on how to deal with common issues such as colic, teething, and sleep regressions. The book also provides guidance on how to handle emergencies and when to seek medical help.
The authors, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, are both experienced moms who have been through the first year of their own children’s lives. They offer practical advice based on their own experiences as well as input from pediatricians and other experts in the field.
Overall, “What to Expect the First Year” is a must-have book for any first-time dad who wants to be prepared for the challenges and joys of their baby’s first year of life.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best first-time dad book, there are a few factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features to look for to help you make an informed decision.
Content
The content of the book should be informative, engaging, and relevant to new dads. Look for books that cover a range of topics, from pregnancy and childbirth to parenting and child development. The book should provide practical advice and tips that new dads can apply in their daily lives.
Writing Style
The writing style of the book should be clear and easy to understand. Look for books that use simple language and avoid jargon. The book should be engaging and entertaining, with a tone that resonates with new dads.
Format
The format of the book is also important. Look for books that are well-organized and easy to navigate. The book should have clear headings, subheadings, and sections that make it easy to find the information you need. Consider whether you prefer a traditional book format or an e-book.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other new dads can be helpful in choosing the best book. Look for books with positive reviews that mention the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Consider the overall rating of the book and the number of reviews it has received.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best first-time dad book that meets your needs and provides you with the information and support you need to be the best dad you can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recommended books for first-time dads?
As first-time dads, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of parenting. A few books that we recommend for new dads include “The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year” by Armin A. Brott, “Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads” by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden, and “Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!: How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 Months” by John Pfeiffer. These books provide practical advice, tips, and insights to help new dads navigate the challenges of fatherhood.
What are some good books for dads with daughters?
For dads with daughters, we recommend “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know” by Meg Meeker, “The Father Daughter Talk: How to Talk to Your Daughter About Growing Up, Sex, and Relationships” by Grace Cornish, and “Raising Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Grow Up Happy, Healthy, and Strong” by Steve Biddulph. These books provide guidance on how to build strong relationships with daughters and raise confident, empowered young women.
What are some of the best books for fathers raising sons?
For fathers raising sons, we recommend “The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It” by Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence J. Cohen, “Raising Boys: Why Boys Are Different – and How to Help Them Become Happy and Well-Balanced Men” by Steve Biddulph, and “Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys” by Stephen James and David Thomas. These books provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and joys of raising boys.
What are some of the best parenting books for new dads?
In addition to books specifically for dads, there are a number of great parenting books that can be helpful for new fathers. We recommend “The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, “No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, and “Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility” by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. These books provide practical advice and strategies for raising happy, healthy, well-adjusted children.
What are some of the best books for expecting parents?
For expecting parents, we recommend “The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash, “Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide” by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler, and “The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions” by Penny Simkin. These books provide valuable information and guidance for navigating the journey of pregnancy and childbirth.
How long does it typically take for dads to bond with their baby?
The bonding process between a father and their baby can vary from person to person. Some dads may feel an instant connection, while others may take a little longer to develop a bond. It’s important to remember that bonding is a process that takes time and effort. Spending quality time with your baby, such as through skin-to-skin contact and engaging in playtime, can help facilitate the bonding process. If you’re struggling to bond with your baby, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional for support.
