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What emotions did you feel the moment you found out you were going to be a father? Excited? Joyful? Or perhaps a bit nervous? It’s only natural for first-time dads to experience a whirlwind of emotions as they anticipate the arrival of their little one. From the moment your wife becomes pregnant until your child grows up, your life will be filled with countless new experiences.
Let’s be honest, even though you’re excited, this journey of fatherhood can be a bit daunting, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Millions of fathers around the world are going through the same thing. To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled a list of 13 must-read books for new dads. These books will provide you with valuable guidance and support as you strive to be the best father you can be.
1. The Simplest Baby Book in the World
One of the first books Babies Parent wants to introduce to new dads is The Simplest Baby Book in the World. Why did we decide to put it in the first place? Because it is a great starting point for new dads, helping them get an overview of baby care.
As the name suggests, the book provides new dads with the most basic and simple information about baby care. The content of the book focuses on practical issues surrounding babies such as how to take care of a newborn, how to bathe, how to bottle feed, or how to change diapers.
A great advantage of The Simplest Baby Book in the World is that all the content is conveyed in the “simplest” way with intuitive illustrations. Each topic is illustrated with simple and easy-to-understand images so that even “rookie” dads can grasp it clearly.
Author: Stephen Gross
Version: Kindle / Paperback
| Pros ✅Simple and easy-to-understand language ✅Factful and intuitive content ✅Basic for first-time dads ✅Provides many useful tips | Cons ❌Focus on general knowledge so it is impersonal and not deep enough |
2. The Family Firm: A Data-Driven Guide to Better Decision Making in the Early School Years
The Family Firm: A Data-Driven Guide to Better Decision Making in the Early School Years is a highly useful book for parents, especially for those about to enter the school-going stage. Written by Emily Oster, an economics professor and a mom herself, this seems like quite the refreshing scientific take on raising children.
The book equips parents with the necessary knowledge to raise a child properly. Instead of giving personal advice or tips, the author uses numbers and data to analyze how to raise children. The book covers many important issues in the early stages of a child’s life, from health care to choosing a school, or extracurricular activities like camping.
The book wants you to operate your family like a “firm” with a clear plan and more flexible decisions to suit your children. Author Emily Oster has captivated readers by combining “economics” and “family” together when the knowledge she shares seems like a business plan applied in a family firm. Interesting, right?
Author: Emily Oster
Version: Kindle / Audiobook / Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Providing an overview ✅A scientific approach to parenting ✅A guide to decision-making ✅A fresh perspective on combining economics and family management | Cons ❌May not be suitable for each family’s specific circumstances |
3. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
The list of best books for new dads can only be with The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be. As its name suggests, the book is a comprehensive guide for those who are about to welcome a little angel and become a father for the first time. The book covers many different topics revolving around the journey of fatherhood, from the physical and emotional changes that mothers experience during pregnancy, caring for a newborn, to the challenges and joys of fatherhood.
The Expectant Father opens up a wide world of everything you need to know when preparing to be the father of a little angel. The book will prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for your baby, your wife, and yourself in the future journey.
One thing that makes Babies Parents love The Expectant Father is the real perspectives from other future fathers, bringing a sense of empathy and understanding. The book will support you to the fullest with practical advice and emotional support.
Author: Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash Rudick
Version: Kindle / Audiobook / Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Comprehensive knowledge ✅Diverse perspectives from many other dads ✅Practical advice ✅Emotional support | Cons ❌May not be suitable for each family’s specific circumstances |
4. The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids
The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids is the next book on the list of must-reads for new fathers. This book includes 366 short meditations as a daily handbook to prepare for a year of practicing fatherhood. Author Ryan Holiday has incorporated an insightful and emotional perspective on the role of the father in the family into these meditations.
Unlike the books Babies Parent has just introduced, The Daily Dad does not focus much on parenting skills but goes into the emotional and psychological aspects of both fathers and children. It can be said that The Daily Dad is a handbook on the emotions of being a father. The author combines stories from real life, profound philosophies, and experiences of famous parents to inspire.
The topics covered in the book are diverse, from building father-child relationships, educating values, and facing challenges in parenting, to finding a balance between family life and work. The Daily Dad also impresses by using a simple, easy-to-understand tone to talk about complex, difficult philosophies. Therefore, the book becomes a “friendly friend” to many future fathers on this difficult journey of fatherhood.
Author: Ryan Holiday
Version: Kindle / Audiobook / Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Unique structure with 366 short meditations ✅Suitable for daily reading ✅Rich content with a multi-dimensional perspective ✅Simple, easy-to-understand language | Cons ❌Lack of scientific basis, relying more on personal experience and philosophy than scientific research |
5. The Road (Oprah’s Book Club
If the previous books for new dads focused on knowledge, parenting skills, or the psychological and emotional aspects of being a father, then The Road is a different world. The book brings a unique and fresh approach to the emotions and psychology of being a father with a touching fantasy story.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a post-apocalyptic novel that has left a deep impression on many readers, especially future fathers. The book tells the story of a father and son’s arduous journey trying to survive in a destroyed world, where both face many dangers from disease, and deprivation to threats from their own kind.
McCarthy has painted a vivid and haunting picture of a cruel world where everything has been erased but is still full of the warmth of father-son love. The father’s love, protection, and hope have become the motivation for both to overcome difficulties. McCarthy uses simple, even somewhat crude language, but it contains a strange power that will draw any reader into the story.
Author: Cormac McCarthy
Version: Kindle / Audiobook / Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Emotional reading experience ✅A fresh and unique perspective on fatherhood ✅A deep reflection on life | Cons ❌Content is quite heavy and pessimistic |
6. Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans
We’ve had the practical side with The Expectant Father, the scientific side with The Family Firm, and the post-apocalyptic fantasy side with The Road. So why not try the ancient side with Hunt, Gather, Parent? The short title with three concise words perfectly expresses the content of this book.
Hunt, Gather, Parent is one of the most impressive books for new dads when it combines ancient cultures such as hunting and gathering with modern parenting philosophies. The book provides a fresh perspective on parenting by learning from ancient cultures. The book helps those of us who are, are, or are about to be parents better understand the basic and natural principles of human development.
Hunt, Gather, Parent addresses a variety of parenting topics, from building independence, giving children the freedom to explore, building boundaries, and encouraging cooperation. The author provides practical advice that can be applied to everyday life.
Author: Michaeleen Doucleff
Version: Kindle / Audiobook / Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Unique perspectives ✅Rich content ✅Easy language ✅Practical lessons | Cons ❌Unscientific |
7. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know
Thus, Strong Father, Strong Daughter by Meg Meeker is the book for you if you want guidance on creating a solid and meaningful relationship with your daughter. Taking care of a daughter is never easy, especially for fathers. Because daughters will have a different mentality than sons and need to be treated more gently and softly.
Therefore, if you are looking for instructions on building a strong and meaningful relationship with your daughter, then “Strong Father, Confident Daughter” by Meg Meeker is the book for you. The book helps new fathers better understand the psychology, thoughts, and emotions of their daughters at different stages of development.
The author also emphasizes the importance of building a trusting and close relationship with their daughters from an early age. The way a daughter is raised from a young age has a great influence on her future. The book helps fathers understand their important role in shaping their children’s personality and future.
Author: Meg Meeker
Version: Kindle / Audiobook / Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Practical, easy-to-use guide ✅Provides a multidimensional perspective ✅Emphasizes the importance of father-child relationships | Cons ❌Lack of scientific basis |
8. The Life of Dad: Reflections on Fatherhood from Today’s Leaders, Icons, and Legendary Dads
The Life of Dad – one of the must-read books for new dads. Numerous well-known men’s short stories and thoughts about fatherhood are collected in this book. The book brings together many “daily” stories about fatherhood from many men, from athletes, actors to CEOs or musicians.
These authentic experiences will bring many different perspectives on fatherhood and easily create empathy with readers. The book The Life of Dad also shares advice and positive messages about the importance of being present, patient, and loving children. Humorous stories are also mixed in to help new dads not get bored, relax, and get closer to the experience of fatherhood.
Author: Jon Finkel and Art Eddy
Version: Kindle / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Realistic, relatable stories ✅Diverse perspectives ✅Easy to read, easy to understand ✅Inspiring and motivating for new dads | Cons ❌Less specific issues ❌Focus on successful dads |
9. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 7th Edition: Birth to Age 5
If you are looking for a “comprehensive handbook” on child care, Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 7th Edition: Birth to Age 5 is for you. The book provides all the most scientific and detailed information on caring for infants from birth to 5 years old.
Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 7th Edition: Birth to Age 5 covers all the knowledge about child care, from feeding, bathing, and sleeping to the child’s psychological development. The information in the book is presented scientifically, easy to understand with illustrations. Information such as nutritional recommendations or safety standards are always updated continuously.
You will also receive comprehensive support from this “virtual assistant” Caring for Your Baby and Young Child. Because the book will provide specific, detailed instructions on how to handle common situations when caring for children, such as fever, diarrhea, or difficulty sleeping,…
Author: American Academy Of Pediatrics
Version: Kindle / Paperback
| Pros ✅Comprehensive and detailed information ✅Easy to understand and practical ✅Multi-dimensional perspective ✅Continuously updated information | Cons ❌Large amount of information ❌Difficult to find information quickly |
10. The New Dad’s Survival Guide: What to Expect in the First Year and Beyond
Any new father should read The New Dad’s Survival Guide: What to Expect in the First Year and Beyond. Rob Kemp wrote this book intending to assist new fathers in adjusting to their new position. It offers helpful knowledge and information for parenting and caring for children.
The New Dad’s Survival Guide helps new dads better grasp the feelings, difficulties, and pleasures of fatherhood by offering information from their point of view. The book provides practical skills guidance from diaper changing, and breastfeeding to building a bond with your child. To prevent new dads from feeling alone, the book also offers advice from other dads.
Author: Rob Kemp
Version: Kindle / Paperback
| Pros ✅Focuses on the father’s perspective ✅Facts and is easy to understand ✅Provides practical skills ✅Addresses psychological issues | Cons ❌Lack of personalization |
11. Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby’s brain
Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby’s Brain is the next name on the list of essential books for new dads. This book is for all parents, not just new fathers. It delves into the connection between love and the development of a baby’s brain.
Why Love Matters helps parents understand how love impacts a baby’s brain by presenting scientific facts in an approachable and straightforward manner. The book also focuses a lot on the newborn stage – this is the stage when a baby’s brain develops the most and needs more “love”.
The book offers detailed guidance on how to establish a loving atmosphere for children in addition to theoretical understanding. The importance of fathers in raising children and developing a close bond with them is emphasized throughout the book.
Author: Sue Gerhardt
Version: Kindle / Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Providing practical advice ✅Focusing on the newborn period ✅Easy-to-understand science ✅Demystifying the role of fathers | Cons ❌Difficult to apply in special cases |
12. The Happiest Baby on the Block
The Happiest Baby on the Block is a bedside book for many parents, especially those who are facing sleepless nights because of their baby’s crying. Author Harvey Karp shares simple but effective methods to help babies calm down and sleep better.
All the helpful information you need to put your baby to sleep is included in the book. From breastfeeding, swaddling, co-sleeping to preventing SIDS, The Happiest Baby on the Block focuses on solving the problems that parents often face. The book is predicated on four ground-breaking ideas: For babies who have problems falling asleep, try The Cuddle Cure, The Calming Reflex, and The Fifth S.
The steps to implement the 5S method are very detailed and easy to understand, even new dads can do it. In addition to the 5S method, the book also provides basic knowledge about infant development, helping parents better understand their children’s needs.
Author: Harvey Karp
Version: Paperback / Hardcover
| Pros ✅Effective 5S method ✅Easy to apply ✅Solves practical problems ✅Provides knowledge about infant development | Cons ❌Focuses only on the newborn stage ❌5S method is not always suitable |
13. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads
A useful manual for new fathers is Be Ready: A Practical Handbook for New Dads It provides essential information to help dads feel more confident in caring for their young children. From simple tasks like changing diapers and feeding to building a father-child relationship, the book provides specific skill guides.
The book emphasizes the importance of fathers in raising children, encouraging fathers to actively participate in the process of caring for their children. The knowledge in the book is presented in a scientific but still easy-to-understand way, with vivid illustrations.
Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads also addresses psychological problems that new dads may encounter, such as anxiety and stress, and provides advice on how to overcome these difficulties. The book provides new fathers with a summary of what to anticipate and what to anticipate during the first few years of their child’s life.
Author: Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden
Version: Kindle / Paperback / Spiral-bound
| Pros ✅Practical and easy to apply ✅Provides an overview ✅Provides practical skills ✅Addresses psychological issues | Cons ❌Lack of personalization |
Bottom Line
Your journey to fatherhood should be made smoother and simpler with the help of the 13 books for new dads that Babies Parent has put together. Fatherhood involves a lifelong learning process. These 13 books are just a small part of the endless treasure of knowledge.
Remember, the important thing is your love. You don’t need to prepare too much, just prepare a great love to be able to love the little angel about to be born. Are you ready for this exciting adventure of fatherhood? Start your journey by choosing one of the books introduced above and explore the wonderful world of fatherhood.
