Becoming a parent for the first time is a very exciting phase. Dreaming about your future with the baby, shopping for cute little things and watching your little one grow every day can preoccupy your mind and day from the moment you are pregnant. 

Of course, there is the tough part – not knowing what to do in so many situations during pregnancy and after childbirth. Once the baby is born, you will barely have any time to sleep, let alone research about which books to read. Most probably, you might not get much time to read a book in the first few months after your baby is born. So it is a good idea to grab those extremely helpful books well in advance and be prepared with the answers to so many questions that you might soon have. 

While most expectant people read books related to pregnancy and childbirth while they are pregnant, we recommend reading books about newborns and life as a new parent as well. It would help to know what to do when your baby cries, has difficulty latching, how to change nappies, bathe a newborn, etc. so that you are almost in control and don’t feel helpless when a situation arises. If only babies came with a user manual, right? 

10 Amazing Books for Parents-to-Be and New Parents (Updated for 2025)

Most expectant parents read books on pregnancy and childbirth. But focusing only on pregnancy means you may feel unprepared once the baby arrives. Understanding newborn care — how to soothe a crying baby, improve latching, change nappies, bathe a newborn, or recognise common discomforts — gives you confidence and helps reduce stress during the first few weeks.
If only babies came with a user manual, right?

To support parents-to-be and new parents, here is a curated list of the best and most trusted books that guide you through pregnancy, childbirth, and the early months with your newborn.

1. What No One Tells You – Dr. Alexandra Sacks & Dr. Catherine Birndorf

A highly recommended read for understanding the emotional and psychological changes during pregnancy and motherhood. Written by leading reproductive psychiatrists, it prepares you for real-life feelings no one talks about.

2. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – Ina May Gaskin

A classic for expectant mothers. It covers natural childbirth, positive birth stories, postpartum recovery, and the powerful mind-body connection.

3. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (From Doctors Who Are Parents)

Written by Mayo Clinic obstetrics experts, this guide helps you make informed decisions about symptoms, scans, trimester care, preterm labour, and managing pregnancy with any medical conditions.

4. Baby 411 – Dr. Ari Brown & Denise Fields

A must-have for first-time parents. It provides clear, practical answers on feeding, sleep, safety, development, and common newborn concerns during the first year.

5. The Happiest Baby on the Block – Dr. Harvey Karp

A favourite among new parents. Dr. Karp’s simple calming methods help soothe crying babies and create a more peaceful newborn routine.

6. What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Heidi Murkoff

One of the most widely read pregnancy books. It covers everything from preconception planning to labour, delivery, and coping with changing symptoms.

7. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn – Penny Simkin & Team

A comprehensive, evidence-based guide that prepares you for all stages of pregnancy, birth, and early infancy. Ideal for parents who want detailed yet easy-to-understand information.

8. The Pregnancy Countdown Book – Susan Magee & Kara Nakisbendi

A fun, week-by-week and month-by-month guide filled with tips, advice, and relatable stories. Perfect for parents who enjoy bite-sized reading.

9. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide – Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash Rudick

Written exclusively for dads-to-be. It covers emotional changes, financial planning, supporting your partner, and preparing for fatherhood.

10. The Baby Book – Dr. William Sears & Martha Sears

Written by respected medical professionals who are also parents of eight. This book is a complete resource on newborn to toddler care, including feeding, sleep, and developmental milestones.

Worrying about whether what you are doing is right or not is normal for every expectant and every new parent. But count on the above books trusted across the world and you will be in a much better position to deal with the challenges of pregnancy and parenting.

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