10 Amazing Books for Parents-to-be and New Parents

How to Choose the Best Parenting Books

Before buying a stack of parenting books, consider what you need help with most. Some books focus on pregnancy and childbirth, while others are more useful after your baby arrives.

Also Read:Beyond Bone And Horn: TCM tips for post pregnancy care

1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

Best for: First-time parents preparing for pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy can feel like a never-ending list of questions. Is this symptom normal? What should you eat? When should you schedule appointments? What to Expect When You’re Expecting helps answer many of these questions with its trimester-by-trimester approach.

The book covers pregnancy symptoms, prenatal care, nutrition, exercise, labour preparation and postpartum recovery. Its question-and-answer format makes complicated topics easier to understand.

For parents in Singapore, use it alongside antenatal appointments with your obstetrician or healthcare team. Local screening recommendations, maternity services and birth options may differ from the general advice presented in an international guide.

2. The First Forty Days by Heng Ou

Best for: Mothers preparing for postpartum recovery

Preparing for a baby often means shopping for clothes, assembling a cot and packing a hospital bag. But what about preparing for the mother's recovery?

The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother focuses on the postpartum period, highlighting rest, nourishment, recovery and practical support after childbirth. It includes recipes and ideas inspired by traditional postpartum practices.

Its central message is simple: caring for a newborn should not mean forgetting about the person who gave birth.

For Singapore families, the book may complement familiar confinement practices. However, dietary needs and recovery differ between individuals, so adapt its suggestions to your medical needs and seek professional advice when necessary.

3. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Best for: Parents exploring childbirth options

Childbirth can feel intimidating when most of what you hear involves pain, uncertainty or medical procedures. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth offers another perspective through birth stories, discussions of labour support and techniques intended to build confidence.

It explores physiological birth, relaxation and the relationship between emotional wellbeing and labour.

However, it is important to remember that every pregnancy is different. Natural childbirth is not the right or possible option for everyone, and medical interventions can be necessary or beneficial. If you are delivering in Singapore, discuss pain relief, birth preferences and possible complications with your obstetrician or midwife.

4. The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr Harvey Karp

Best for: Parents struggling with newborn crying

Newborn crying can be exhausting, particularly when you have already tried feeding, changing and cuddling your baby. The Happiest Baby on the Block introduces calming techniques commonly associated with the “5 S’s”: swaddling, side or stomach holding while soothing, shushing, swinging and sucking.

These techniques aim to help settle an unsettled infant. The book can give parents a practical starting point during those difficult early weeks.

Safety matters, though. Always place your baby on their back for sleep on a firm, flat surface. Side or stomach positioning is only for appropriately supervised soothing while the baby is awake. Stop swaddling when signs of rolling appear, and never shake a baby. Seek medical advice if crying is unusual, persistent or accompanied by concerning symptoms.

5. Baby 411 by Dr Ari Brown and Denise Fields

Best for: Everyday questions during your baby’s first year

Think of Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year as a reference book you can revisit whenever a new question arises.

It covers feeding, sleep, developmental milestones, common illnesses, safety and other practical aspects of infant care. Its organised format makes it useful for parents who want straightforward explanations rather than lengthy discussions of parenting philosophy.

For example, you might use it to understand typical sleep patterns or prepare questions for your paediatrician.

Remember that a book cannot assess your individual baby. Fever in a young infant, breathing difficulties, poor feeding, dehydration or unusual drowsiness warrant prompt medical advice.

6. The Montessori Baby by Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike

Best for: Parents interested in early development

Does your baby need expensive toys and constant stimulation to learn? Not necessarily.

The Montessori Baby introduces Montessori-inspired ideas for supporting infants through observation, movement, interaction and a thoughtfully prepared environment.

Instead of constantly entertaining your baby, you can provide safe opportunities to explore, respond to their cues and interact during everyday routines. Simple activities such as talking during nappy changes or allowing supervised floor play can become meaningful opportunities for connection.

The approach is not about expecting babies to be independent too early. It is about respecting their developmental stage and creating an environment suited to their abilities.

7. Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina

Best for: Understanding early brain development

Parents often hear that the first few years are crucial for development. But what does that actually mean for everyday parenting?

In Brain Rules for Baby, developmental molecular biologist John Medina discusses research relating to early brain development, emotional wellbeing, relationships and learning.

The book encourages parents to look beyond academic achievement and consider the importance of emotional security, responsive caregiving and healthy family relationships.

Use its research-based explanations as a starting point, rather than a promise that following particular techniques will produce a specific outcome. Children develop differently, and there is no single parenting formula that guarantees intelligence or happiness.

8. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry

Best for: Building a healthy parent-child relationship

Parenting can bring up emotions you never expected. Sometimes, your child's behaviour reminds you of your own childhood, and your reaction may be stronger than the situation requires.

In The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did), psychotherapist Philippa Perry explores how childhood experiences, emotional responses and communication patterns can influence parenting.

The book encourages parents to recognise their feelings, repair relationships after difficult moments and respond to children with greater understanding.

It is especially valuable for parents who want to build a more connected family environment rather than simply focus on discipline and behaviour.

Also Read:How to convert your little one to consuming solid food?

9. No-Drama Discipline by Dr Daniel J. Siegel and Dr Tina Payne Bryson

Best for: Parents preparing for toddlerhood

The newborn stage may seem like the biggest challenge, but toddlerhood brings its own surprises. Tantrums, frustration and boundary-testing can leave even patient parents wondering what to do next.

No-Drama Discipline explores a brain-informed approach to understanding children's behaviour. It encourages parents to look at what may be driving a child's reaction while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

The aim is not to eliminate every tantrum or avoid discipline altogether. Instead, parents learn to treat difficult moments as opportunities to guide behaviour, teach skills and strengthen their relationship with their child.

Although its ideas are particularly relevant as children grow, it can also help parents start thinking about the kind of family environment they want to create.

10. Cribsheet by Emily Oster

Best for: Parents who prefer data-informed decisions

Should you breastfeed, use formula, sleep-train or choose a particular childcare arrangement? Parenting advice can quickly become overwhelming when everyone seems to have a different opinion.

In Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, economist Emily Oster examines research surrounding common decisions about infant feeding, sleep, childcare and early parenting.

The book encourages readers to look at evidence, understand trade-offs and consider their family's circumstances instead of automatically following popular opinions.

It is not a substitute for medical advice, and its conclusions should be considered alongside current clinical guidance. Nevertheless, it can help parents ask better questions and approach parenting decisions more thoughtfully.

Also Read: Hospital Bag Checklist, What should you pack for your hospital bag?

Where Can You Find Parenting Books in Singapore?

You do not need to purchase all 10 books immediately. Several options are available to parents in Singapore.

• Kinokuniya Singapore: Check its catalogue for available parenting titles and current editions.
• National Library Board (NLB): Search the OneSearch catalogue for physical books and available digital editions.
• Online bookstores: Compare prices, delivery options and editions before ordering.
• Public libraries: Borrow books first to see which writing style and parenting approach suits you.

Availability varies, so check the relevant catalogue before making a trip or placing an order.

Which Parenting Books Should You Read First?

If you are unsure where to begin, use this simple reading plan.

FAQs About Amazing Books for Parents-to-be & New Parents in Singapore

What is the best book for first-time parents in Singapore?

What to Expect When You’re Expecting is a useful starting point during pregnancy. After birth, Baby 411 can help with everyday infant-care questions. The best choice depends on whether you need pregnancy guidance, newborn care or support with parenting decisions.

Are parenting books enough to prepare for a newborn?

No. Books can help you understand common situations, but practical preparation, support from family and healthcare professionals, and learning your baby's individual cues are equally important.

Should I buy parenting books or borrow them from NLB?

Borrowing from NLB is a practical way to explore different approaches before spending money. Consider purchasing a book if you find yourself returning to it regularly as a reference.

Which parenting book is best for fathers and partners?

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read can help partners reflect on relationships and emotional responses. For pregnancy-specific guidance, The Expectant Father by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash Rudick is another useful option.

Also Read: Why eating right during pregnancy is an absolute necessity?

Conclusion

Becoming a parent is a little like learning to navigate a new city without knowing every road. Parenting books can provide a map, but you will still discover your own route along the way.

Start with one or two books that address your biggest questions, borrow others when needed, and discuss health concerns with qualified professionals. Most importantly, remember that good parenting is not about following every rule in a book. It is about learning, adapting and building a loving relationship with your child, one day at a time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalised pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and parenting guidance.

References

1. https://kinokuniya.com.sg/zh/products/9780593980880?variant=48229280481515&country=SG¤cy=SGD&srsltid=AU7gw4UWWJqWi0tGjZH-NOc8DXOQ6vkkon9A_hc_VYTPSAq7by-j-6gK
2. https://kinokuniya.com.sg/products/9781788164498?srsltid=AU7gw4Wxscm24u9ywrczWCkKglt9TH1NnABb8DOwECby7tCvTiSNGDuP