Covering stages of parenthood from early pregnancy right through to the young adult 'all grown up' years, this is one of the best all-encompassing, big-picture parenting books available - and it's not hard to see why it crops up time and time again as one of the best parenting books on the Mumsnet forums. Offering a pyschological perspective on your child's development, pyschotherapist author Philippa Perry takes readers through all the key dos and don'ts of the parent-child relationship. With praise from celebrity authors/parents such as Richard Osman and Nigella Lawson, The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will be Glad That You Did), to give it its full title, takes a look into how a parent's own upbringing can shape their parenting in turn, and offers advice on how to curb negative behaviour. Many Mumnset users rate it as one of the best parenting books for navigating the teenage years as well as early childhood.

In this essential guide for new dads, Rob Kemp - the bestselling author of The Expectant Dad's Survival Guide - reveals what to expect in the first 18 months, arming you with the tools you need to be a fantastic dad. Covering everything from how to bond with your baby and support his development to practical issues, such as how to manage your working arrangements and finances, this book gives new dads the confidence, skills and knowledge to enjoy fatherhood - and do a brilliant job of it. Because there are so many different ways for labor and delivery to play out, it's difficult to describe a typical experience for a father-to-be in much detail. Saying that any part of it will go one way or another involves a bunch of assumptions that may not be true for everyone.

Full of reassuring advice, Your Baby Week by Week tells you what to expect before it happens so you needn't be unnecessarily alarmed. Written by paediatrician Dr Caroline Fertleman and health writer Simone Cave, it covers all the basics like sleep, feeding, washing, crying, play and development, as well as other topics including vaccinations and colic. When the moment arrives, all might go according to the plan. Circumstances could also trash the plan utterly. Woods says that in his experience, having attended the birth of several hundred babies, it's usually the latter. There are plenty of parenting books out there specifically for new dads but Rob Kemp's 'survival guide' is continuously recommended on the Mumsnet forums for being genuinely useful and the least patronising. See also: The New Dad's Survival Guide which we rank as one of the best parenting books for up to 18 months.

This book acts as a friendly guide to teach any first time dad the basics. It takes you through the the stages of pregnancy from when you first discover the pregnancy, to the scans, birth and taking the baby home. The book is termed as a 'survival guide' which is apt. It gives you all the information you need to prepare yourself for z life changing experience, but more importantly prepares you for how to care for both your partner and baby at every stage of the pregnancy. This insightful book offers practical strategies for fostering healthy brain development in children, helping new fathers understand and respond to their child’s needs effectively. Father to Son: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy by Harry H. Harrison Jr.

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We couldn't give you a guide to the best parenting books without plugging our own! The Mumsnet Guide to Babies has all the wit and wisdom of the forums condensed down into a handy guide, covering everything from sleep, to childcare to baby names, grandparents, and much more.

The Birth Partner, written by renowned childbirth educator and doula Penny Simkin, is a comprehensive guide for expectant fathers, doulas, and other labor companions. The book covers various stages of labor, equipping dads-to-be with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support their partner during childbirth. By understanding the birth process and learning how to provide emotional and physical support, expectant fathers can play an active role in ensuring a positive birth experience for both mother and baby. Be Prepared is an invaluable resource for new dads who are looking for a comprehensive guide to early parenthood with a touch of humor. Its entertaining and informative approach makes it an enjoyable read while providing practical advice and support for navigating the challenges and joys of new fatherhood. Other Notable Mentions The Baby Owner’s Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, And Advice on First-Year Maintenance by Louis Borgenicht And Joe Borgenicht The Birth Partner is a valuable resource for dads-to-be who want to be actively involved in their partner’s childbirth experience. With its comprehensive coverage of the birth process, practical advice, and emphasis on the vital role of the birth partner, this guide is an indispensable tool for expectant fathers and other labor companions. #5. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook For New Dads by Gary Greenberg And Jeannie Hayden In this section, we’ll delve into the best expectant dad books that offer a wealth of information and support for soon-to-be fathers. #1. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide For Dads-to-Be by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash Overall, The New Dad’s Survival Guide is a must-read for first-time fathers who want a straightforward, easy-to-understand resource that covers all aspects of raising a newborn. With its practical advice and relatable tone, this book will equip new dads with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in their new role as a parent. #4. The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth For Dads, Doulas, And Other Labor Companions by Penny SimkinAnswering questions such as how to respond to a child who hurts their baby sibling or what to say to the stubborn pre-schooler who refuses to go to bed, this popular parenting book by Julie King and Joanna Faber comes from the 'How To Talk' series and covers a wide range of communication must-knows when it comes to the early childhood years. Along with How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk and How To Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk, these are some of the best parenting books you can buy on the subject of communication.

You need 'Oh crap! it’s Potty Training.' She is amazing. And fun. Her method totally works. She makes you commit."(Tried and tested by Mumsnetter PiratePetespajamas) Our verdict

Best Books For Expectant Fathers

Remember also that all smoking inside your home has to stop right away. Secondhand smoke is very bad for the baby. Prenatal Visits and the Expectant Father The Expectant Dad's Survival Guide tells you everything you need to know during your partner's pregnancy and the first few weeks of your new life as a dad. Combining expert advice from midwives, psychologists and obstetricians with first-hand accounts, it explains what's happening with her, what's going on with your baby, and what the hell you should be doing every step of the way.