45 Best Parenting Books For Every New Dad

Here we will list 45 Best Parenting Books Every New Dad Should Read

 

The moment I found out I was going to be a dad, I was filled with an equal mix of excitement and sheer panic. Questions flooded my mind: “How will I take care of a newborn?”, “Am I ready for this responsibility?”, and “How can I be the best dad possible?” Like many new dads, I turned to books for answers.

 

After all, parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but the right books can be the next best thing.

 

In this blog post, I’ll share the 45 best parenting books every new dad should read. These books helped me navigate fatherhood and feel more confident in raising my child.

 

Even if you’re looking for practical advice, humorous takes on parenting, or emotional support, these books have you covered.

 

Becoming a dad is life-changing, but it’s also a role filled with unknowns. While many new fathers rely on their instincts or advice from family and friends, parenting books provide a wealth of diverse perspectives, evidence-based advice, and personal anecdotes that can help dads prepare for and navigate fatherhood.

 

Studies show that involved dads have a profound impact on their children’s emotional and cognitive development. Reading parenting books can help you be more present and intentional in your role. From learning how to bond with your newborn to mastering the art of discipline and communication, these books can be invaluable tools in your journey.

 

 

The 45 Best Parenting Books Every New Dad Should Read

 

Books on the Fundamentals of Parenting

 

1. “The Expectant Father” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash

 

 

2. “Dad’s Playbook: Wisdom for Fathers from the Greatest Coaches of All Time” by Tom Limbert

 

 

3. “Baby 411” by Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields

 

 

4. “Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!” by John Pfeiffer

 

 

5. “We’re Pregnant! The First-Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook” by Adrian Kulp

 

 

Books for Emotional Support and Encouragement

 

6. “Becoming a Dad: The First Three Years” by Dr. William Sears

 

 

7. “Parenting with Love and Logic” by Charles Fay and Foster Cline

 

 

8. “The New Dad’s Survival Guide” by Scott Mactavish

 

 

9. “The Joy of Fatherhood” by Marcus Jacob Goldman

 

 

10. “The Dad Edge: 9 Simple Ways to Have Unlimited Patience, Improved Relationships, and Positive Lasting Memories” by Larry Hagner

 

 

Books for Building Strong Relationships

 

11. “The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

 

 

12. “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters” by Meg Meeker, M.D.

 

 

13. “Raising Boys” by Steve Biddulph

 

 

14. “All Pro Dad” by Mark Merrill

 

 

15. “Fathering Like the Father” by Kenneth O. Gangel

 

 

 

Books on Discipline and Behavior

 

16. “No-Drama Discipline” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

 

 

17. “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

 

 

18. “Raising Good Humans” by Hunter Clarke-Fields

 

 

19. “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12” by Thomas W. Phelan

 

 

20. “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

 

 

Books for the Early Years

 

21. “What to Expect the First Year” by Heidi Murkoff

 

 

22. “Bringing Up Bébé” by Pamela Druckerman

 

 

23. “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp

 

 

24. “Secrets of the Baby Whisperer” by Tracy Hogg

 

 

25. “The Baby Owner’s Manual” by Louis Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht

 

 

Books for Personal Growth as a Dad

 

26. “Fatherhood” by Bill Cosby

 

 

27. “Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity” by Justin Baldoni

 

 

28. “The Dad’s Edge” by Larry Hagner

 

 

29. “Hero: Becoming the Dad Your Kids Need” by Meg Meeker, M.D.

 

 

30. “The Good Dad” by Jim Daly

 

 

Books on Work-Life Balance for Dads

 

31. “Balance: A Guide to Managing the Work-Life Equation” by James Hood

 

 

32. “The Working Dad’s Survival Guide” by Scott Behson

 

 

33. “All In: How Our Work-First Culture Fails Dads, Families, and Businesses” by Josh Levs

 

 

34. “Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth” by Matthew Kelly

 

 

Books for Understanding Child Development

 

35. “NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children” by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman

 

 

36. “Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs” by Ellen Galinsky

 

 

37. “The Science of Parenting” by Margot Sunderland

 

 

38. “Simplicity Parenting” by Kim John Payne

 

 

39. “Parenting from the Inside Out” by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell

 

 

Books with Humor and Lighthearted Advice

 

40. “Confessions of a Scary Mommy” by Jill Smokler

 

 

41. “Dad Is Fat” by Jim Gaffigan

 

 

42. “Sh*t My Dad Says” by Justin Halpern

 

 

43. “Go the Fk to Sleep” by Adam Mansbach**

 

 

44. “My Dad Used to Be So Cool” by Keith Negley

 

 

Books for Modern Parenting Challenges

 

45. “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport

 

 

RECOMMENDED:  15 Tips on How to Be a Successful Parent

 

 

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING AND USING PARENTING BOOKS

 

1. Start Early:

 

Begin reading parenting books during your partner’s pregnancy to feel more prepared.

 

 

2. Tailor to Your Needs:

 

Choose books that address specific challenges you’re facing or anticipate.

 

 

3. Engage Your Partner:

 

Share insights from the books with your partner to create a unified parenting approach.

 

 

4. Take Notes:

 

Highlight key points or write down practical tips to revisit later.

 

 

5. Practice Patience:

 

Parenting is a journey, and no book can prepare you for everything. Be open to learning as you go.

 

 

Reading parenting books was one of the best decisions I made as a new dad. They provided me with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to embrace fatherhood fully.

 

 

While the road to becoming a great dad is never perfect, the insights from these books have been invaluable in shaping my parenting style.

 

 

So, if you’re preparing for your first baby or looking for ways to improve as a dad, I encourage you to start reading these 45 best parenting books. Each one has something unique to offer, and together, they’ll equip you to be the best dad you can be.