Love to read parenting advice? Me too! Today I am sharing with you some of my favorite books about child development, sleep, eating healthy, raising kind children, and how to get your child to listen books. There will also be our online community of Mom’s best parenting books for expecting parents to read too!
This article is part of our Best Parenting Advice for New Parents Series.
Did I miss your favorite parenting read? Feel free to comment on this article.
The Best Parenting Books for Expecting Parents to Read
By Amanda Boyarshinov
It is SO hard to choose my favorites. There are many different parenting philosophies on the market today. I am a mix of several of them. Just because I don’t agree on the whole philosophy doesn’t mean I don’t learn something about parenting from reading it.
In fact, it is quite the opposite, I LOVE reading books about parenting because I learn new things.
It is kind of like teaching, you learn a whole back of tricks and tips and then you use them in the classroom when you need it. Same with parenting, you can learn a variety of steps and strategies and pick and choose the ones you think would be the best fit with your family values and children’s personalities.
The books are linked up to my Amazon Affiliate for easy of purchase. I like to check out parenting books from the library and look for them at garage sales and thrift stores too. Most children’s consignment stores will also have a collection of used parenting books for sale at a fraction of the list price too.
Right now, my top 3 parenting book picks are
What to Expect When You’re Expecting: I think this is a good overall resource book for walking parenting through the changes in baby and mom’s development through pregnancy. The book is ordered by gestational age.
What to Expect the First Year, Second Edition
Similar to What to Expect When You’re Expecting, this book goes through the stages of development that your child goes through in the first years. These books have been around for years and the new additions reflect new research and have stayed up-to date on new safety findings and rules.
Jo Frost’s Toddler Rules: Your 5-Step Guide to Shaping Proper Behavior
This is a recent favorite. I was not expecting it to be so awesome. Although it says it is for toddlers, it really applies to young children of all ages. My husband and parents read it too and all commented on how practical her approach was. We had great discussions on how we could implement her strategies easily with my children. This book is more for the toddler than brand-new-baby, but a good parenting book if you like reading them like I do!
Our Mom Community Recommends these Parenting Books for Expecting Parents:
“This {On Becoming Baby Wise} is the best baby book out there, in my opinion! Such sound, common sense stuff for when you just need someone to affirm your decisions! I loved this and have given it many, many times as a gift!” – Rosemond
“I always loved your Baby first year. I love the mile stones that I can look over. Plus easy to look up information and packing guide ideas.” – Cassie
On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep
On Becoming Baby Wise: Book II Parenting Your Pretoddler Five to Fifteen Months
Your Baby’s First Year: Third Edition
“Parenting for dummies – balanced has humor. The no-cry sleep method by Elizabeth Pantley forfuture reference” – Angh
The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
Your Baby’s First Year For Dummies
“Breastfeeding Made Simple” – Lori
“My fav parenting book is Simplicity Parenting” – Melissa
“We loved this book Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5” – Dierdre
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth To Age 5
*** Remember – books are just one way to have access to information. Several of our readers have commented that books can install fear, doubt, insecurities and useless information. When in doubt, go with our #1 piece of parenting advice – click here. ***
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Loved your blog, Amanda this is very helpful. Great list of books to read this December. Thank you.