Best Books for New and Expecting Dads (for Readers and Non-Readers)
The books worth reading before and after the baby, chosen for dads: practical, evidence-minded and funny options, who each suits, and what to read first.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We never show prices or ratings because they change daily; check the listing. Our picks are based on published specs, safety standards and design, not paid placement. How we choose.
You don’t need a shelf of baby books. One or two good ones, read at the right time, beat ten skimmed ones. Here’s a short list chosen for dads, with who each suits.
How we chose
These are well-known, widely read books. We chose them for what they’re designed to do and who they suit, based on their published content and focus. We don’t show ratings or prices. One important note: medical and safety guidance changes, so where any book’s advice differs from current recommendations (especially on safe sleep), follow your pediatrician and the AAP.
At a glance
| Book | Read it when | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| The Expectant Father | Pregnancy | Month-by-month dad perspective |
| The Birth Partner | Third trimester | Being useful in labor |
| Cribsheet | Third trimester and first year | Evidence-minded decisions |
| Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad! | Any time | Non-readers, a gift |
| The Happiest Baby on the Block | Late pregnancy | Soothing techniques |
| The Whole-Brain Child | First year and beyond | Understanding big feelings later on |
Picks
The dad’s month-by-month
The Expectant Father by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash
- Why dads like it
- Month-by-month book written specifically for dads, covering emotions and logistics.
- Best for
- Dads who like to read ahead.
For the delivery room
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
- Why dads like it
- Classic doula-written handbook for the person supporting someone in labor.
- Best for
- Dads who want to be useful in the delivery room, not just present.
For the data-minded
Cribsheet by Emily Oster
- Why dads like it
- An economist walks through the research on early-parenting decisions, from sleep to feeding.
- Best for
- Evidence-minded dads who want the data behind the advice.
For the non-reader
Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad! by John Pfeiffer
- Why dads like it
- Short, funny, and light. Good for dads who do not read pregnancy books.
- Best for
- A gift for a reluctant reader.
For soothing
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp
- Why dads like it
- Popularized a calming routine (swaddle, side or stomach hold while awake, shush, swing, suck) dads can learn fast.
- Best for
- Dads who will be on soothing duty in the evenings.
- Skip it if
- Sleep positioning advice: babies always go down on their backs to sleep.
For the long game
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- Why dads like it
- Readable guide to how young kids’ brains handle big feelings. Useful well past the first year.
- Best for
- Dads planning ahead for the toddler years.
How to actually read them
- One book per trimester is plenty.
- Read the birth book together in the third trimester, and practice the comfort techniques.
- Share one thing you learned with your partner each week. It doubles as a conversation starter.
Books won’t make you a great dad on their own. Showing up will. Research summarized by the AAP highlights how much engaged fathers matter. Reading is just a head start.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the best book for a first-time dad?
For month-by-month guidance written for dads, The Expectant Father is a classic. If you want to be useful in the delivery room, The Birth Partner. If you like data, Cribsheet. If you don't read much, Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad! is short and funny.
Should books replace advice from our pediatrician?
No. Books are great for understanding and confidence, but medical and safety guidance should come from your baby's doctor and current recommendations from organizations like the AAP, which update over time.
Sources
- A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Fathers' Roles in the Care and Development of Their Children: The Role of Pediatricians, Pediatrics (AAP clinical report)
We link to the original source for every medical and safety claim. Guidance changes; if a source has been updated since our last review, the source wins. How we research.