9 Essential books to get when you're expecting a baby

The arrival of a new baby can leave you feeling extremely overwhelmed, especially when every piece of advice you hear – whether asked for or not – seems to contradict the last. To help ease the transition, we’ve put together a selection of 9 books that can make the early days of parenthood feel a little less daunting. 

1. Baby 411, Dr Ari Brown and Denise Fields

Written by a paediatrician, this reference book is designed to give you quick, practical answers. Instead of sifting through long chapters, you can go straight to the section you need. And rather than getting lost in a maze of conflicting opinions, you’ll find clear information supported by credible sources.

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2. What to Expect the First Year, Heidi Murkoff

This guide is part of a well-known series by Heidi Murkoff, whose parenting books are valued for their reliability. Organised in a month-by-month format, it helps parents break the potentially overwhelming first year into manageable stages and understand what to expect as their baby develops.

It belongs to the larger What to Expect series, which also includes What to Expect When You’re Expecting and What to Expect in the Second Year. The content is updated regularly to reflect current medical guidance and modern parenting practices.

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3. Expecting Better, Emily Oster

Economics professor Emily Oster examines the evidence behind common pregnancy guidelines – such as caffeine, alcohol, and food restriction – to show which recommendations are strongly supported by research and which are based on tradition rather than data. 

Her aim is to empower expectant parents with clear information so they can make their own decisions rather than relying solely on conventional advice. If you feel more confident when you understand the evidence behind medical and lifestyle recommendations, this is a standout resource.

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4. Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, Emily Oster

Also from Emily Oster, this book takes a clear, research-based approach to early parenting, debunking many of the myths that often cause confusion or guilt. Using solid data, she challenges widely repeated advice on breastfeeding, sleep training, potty training, language development, and other common points of debate.

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5. Birth to Five, Public Health Agency

Available as a free PDF through the Public Health Agency, this guide covers pregnancy, birth, and your child’s early development. It’s practical, accessible, and ideal for parents who want a reliable, no-cost resource grounded in public health expertise.

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6. The Complete Guide to Postpartum, Sophie Walker & Jodi Wilson

A mother-focused companion for the weeks and months after birth, this book blends evidence-informed practical advice with a compassionate tone. It helps you understand what to expect physically and emotionally and encourages you to take care of yourself as you transition into parenthood.

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7. The Sensational Baby Sleep Plan, Alison Scott-Wright

Written by a well-known sleep consultant, this guide offers a structured, step-by-step plan for helping your baby (and you) get more sleep. Featuring case studies, charts, tips, and a daily journal, it’s ideal for parents who appreciate clear systems and tools to track progress.

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8. The Expectant Dad’s Survival Guide, Rob Kemp

A highly practical, often humorous resource for dads-to-be. With input from midwives, psychologists, and obstetricians, it explains what’s happening for your partner, what’s going on with your baby, and what your role looks like along the way. 

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9. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, Philippa Perry

Psychotherapist Philippa Perry explores the dynamics of parent-child relationships and offers practical guidance on building healthy, secure connections. Rather than serving as a step-by-step parenting manual, this book provides a thoughtful reflection on how emotional histories influence family life. Perry highlights how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent, encouraging readers to recognise unhelpful patterns, break negative cycles, and create more nurturing environments for their children.

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