THE BEST PARENTING BOOKS

Becoming a parent can feel like a little daunting, especially when it is your first baby, and don’t worry, you’re not alone here. You can spend hours trawling the internet for tips and advice, but it can all feel a little overwhelming.

Parenting books have been a staple for a lot of us for many years as it gives you a chance to read it at your leisure and refer to it should the need ever arise. But with so many parenting books on offer, what one is best?

Well, to help you, we’ve been doing our research and have put together a list of our favourite parenting books that may help you as you take that leap into the world of parenting.

The best parenting books

Your Baby Week by Week by Simone Cave and Dr Caroline Fertleman

This book is more of a ‘what to expect’ type book rather than a self-help book which can be helpful as a new parent. The book takes you through  the first six months of your baby life and covers everything from feeding, sleeping and everything in between.

Pocket Commando Dad by Neil Sinclair

This book has been written by ex-commando and father of three Neil Sinclair and it is a no-nonsense book that tells you the basics of parenthood with no fancy frills. Covering from birth until 12 months, this book could make a great gift for an expectant Dad.

Nobody Told Me by Hollie McNish

This book is a collection of poetry and prose which shows a snapshot of author Hollies sleep deprived life as a Mum. If you are looking for something that is more support than advice, then this is the book for you as it will leave you nodding along in agreement and help you feel less alone during those tough parenting times.

There is no such thing as ‘naughty’ by Kate Silverton

Teaching you how to tackle tantrums and stop squabbles in seconds, this book is rooted in science and has been endorsed by many leading mental health professionals.

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry

Instead of mapping out the 'perfect' plan, this book offers a big-picture look at the elements that lead to good parent-child relationships, including understanding how your own upbringing can affect your parenting and breaking negative cycles.

Keep Calm: The New Mum’s Manual by Dr Ellie Cannon

Written by a GP and a Mum-of-two, this book covers sleeping, feeding, health, development and much more whilst providing guilt free, realistic advice for new parents.

The Gardener and the Carpenter by Alison Gopnik

Drawing on the study of human evolution and using her own innovative scientific research into how children learn, the author of this book Alison Gopnik looks at the science and psychology behind parenting and help parents to be the best they can be.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau

Tracy Hogg is known for being able to calm even the most difficult baby and her ability to read babies cries and coos is how she came to be known as ‘the baby whisperer’ by her clients. In this parenting book she shares her tips and tricks to help you learn what type of baby you have and what kind of parenting plan will work for you.

First-Time Parent by Lucy Atkins

As a health journalist and mother-of-three, Lucy Atkins is familiar with both the medical aspects of childbirth and baby development, and the reality of day-to-day life as an exhausted first-time mum or dad. Her real-life advice and down to earth approach is why this book is one of the most frequently recommended between parents.

How Not to Be the Perfect Mother by Libby Purves          

This funny and cheerful parenting book is the perfect guide for anyone who is looking for time saving tips and practical parenting ideas.

The Baby Sleep Guide by Stephanie Modell

Sleep is one of the biggest worries when you become a parent, usually if your baby is having enough of it whilst you get none, and this book shares the secret to helping your baby sleep by understanding their sleep cycles and natural patterns.

Letters on Motherhood by Giovanna Fletcher

Letters on Motherhood is a collection of heartfelt and deeply poignant letters written by Giovanna to her three young sons, her husband and the family and friends who have inspired and supported her to become the mother that she is today. This book shows parents that they aren’t alone in their thoughts and feelings as Giovanna shares her raw emotions with us.

What have I done? By Laura Dockrill

This book was called 2020’s must read memoir and superstar Mum Adele even said this book was ‘a book to save a whole generation of women'. This heart-breaking and uplifting memoir is about resilience, love and finding your way to the other side of postnatal mental illness.

How to talk so little kids will listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King

Aimed at parents of children from 2-7 years, this book is great for when you enter the unknown terrible twos. It deals with struggles familiar to every parent, relative, teacher and childminder.

MumLife: What nobody ever tells you about being a mum by Louise Pentland

Louise Pentland has been through a lot. From a traumatic birth with her first daughter, to single motherhood, to finding love again and having a second child; Louise's parenting journey has been full of surprises. Discussing the realities most working mums face, plus the impact of maternal mental health, this book offers support at what can feel like an overwhelming and lonely time.

The Zen Mama by Sarah Ivens

The Zen Mama philosophy is that mother and child complement each other in adventures and experiences, always putting safety first but without getting caught up in the anxieties, drama, impossible expectations, and mental baggage that too often comes along with modern parenting. This book is a great for anyone who feels like they have lost their way a little and want to understand more about gentle parenting.

GROW: Motherhood, Mental Health & Me by Frankie Bridge

Written by pop star and Mum Frankie Bridge this book covers Frankie's mental health journey into motherhood with the notes of psychologist, Maleha Khan, who will unpack the problems she experienced as she became a mother.

The Expectant Dad's Survival Guide by Rob Kemp

This book tells expectant Dad’s everything they need to know during the mother’s pregnancy and the first few weeks of their new life as a dad. Combining expert advice from midwives, psychologists, and obstetricians with first-hand accounts, it has been raved about by Dads for its explanations and survival tips.

Mothering Multiples by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada

If you have more than one bundle of joy, then this is the book for you! This book covers everything to do with having a multiple pregnancy and birth including possible complications of pregnancy, preparing for a multiple birth, coping with newborns who might need to spend time in a NICU, establishing a milk supply for multiple babies, adjusting as a couple, and caring for toddler multiples.