Books to Help with Baby: Read All About It

These books will help you think through the aspects of parenting with pregnancy wisdom and tips after bringing baby home.

“The Gentle Sleep Book: Gentle, No-Tears, Sleep Solutions for Parents of Newborns to Five-Year-Olds” by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

This book offers gentle, effective prescriptions for addressing the common sleep challenges encountered by new parents. The first five years of a child’s life can be filled with concerns and challenges about sleep, and with suggestions for each developmental stage, readers will learn how to create a consistent bedtime routine, use comfort objects, assign naps and more. Available at amazon.com for $16.99.

“The Bottom Line for Baby: From Sleep Training to Screens, Thumb Sucking to Tummy Time –What the Science Says by Tina Payne Bryson

No need to Google! This book covers every baby- and toddler-care decision a parent might struggle with, including breastfeeding, food allergies, pacifier use and more for help during the first year of life. Using reliable research and sifting through old wives’ tales, Bryson has information and answers to more than 60 common concerns and dilemmas. If the information is inconclusive, she helps you think through how to apply it to fit your family. Available at penguinrandomhouse.com for $17.

“Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality” by Laura A. Jana and Jennifer Shu

The fourth edition of this guide for new parents offers advice from two pediatrician-moms. With tips on feeding, dressing, diapering, bathing and more, you’ll be prepared to do the best by your baby. Serving as a reference guide for the first year, updated sections include postpartum depression, breastfeeding, insurance benefits, SIDS and car seats, along with the latest AAP guidelines. Available at publications.app.org for $16.95.

“Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong – and What You Really Need to Know” by Emily Oster

Fully revised and updated for 2021, this book helps answer the questions pregnant moms have, such as why coffee is forbidden. Using data, Oster shows the reasons behind the accepted rules of pregnancy, as well as why some of them are wrong by debunking myths and explaining the available information. Available at penguinrandomhouse.com for $18.