Parenting can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Whether you’re a new dad or you’re just looking for more advice, these books for dads are here to guide you through pregnancy, parenting, and everything in between.
Here are 15 books for dads wanting to become better parents:
Books for Expecting & New Dads
Your partner is pregnant. Now what? These books are helpful for new dads experiencing their first pregnancy with their partner and everything that means. They outline what to expect, how to handle common issues like their pregnant partner’s anxiety, the baby blues, and how to handle the emotional impact of becoming a new dad, with issues like male postpartum depression or feeling overwhelmed by new parenthood.
1. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide to Dads-to-Be
This classic guide is considered the standard for new dads – and for good reason. It outlines what to expect every month of your partner’s pregnancy and includes new chapters on labor.
The latest edition also includes some pandemic-specific issues and how to deal with them.
2. We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
If you didn’t grow up with a lot of siblings or babies in your life, you may be stumped when your partner is pregnant. This book outlines each week of your partner’s pregnancy and includes what to expect, insight into your partner’s evolving needs, and how to handle some of the common issues that arise, with insights into the emotions a dad may be processing as well.
Some reviews have mentioned this book is very American-focused, with little information on the actual birth itself or alternative birth methods, so keep that in mind.
3. The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby
Straightforward, simple, and easy to read, this guide is perfect for on-the-go dads who want to learn quickly what taking care of an infant looks like. Readers appreciate its easy-to-understand illustrations and well-organized chapters.
4. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads
Former Boy Scouts (or anyone who enjoys a solid instruction manual) will appreciate this dad handbook with cheeky illustrations, how-to guides for the most common “dad” scenarios, and more.
The first year can be tough for a new dad, but this handbook is here to help with any parenting obstacles you may come across.
5. The Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions
If you’re looking to know exactly what can happen during birth, then this definitive, informative guide is for you. Each chapter outlines specific scenarios that may happen while your partner gives birth and how to handle each one. Find common labor symptoms, complications, and how you can be a present, available partner during an intense time for new parents.
This book is especially helpful for couples considering a doula or other similar services.
6. First-time Dad: Pregnancy Handbook for Dads-to-Be
Written by Steven Bell, First Time Dad prepares all dads-in-the-making for everything from the first positive pregnancy test to long term plans with your child. For example, what foods are best for your partner? What medical exams will she need? How can you better support her? Then, after the baby is born, how do you adapt? How can you improve romance with your partner? How do you prepare for every milestone in your child’s life? Learn all that and more with this incredible guide.
7. Pregnancy For Men: The Whole Nine Months
For fathers-to-be, the nine months of their partner’s pregnancy come with enormous challenges – including nervousness, excitement, fear, anticipation, and doubt. While most pregnancy books are for mothers, Pregnancy for Men by Mark Woods is just for you, offering a dad’s survival guide to these early days of parenting. You will learn about your baby’s developmental stages, how to better support your partner, and what to expect after your baby is born. Fatherhood is coming; ask yourself, are you ready for it?
Books for Dads With Daughters
Every child needs their father, and daughters can especially benefit from a positive relationship with their dad. These books are here to help you utilize mindful parenting with your daughter, and remind them how loved they are.
8. Girls on the Edge: The Four Factors Driving the New Crisis for Girls
From social media obsessions to sexual identity and consent, young women face a host of unique issues stemming from our digital culture – this book from Dr. Leonard Sax outlines how to tackle them. Learn what to be aware of and how to raise confident, secure daughters in a world determined to bring their spirit down.
9. Dads and Daughters
This sentimental read may not feel the same as other handbooks and guides on this list, but family therapist Dr. James Dobson still provides heartfelt wisdom in this uplifting and encouraging read.
A licensed psychologist and family counselor, Dr. Dobson’s book is perfect for dads who want to celebrate the beauty that is their relationship with their daughter.
10. Hair Love
This Black father-daughter story focuses on a caring father learning how to style his little girls’ hair for a big day. While specific to Black families, it’s still a tender and touching story sure to encourage any dad with a daughter. Plus, it makes for a great storytime read too.
11. Thriving Girl Dad: A Dude’s Guide to Raising Daughters
Thriving Girl Dad knows that raising daughters can be hard; however, instead of just aiming to “get through it,” the best dads prepare to thrive. This book by Brian Young – a proud girl dad – provides six proven practices and strategies for making the most of fatherhood. Honest and gritty, Young hits readers with personal stories, perspective, and wisdom. Plus, Young’s daughters make appearances in each chapter, giving their honest opinion on how certain situations played out and what could have gone better.
Books for Dads With Sons
Young men learn a lot from their fathers. Fostering confident, emotionally-aware sons takes consideration, so these books are here to help guide uncertain fathers.
12. Father to Son, Revised Edition: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy
This sweet and simple read is more general wisdom than parenting advice, but it’s still a powerful read for dads wanting to do the best for their sons. Practical and hopeful, pragmatic and kind, this book is filled with learned wisdom from one father to another.
13. Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child
Emotional intelligence isn’t just for boys, though this guide from Dr. John Gottman is likely to help you raise them all the same. Being aware of a child’s emotions and helping them understand and work through them leads to more confident, emotionally regulated adults. This book outlines how to take these teachable moments and create life-long skills for your child.
14. Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
This is another book that works for children of any gender, but dads with sons can especially benefit from this simple parenting style that empowers and encourages their sons with healthy, flexible authoritative parenting.
15. Better Dads, Stronger Sons: How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character
So many men struggle to feel confident when it comes to raising their sons. In this insightful, God-centered book, author Rick Johnson talks about how to be a positive role model for your boy, stressing the importance of male bonding, discipline, and spiritual leadership. Learn more about how to protect and provide for sons, despite any lingering feelings of inadequacy or fear. Throughout Better Dads, Stronger Sons, Johnson also reveals ten mistakes to actively avoid when it comes to effective fathering.
