While women have whole shelves at the bookstore devoted to preparing them for pregnancy, birth, and the first year, men get a few titles mixed in with the maternity section.
Where are the books for dad?
There are books to help us know What to Expect, and a whole Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy. We’re guided through the entire process, but dad needs info too.
These 10 books for dad help to clear the mystery, and give him the tools he needs to be a great father.
Books with an asterisk * have been reviewed by an actual father during at least one pregnancy, and are DaddyVents approved. Also, this post contains affiliate links. Any commissions received as a result of your purchase go towards the 2Live Crew’s education. Thank You!
1.Crash Course for Dads-To-Be: Prepare for the Adventure of Your Life with Real World Advice from Real Dads
Fathers agree that the Boot Camp for New Dads class and its companion book for dad, the Crash Course for Dads-To-Be, makes understanding their new role easier. With easy to read tips for pregnancy and infant care, including How to Stop Crying; Supporting Mom; Making Fatherhood an Adventure; and the handy tear-out” Dads Adventure’s famous Childbirth Coaching Guide” to take along to the delivery room, this book gets dads ready.
2. The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be*
Month by month, mom’s pregnancy is explained so that daddy can follow along. He’ll learn how mom is doing (hungry, probably), how baby is growing, and all the emotional, financial, and physical changes the might be feeling as a new dad. Topics like how to afford a pregnancy; how to juggle work and family roles; what childbirth classes don’t teach you; ways to support and encourage your partner throughout the pregnancy; how to start a college fund; and how pregnancy affects your sex life make sure that dad knows what’s up throughout all nine months.
3. Be Prepared : A Practical Handbook for New Dads
Humor and step by step illustrations walk dads through MacGyver-like tips and tricks, and give no-nonsense advice for mastering the first year as a dad. He’ll learn how to pick the right stroller, how to construct an emergency diaper out of a towel, a sock, and duct tape; how to swaddle; and, how to change baby at a game. Go, Golden State!
4. Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad! How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 Months
“She’s pregnant. She knows that. You know that. And her 152 baby books tell her exactly what she can expect. Your job is to learn what you can do between the stick turning blue and the drive to the delivery room to make the next nine months go as smoothly as possible.” Written by a father of three, Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad! teaches fathers that even though mom is having the baby, he’s got responsibilities too.
5. Oh Boy, You’re Having a Girl: A Dad’s Survival Guide to Raising Daughters
The dad of three girls walks guys through baby dolls, bedtime rituals, and dance recitals to ensure that he’s prepared to participate properly in tea parties. More of a humor book for dad than a “guide,” for a “good laugh about the joys and antics that come with having all girls,” check it out.
6. Show Dad How: The Brand-New Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year
This fully illustrated guide gives dads who are excited to be involved with their new baby, but not quite sure where to start 156 things every new father needs to know. Parenting Magazine author Shawn Bean shares his handiest tips for “Delivering a baby in the Subway,” and “Handling Diaper Disasters.”
7. Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise A Smart And Happy Child from Zero to Five*
Your child’s ability to relate to others predicts his or her future math performance. Praising effort is better than praising intelligence. Dr. John Medina, developmental molecular biologist and dad, explains how baby’s brain develops and what science says dads (and moms!) can do to to raise smart and happy children. DaddyVents keeps this one in heavy rotation.
8. What to Expect When Your Wife Is Expanding: A Reassuring Month-by-Month Guide for the Father-to-Be, Whether He Wants Advice or Not
Mom knows what to expect, and now, so does dad. The parody of the popular manual helps dads through important milestones and topics each month, with “What Your Wife Will Be Complaining About,” “The minefield: the wrong gifts for your pregnant wife,” and “A couple of things to say to let her know you’re caring, sensitive, and up on the required reading.”
9. Becoming Dad: Black Men and The Journey to Fatherhood
Drawing on his own experiences with an abusive father, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. interviewed men across the country to combat the stereotypes of black fathers and write this “encouraging look at efforts by black men to stop the destructive cycles that many of them have known in their lives.”
10. Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge*
NBA player, poet, children’s advocate, and dad Etan Thomas brings together personal experiences from fathers and sons, including Taye Diggs, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Talib Kweli, Ice Cube, Damian Marley, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and more to share what they’ve learned from being a father, having a father, or not having a father around.
Am I missing any must-read books for dad?
- Why Every Birth Needs A Doula - February 10, 2021
- How to Protect Your Peace During White Thuggery - January 7, 2021
- 10 Moms to Follow Into the New Year - December 30, 2020
