Best 8 Books For New Dads

Becoming a dad is an incredible journey, filled with excitement, challenges, and a lot of learning. Whether you’re preparing for the arrival of your first child or looking for guidance on how to navigate the early days of fatherhood, the right book can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore the best books for new dads, each offering valuable insights, practical advice, and a bit of humor to help you along the way. These books are ranked based on their popularity, content quality, and reviews, and are available for purchase on Amazon.

books for new dads

Why Reading About Fatherhood Matters

Becoming a dad is a monumental life change, and reading about the experiences, challenges, and joys of fatherhood can provide much-needed reassurance. It can also help dads-to-be feel more connected to the process, understand what to expect, and equip them with strategies for bonding with their child. These books offer more than just practical tips—they provide emotional support and real-world advice from experienced fathers, helping new dads feel more confident in their roles.

Reading can also help ease some of the anxiety that often accompanies the unknowns of parenting. Each book on this list takes a different approach, whether through humor, practical solutions, or step-by-step guides, offering valuable insights for new fathers. Whether you prefer a light-hearted take or a serious guide, there’s something here to match every dad’s style.

The Benefits of Being a Well-Prepared Dad

Studies have shown that when fathers are involved early on in their child’s life, it leads to better emotional and cognitive outcomes for the child. By taking the time to educate yourself through these recommended reads, you’re not only setting yourself up for success but also building a solid foundation for your relationship with your baby. A well-prepared dad is more likely to be hands-on, nurturing, and confident in his ability to meet the needs of both the baby and his partner.

Incorporating these resources into your fatherhood journey helps you become an active participant in your child’s early development. You’ll learn how to navigate those first sleepless nights, find ways to balance work and family life, and feel better prepared to support your partner through the transition into parenthood.

The Best 8 Books For New Dads:

1. “The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash

  • Why It’s Great: This classic guide is often hailed as the go-to book for new dads. It covers everything from conception to birth, offering month-by-month advice on what to expect, how to support your partner, and how to prepare for the big day. The book is packed with practical tips and a healthy dose of humor, making it an engaging read for expectant fathers.
  • Amazon Link: The Expectant Father

2. “Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!: How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 Months” by John Pfeiffer

  • Why It’s Great: Written in a light-hearted and straightforward style, this book is perfect for dads who want a no-nonsense guide to pregnancy. It covers the basics of what to expect during each trimester, how to support your partner, and how to get ready for fatherhood without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Amazon Link: Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!

3. “Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads” by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden

  • Why It’s Great: “Be Prepared” is a fun and practical guide that offers advice on everything from changing diapers to surviving sleepless nights. It’s filled with easy-to-follow tips and illustrations that make it an accessible and entertaining read for any new dad.
  • Amazon Link: Be Prepared

4. “The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life” by Benjamin Watson

  • Why It’s Great: Written by former NFL player Benjamin Watson, this book offers a unique perspective on fatherhood, using sports analogies to guide new dads through the challenges of parenting. It’s a motivating and inspiring read, perfect for dads who want to approach fatherhood with confidence.
  • Amazon Link: The New Dad’s Playbook

5. “We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook” by Adrian Kulp

  • Why It’s Great: This book is an excellent resource for first-time dads, offering a week-by-week guide to pregnancy from a father’s perspective. It provides practical advice on how to support your partner, prepare for the baby’s arrival, and embrace your new role as a dad.
  • Amazon Link: We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook

  • Why It’s Great: Written by an ex-Commando and father of three, this book offers a military-style guide to parenting. It’s packed with practical advice on how to handle the challenges of the first three years, all delivered with a sense of humor and a no-nonsense approach.
  • Amazon Link: Commando Dad

7. “The Sh!t No One Tells You About Dads: The First-Time Dad’s Guide to Surviving Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond” by Dawn Dais

  • Why It’s Great: This book offers a candid, humorous look at the realities of fatherhood, from pregnancy to the early days with a newborn. It’s an honest and relatable guide that helps new dads navigate the ups and downs of becoming a parent.
  • Amazon Link: The Sh!t No One Tells You About Dads

8. “The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions” by Penny Simkin

  • Why It’s Great: While this book is not exclusively for dads, it’s an invaluable resource for any father planning to be actively involved in the birth process. It covers everything from labor techniques to emotional support, making it an essential read for dads-to-be.
  • Amazon Link: The Birth Partner

YouTube

Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel for all the great tips, tricks and more!


Conclusion

These books offer a wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and reassurance for new dads. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pregnancy, a humorous take on fatherhood, or a step-by-step manual for the early years, there’s a book on this list for you.

Fatherhood is an exciting journey, and having the right resources can make all the difference. Check out these top-rated books on Amazon and get ready to embrace your new role with confidence and joy.

Be sure to checkout our other lists detailing some good reads for new parents Best Baby Books For New Parents | (new-parents.com) and which books to read your baby Best Books To Read To Babies | (new-parents.com).

Happy reading, and welcome to fatherhood!


Here’s a little transparency: Our website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support our mission to bring you quality content.

16 thoughts on “Best 8 Books For New Dads”

  1. Becoming a parent for the first time is exciting, but it also comes with anxiety and many questions. The focus is often on the mum to-be, with the dad half forgotten. So it is really helpful to come across this guide to the best 8 books for new dads. 

    Supporting your partner during pregnancy is often a worry for a dad to be, so these books will help any new dad. And it is great to find a special place for the birth partner. It would be interesting to know if The Birth Partner also covers home birth and the role of the father in a home birth. 

    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! You’re absolutely right—while much of the focus tends to be on the mother, dads-to-be face their own unique set of challenges, questions, and anxieties as they prepare to support both their partner and their new baby. It’s wonderful to hear that you found this guide helpful!

      The Birth Partner is indeed a fantastic resource for dads and birth partners. It provides insights into how to be a supportive presence during labor and delivery, and it does touch on various birth settings, including home births. The book offers practical advice for dads in all kinds of birth environments, helping them feel more confident and prepared, regardless of the setting.

      Thank you again for your comment, and wishing you all the best in this exciting journey into parenthood!

  2. This blog offers a well-curated selection of insightful and engaging reads that resonate with fatherhood experiences. It suggest a number of books, making it easy for dads to find titles that fit their interests and needs. The recommendations are diverse, covering everything required of a new dad. My husband could have done with this when our son was born haha

    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! We’re thrilled to hear that you found our book recommendations helpful and resonant with your experience. It’s wonderful to know that these titles can offer support and insights for fathers as they navigate their unique journeys. And you’re absolutely right! Having a few good resources can make such a difference in those early days! Please feel free to share any book suggestions of your own; we’d love to keep expanding the list to support even more dads. Thanks again for stopping by, and we hope the blog continues to provide valuable reads for you and your family!

  3. This list of books is a great resource for new dads! It’s refreshing to see a wide range of options, from practical handbooks to humorous takes on fatherhood. As a new father myself, I can attest to how helpful reading up on fatherhood can be for preparing both mentally and emotionally. I especially enjoyed The Expectant Father for its mix of practical tips and relatable advice. This guide is perfect for anyone looking to start their parenting journey on the right foot.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad to hear that you found the list helpful and that the range of options provided a mix of practical guidance and humor—sometimes a good laugh is just what a new dad needs! The Expectant Father is such a great choice, especially with its balance of useful tips and relatable advice. I hope the other books offer even more support and insights as you embark on this exciting journey. Wishing you all the best as you navigate fatherhood, and thanks again for sharing your experience!

  4. This list of books for new dads is just what I was looking for! It’s great to see a range of topics covered, from bonding with the baby to managing new responsibilities and emotions. As a new dad myself, having resources like these really helps ease some of the uncertainty. Thank you for curating such a thoughtful selection—I’m excited to dive into these recommendations and get some practical advice along the way!

    1. I’m so glad to hear that you found the list helpful! It’s always wonderful to hear feedback from new dads like yourself, and I’m thrilled the range of topics resonated with you. Navigating fatherhood is such an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) journey, and having the right resources can make a big difference. I hope these books provide the guidance, reassurance, and practical tips you’re looking for. Wishing you all the best as you dive into these reads and enjoy all the special moments with your little one! Thank you again for your kind words. 😊

  5. when you become a parent you can be scared of what you can expect. Traditionally, people were educated and were given wisdom to become great fathers, but now that we’re not initiated anymore. So books are great to help us navigate through the complexity of this world. I appreciate the list of books that you shared in this article as it will help new fathers to become the best versions of themselves. Education is not only the thing of the mother!

    1. Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I completely agree! Becoming a father today can feel overwhelming, especially without the traditional guidance that once prepared parents for the journey. Books can offer that wisdom and direction, helping new dads gain confidence and become the best version of themselves. Parenting truly is a shared learning experience, and I’m glad this list of books resonates with you. It’s great to hear that more dads are recognizing the value of educating themselves for their families. Thank you for sharing your perspective!

  6. Hi Nick,

    Wow! This is such a comprehensive list and a must-read for all expectant and new dads!

    I appreciate your time and effort in putting together this great piece.

    Fatherhood is a full-time job on it’s own; the role requires well-balanced and adequate information that your informative article has successfully done by compiling these insightful guide list, to prepare expectant and new-dads for the role and challenges ahead.

    The section on the benefits of being prepared hits home and I particularly like this, as it outlines the basic and fundamental roles of fatherhood; contributing positively to a child’s emotional and cognitive developments, physical development, and above all strengthening the family bonds.

    Your emphasis on humor, practical advice, and reassurance for new dads as contained in the top ten books (The Expectant dad, Be Prepared, etc.), as part of what each book offers is commendable.

    However, do you think this book lists should be read in a particular order for an expectant and new dad? In your personal capacity, what is the greatest advice you would give an expectant and a new dad?

    I’ll definitely share this educative piece with friends and family!

    Thanks for sharing.

    – Makinde

    1. Hi there, Makinde!

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging comment! I’m thrilled that you found the article helpful and comprehensive. Fatherhood truly is a full-time role, and the journey comes with a mix of excitement and unknowns that can feel overwhelming. My goal with this guide was to compile a resource that not only equips new dads with practical information but also provides reassurance and support. It’s great to hear that the section on preparation resonated with you, as being informed and emotionally prepared can make a huge difference in navigating the early stages of parenthood.

      As for reading order, I’d suggest starting with books that focus on the early stages of fatherhood, like The Expectant Father and Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad! These books dive into the practicalities and emotional changes of pregnancy, helping dads-to-be understand the process and prepare for the arrival. Once comfortable with the basics, moving on to books like Be Prepared offers a humorous yet practical guide to hands-on baby care. After that, books focusing on long-term development and emotional connection, like Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, can provide deeper insights into raising children as they grow.

      In terms of advice, my biggest tip for new and expectant dads would be to embrace the journey and stay present. Each moment, from the milestones to the challenges, shapes your bond with your child and strengthens your role as a father. Don’t hesitate to seek support and ask questions—fatherhood is a learning experience, and the more open you are to it, the more rewarding it will be.

      Thank you for reading, and I appreciate you sharing this piece with others. Best of luck on this incredible journey ahead!

      Best Wishes, 

      Nick

  7. This is a great list of books for new dads! As a grandma, I think it’s wonderful that you’re looking for ways to support new fathers. Becoming a dad is a big change, and having the right resources can make it a little easier. I love how these books offer both practical advice and humor, which can help dads feel more confident and prepared for the journey ahead. I’ll definitely be passing along these book recommendations to my grandson’s dad, as they seem like a great way for new dads to learn and grow in their role.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback! It’s wonderful to hear that, as a grandma, you’re encouraging and supporting new dads. You’re absolutely right; becoming a father is a huge transition, and having practical resources (along with a little humor!) can go a long way in helping dads feel prepared and confident. I’m so glad you found this list helpful, and it’s great to know you’ll be sharing these recommendations with your grandson’s dad. Here’s to supporting all parents on their journey and thank you for being such an amazing part of the support system!

  8. As a grandfather, I know how daunting it can be for a new Dad. Men don’t form a bond with the unborn child as naturally as women do, so for us understanding the complexities of becoming a first time father are enormous. Unfortunately, when I became a Dad I never had access to any of the great resources we have available now. Being a Dad is about making making the right decisions at the right time, and sometimes we get it wrong and having information available to draw upon can only aid you. There is no perfect parent, and there never will be – but there can always be a better one.

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this insightful perspective. You’ve touched on such an important point; how becoming a dad can feel overwhelming, especially when that initial bond isn’t as instinctive. It’s true that, in the past, resources for new dads were limited, and navigating fatherhood often meant learning on the go.

      I completely agree with you that being a great dad isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, making thoughtful choices, and learning from both successes and missteps. Today, having access to information and support can really make a difference, and it’s wonderful to see grandfathers like yourself reflecting on how things have evolved for today’s new dads. Thank you for adding such a thoughtful and encouraging message to the conversation—there’s so much wisdom in your words!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top