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Newborn book recommendations

bhk3bhk3 member
in 3rd Trimester
Hi all,

I just entered the third tri on Thursday (yay!) and figured it was about time I stopped lurking since I'm sure the number of questions I have will only increase from here on out. I'm a FTM-to-be in my early thirties, due at the very end of January. I never was really  "into" kids until a fairly recently, when the phrase "it's different when they're your own" sunk in. Needless to say, I shocked the hell out of my family and coworkers (except for the few I'd confided in since DH and I decided to go for it) when they found out I was pregnant. 

So, anyway, my question for you all today is: which newborn and early childhood books did you find most helpful as a FTM? I'm looking for straightforward advice, not something flowery, rainbows and sparkles, or particular new-agey (nothing wrong with that if you're in it, just NMS). I NEED The basics, helpful tips, how-tos, etc, for both my husband and myself. The main one I'm considering right now is called "Heading Home With Your Newborn".  Thanks in advance for your help!

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Re: Newborn book recommendations

  • AthenaNabiAthenaNabi member
    The best newborn book you can buy is The Happiest Baby on the Block. It's a really good read and it's so interesting I would have read it even if I wasn't expecting. 
    Im also getting a jump start on books I won't really have practical applications for until my baby about 6 months old, such as the Super Baby Food book which is all about making your own baby food and choosing a healthy diet for your newborn (it was recommended at a baby food making class I took) and I'm also reading a book on baby sign language. I figure it's better to read ahead now so I have some understanding of what I'm doing and just have to review or re-read later when Im much busier.
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  • jinnymbjinnymb member
    If you are looking for just basic info without any "theories" really attached, I would get the What to Expect The First Year.  It is basic info and covers almost all scenarios without going into a style of parenting.  Good luck and congrats!!



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  • jatodd04jatodd04 member
    I second "Happiest Baby on the Block" and "What to Expect in the First Year".
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  • ahbEsqahbEsq member
    I like Baby 411 and I also recommend Happiest Baby on the Block.

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  • ashiscuteashiscute member
    ahbEsq said:
    I like Baby 411 and I also recommend Happiest Baby on the Block.
    agree
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  • sunflwr2sunflwr2 member
    Someone got me pregnancy 411, baby 411, and toddler 411when I was pregnant with dd1. I love them. They are helpful and to the point. Everything is kind of a bulletpoint so its easy to find answers to questions you may have
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  • RachelCA29RachelCA29 member
    I will also vouch for Happiest Baby on the Block. I didn't read it until my LO was a few weeks old but I wish I had read it before he was born. There are strategies in there that are really great from day one. I feel like our first month and a bit would have been so much smoother with that information.
    That and read a couple of books on sleep. There are so many theories and recommendations, read a few now so you know what to expect and have some strategies for after the first 3-4 months. Before baby comes is when you will have time to do this research.
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  • bhk3bhk3 member
    Sorry for not replying sooner - for some reason my Kindle hates this site and won't let me post. I really appreciate all of your advice!

    Happiest Baby on the Block is definitely a book I've been thinking about. The main reason I hadn't bought it yet is because of lot of the reviews said something along the lines of, "This should be a 10-page handout, not a book". Another reviewer basically said "don't bother buying the book, here's what you need to know:

    1. Swaddle - he describes and illustrates an excellent swaddle technique, the tighter, the more womb-like
    2. Side / Stomach - laying baby on side or stomach. He reiterates that when laying baby on stomach, baby should NEVER be left unattended. Positioning in this way is most comfortable for baby, when he's on his back, he has the sensation of free-falling, and thus feeling insecure.
    3. Shush - baby was used to hearing your blood flow for those 9 months, so a loud shushing will calm baby down. Ever notice how he quiets when you turn on the vacuum? I've used a white noise machine, all the loud shushing got me blue in the face and most nearly passed out!
    4. Swinging - rhythmic, jiggling motion. You don't necessarily have to use a swing for this one. He describes the motion as being a very nervous person holding a baby. You use very tiny shaky movements, movements must be tiny, other wise shaking baby with long, hard jerks may result in shaken baby syndrome. This movement imitates the constant movement he felt while in-utero.
    5. Suck - sucking on a pacifier, nipple, your finger, etc...    "

    Anyone agree? If that's all there is to it (I say oh so naively) I could probably find a lot of info (swaddling techniques, etc) online. Is there more in the book beyond the above info that makes it worthwhile? In regards to the "shushing" part, does anyone use a white noise machine? I found this thing on Amazon which sounds pretty neat but I'm trying to figure out how helpful it would be in reality: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Soothing-Miracle-Babies/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415469785&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+shush.

    Also, any recommendations for good infant sleep books? My brother's baby just turned 1 and they've been working on transitioning him to his own crib/room so I'm feeling their pain even though it's a bit down the road for me. :)

    Thanks again!
    ~K

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  • jennypolkadotsjennypolkadots member
    DH read the happiest baby on the block and really liked it a lot. As another poster mentioned find a Pediatrician you trust and ask for their recommendations. The right book for you depends a lot on your parenting style. 

    I like to believe that most parenting is instinctual. Get to know your baby and choose what works for your family, and give yourself a break when things aren't perfect. Everyone thinks they know the "right way" and you will get tons of unsolicited advice that contradicts each other. There are obvious issues you should discuss in advance and decide on like if you want your baby to sleep in your room or not, how you and your H feel about spanking, proper nutrition during breastfeeding and the first year, etc. We've really liked learning about baby sign language and are looking forward to using it. I hope this helps! 
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