5 Best parenting Books you will regret NOT reading

Arming yourself with the best parenting books for new parents is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your child.

Yet with all the books claiming to be the best resources out there for new parents and first-time parents. We often feel overwhelmed by all the reading list we have to do. Moreover, we get confused with which parenting book is best for us.

However, with the lack of time and the demands of our new lifestyle, the priority of reading a parenting book might not be a priority at the moment. Rather, it might be at the end of our to-do list as new parents after prioritizing sleep, and personal hygiene.

Top 5 parenting books every new and first time parent MUST read

Therefore, in this blogpost, I have selected the best parenting books every new and first-time parent must read. I will also share the key takeaways and how I apply them in the upbringing of my daughter Lilly.

As I embarked on this amazing journey called motherhood. I was seeking guidance and wisdom from experienced parents and experts. I felt overwhelmed by all the big and scary book titles thrown on Amazon about parenting. I read everything my hands fell on. From articles, books, to apps. Each offering unique insights and techniques that have enriched my parenting experience. 

Jump to my list of the best parenting books for new parents YOU will regret Not reading here.

I hand picked for you 5 of the best parenting books for new parents. Those top picks will transform your understanding of parenthood and you won’t regret reading any of them. On the contrary, you will regret NOT reading them.

One of the best parenting techniques I fell in love with once i discovered it was the Montessori method. Discovering the Montessori method was transforming for me. Follow your child method is not new. It was named after Dr. Maria Montessori the founder of the Montessori method 1907. However, the method became so popular among the millennial generation. Many celebrities claim to have had a Montessori education such as Jeff Bezos and Beyonce.

My first pick on my list of the best parenting books for new parents is:

1. “The Montessori Family” by Grace Stockholm

“The Montessori Family” introduces the Montessori method, a child-centered approach that fosters independence, curiosity, and respect for the child’s natural development. Grace Stockholm beautifully explains how to create a nurturing environment that encourages a child’s inherent desire to learn and explore. It recommends learning techniques and ways to enhance your baby’s creative nature.

My Experience: Embracing the Montessori principles has been transformative for my parenting journey. I learned the importance of providing age-appropriate toys and materials, allowing Lilly to explore her surroundings freely. Watching her independence blossom has been incredibly rewarding. It has instilled in me that letting my child explore without limiting her is a given miracle in the early years of childhood. To enable your child to learn and grow up with confidence and self-belief.

Key Takeaways:

• Foster independence by encouraging your child to do things for themselves.
• Create a prepared environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Practice patience and observe your child’s interests and developmental milestones.

Second on my list of the best parenting books for new parents is a life-changing book for every new and first-time mom.

As new mothers, we are thrown into the sea and told “Okay, Swim!”  

We know nothing about how to survive with a new baby neither how to understand our new baby’s needs. The next book communicates to you as a new mother, your new born needs in simple 5 techniques.

2. “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp

The Happiest Baby on the Block offers practical techniques to soothe a fussy baby and promote better sleep. Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s method (swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking) has been a game-changer for calming newborns.

My Experience: This book was a lifesaver during those early sleepless nights with Lilly. Mastering the 5 S’s not only helped her settle down but also deepened the bond between us. It brought us much-needed peace and comfort. And let me elaborate more that the author of the book is an inventor of the world’s famous bed ” the SNOO”. We bought the SNOO for our baby and we downloaded the app as well which was a game changer.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the 5 S’s method for calming a fussy baby.
• Develop a consistent bedtime routine to promote better sleep.
• Understand your baby’s cues and respond with love and care.

Next On my list of the 5 best parenting books for new/first-time parents

I have chosen for you one of the most amazing reads I truly enjoyed as a first time parent and new concepts for me as a non-Danish, non European mom.

3. “The Danish Way of Parenting” by Jessica Joelle Alexander

“The Danish Way of Parenting” delves into the Danish parenting philosophy that emphasizes trust, play, empathy, and togetherness. This book provides valuable insights into raising resilient, happy, and emotionally secure children. It opens your eyes to different techniques and why Scandinavian children are happier and more resilient in life.

My Experience: The Danish approach opened my eyes to the importance of fostering a warm and supportive environment for Lilly. Incorporating daily play and bonding activities enriched our relationship and created a joyful atmosphere at home. How reframing changed my vocabulary while practicing discipline and how that makes a huge difference in her behaviors.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize quality time with your child through play and shared activities.
• Cultivate a sense of security and emotional well-being by showing empathy.
• Embrace the power of “hygge” (a cozy, comfortable atmosphere) in family life.

If you feel overwhelmed by motherhood, you need this book as a first time/new mom.

You will regret Not reading this one as a new mom

No first-time/new mom can avoid burnouts or moments of despair and frustration. We all feel overwhelmed and frustrated.

Sometimes screaming at your kids can be okay if done right. However, knowing those triggers and prioritizing yourself can help immensely in composing yourself.

My next pick here is:

4. “Calm Mama, Happy Baby” by Derek O’Neil

Calm Mama, Happy Baby addresses the emotional challenges faced by parents, providing tools to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Derek O’Neil guides parents on how to prioritize self-care and maintain a calm mindset.

My Experience: As a first-time parent, I encountered moments of self-doubt and anxiety. This book taught me the importance of taking care of myself to be the best parent for Lilly. Implementing self-care practices has had a positive impact on both of us.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize self-care to maintain emotional well-being.
• Practice mindfulness techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
• Trust your instincts and develop confidence in your parenting abilities.

My personal favorite on the best 5 parenting books for new and first time parents.

Last but not least and I kept the best for last. The book I wish my parents have read, and you will regret not reading. This book opened my eyes to things I would have never known. Mistakes I would have done and probably did in the beginning.

5. “The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read” by Philippa Perry

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read focuses on how our own childhood experiences can influence our parenting. Philippa Perry explores ways to break negative patterns and build healthy connections with our children.

My Experience: This book allowed me to reflect on my upbringing and understand how it shaped my parenting style to my daughter. It taught me to be mindful of my reactions and be open to growth as a parent. It opened my eyes to the wrong techniques I embraced from my parents because neither them nor I did know any better.

Key Takeaways:

• Acknowledge and address your own childhood experiences.
• Build a strong emotional connection with your child through active listening.
• Embrace imperfections and be open to learning and growing as a parent.
• Understand why you do things because of the impact of the past on your subconscious mind.
• There is nothing wrong in admitting your wrong understanding of parenthood from your parent’s perspective.

Why you would regret NOT reading those 5 picks of the best parenting books for new parents?

As a first-time parent, reading these five remarkable books has been a transformative journey for me. Because thanks to them by Implementing the Montessori principles, mastering the 5 S’s, embracing the Danish way of parenting, prioritizing self-care, and reflecting on my upbringing have all contributed to my growth as a first-time parent to Lilly. 

Each book offered me unique insights that complemented and enriched my parenting experience and made me want to improve myself day in and day out.

If you are a first-time parent like me, I highly recommend delving into these valuable resources. They will not only equip you with practical tools and techniques but also empower you to create a loving and nurturing environment for your child. 

Remember, parenting is a journey of learning and growth, and these 5 best parenting books for new parents will be your trusted companions on this beautiful adventure.

These 5 best parenting books are a must-read for all first-time parents out there. You will be missed out if you did not educate yourself on parenting your child. We bring people to life to provide not just the best food, or schooling, but also to teach them how to be better humans than us.

Here you go! 5 best parenting books in town every first-time parent will regret Not reading. So, which one to start with is absolutely your choice. So, mama, papa, grab a cup of tea, or coffee, cozy up with these books, and embark on this extraordinary journey of parenthood, armed with the wisdom and knowledge you wish you had from day one. Happy parenting!