Sure, everyone’s got a copy of "What to Expect When You’re Expecting" (great book!) and "The Happiest Baby on the Block." How about books that may not have quite that following, but are still great reads? Here’s a roundup of books that you should read when you get a chance (which means, possibly not until your kid is 10).
"What to Eat When You're Pregnant: A Week-by-Week Guide to Support Your Health and Your Baby's Development" by Dr. Nicole M. Avena
Eating during your pregnancy is often fraught with worry: no overindulging, no crazy weight gain, no sugar, no fun. This book shows you how to enjoy eating during your pregnancy (yes, even during the yucky morning sickness months). How do you know what is good to eat and what you should avoid? This guide will help you choose healthy foods and understand what "eating healthy" really means. Dr. Avena offers up simple, yet creative, recipes that will ensure that your baby is getting the building blocks that he or she needs during your pregnancy.
"NutureShock: New Thinking About Children" by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
When this book came out in 2009, it instantly became a sensation, climbing up the bestseller lists. Although it deals a lot with post-infant behaviors, including praise, sibling relationships, and teen rebellion, the chapters on sleep and how infants acquire language skills are must-reads for new moms and dads.
"Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom" by Stephanie Wilder-Taylor
Afraid that having a baby is going to turn you into a completely different person? Well, yeah, you should be. In this parenting book, Wilder-Taylor honestly writes about how her life was turned upside down when she became a mom. She explains why you're going to kiss your social life good-bye, at least for a while, and instead enjoy the craziness of parenthood.
"Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn – and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less" by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff
Do kids (especially babies) learn from flashcards? Do they add IQ points by doing drills? No, they're kids – they learn from play. That's how they learn to interact with the world. Even the act of stuffing a nearby toy or book into their mouth allows them to engage with their environment more than any "specially designed" video. This book reminds you that the best way for your child's development to bloom is by spending one-on-one time with your child while engaging in creative play. Reading out loud to them is one of best things that you can do for their growth!
"No Regrets Parenting: Turning Long Days and Short Years into Cherished Moments with Your Kids" by Harley Robart, M.D.
It's every parent's dilemma: How do I make sure that I spend enough quality time with my child? How do I make sure that I enjoy what’s happening now? This book reminds you that the real moments that make up your favorite memories aren’t necessarily the birthday parties and vacations, but what you do every day with your child, whether it’s singing them a lullaby before putting them in their crib or enjoying a quiet moment while feeding them. This book has practical, feel-good advice for parents of all ages.
"Safe Baby Handling Tips" by David Sopp
Sure, it’s a board book, but it’s a really funny one! (And when you’re done, you can give to the baby to chew. She’s gonna do it anyway.) This is a Do/Don’t book that shows you “Instructions” on how to test the bottle temperature (by placing a few drops on your wrist, not by lapping it up with your tongue straight from the bottle) or how to play with baby (by lifting him over your head, not throwing him way up over your head). If you’re looking for some light, silly reading, this is your book!
