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Sleepless Nights? Not Anymore! Get the Best Baby Books for New Parents with Blinkist

Need a Lifeline, New Parents? We've Got You! Check out our list of the best baby books for new parents, transformed into swift, accessible reads. Wave goodbye to overwhelm and welcome a new era of parenting prowess, and snatch your FREE trial today.
by Chris Allmer | 26.03.2024

Let’s face it, new parenthood is a beautiful rollercoaster with more twists and turns than a pretzel factory. One minute you’re basking in the glow of your perfect little nugget, and the next you’re questioning your sanity.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this wild ride alone. There’s a secret weapon that every new parent should have in their arsenal: books.

We know, we know. You’re probably thinking, “Who has time to read when there’s a tiny human demanding attention 24/7?” But hear us out.

We’ll not only give you the best baby books for new parents, but we’ll also summarize them and give you the key ideas of each book in just 15 minutes. So you can focus on your little angel while still learning how to deal with the (let’s say) trickier moments.

The 10 Best Baby Books for New Parents

How to Bond with Your Baby from Day One

1. The Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

The Power of Showing Up by Daniel Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson

The Power of Showing Up


by Daniel Siegel
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Forget just cooing and cuddling (although that’s important too). This book dives into the science of how your very presence shapes your baby’s brain development. 

Learn how to build a strong emotional connection right from the get-go, fostering a secure and loving bond that will last a lifetime. Start here, mamas and papas!

2. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)


by Philippa Perry
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Ever feel like you’re just winging it? “The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read” by Philippa Perry offers a lifeline for overwhelmed new parents. This parenting book goes beyond simple baby care tips and dives deep into the crucial realm of emotional connection with your child.

Perry, a renowned psychologist, argues that our own childhood experiences shape how we parent. The book helps you understand your parenting style and how it might be influenced by your own upbringing.

And if you’re curious about how your parenting style might be a departure from how you were raised, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all parents report that they’re charting a different course than their own parents did.

If you want to explore this topic further, read our article,10 Books You Wish Your Parents Had Read.

3. Raising a Secure Child by Kent Hoffman

Raising a Secure Child by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, Bert Powell, Christine M. Benton

Raising a Secure Child


by Kent Hoffman
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Feeling lost in a sea of conflicting parenting advice? This book introduces the “Circle of Security” approach, a powerful technique that helps build trust and emotional resilience. 

Imagine your child feeling confident to explore the world while knowing you’re always there as their safe haven.  

How to Win Bedtime Battles

4. The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp

The Happiest Baby on the Block


by Harvey Karp
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Is your newborn a champion screamer with lungs that could rival a rock concert? Fear not! Dr. Harvey Karp’s will transform you into a soothing ninja with his revolutionary “5 S’s” method:

  • Swaddle
  • Shhh
  • Side/Stomach (held upright)
  • Swing
  • Suck

A 2019 study in theJapan Journal of Nursing Science also found evidence to support Dr. Karp’s theory, showing that the 5 S’s method effectively reduces infant crying. So ditch the earplugs and grab this book – it might just be your new bedtime bible!

Practical Strategies for New Parents

5. No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson

No-Drama Discipline


by Daniel Siegel
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Ditch the power struggles and meltdowns! This book offers a “whole-brain” approach to discipline, helping you address behavior challenges constructively. 

Learn how to manage tantrums effectively while teaching your child valuable life skills, fostering a more positive and cooperative environment.  

6. The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

The Yes Brain by Daniel Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson

The Yes Brain


by Daniel Siegel
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Say goodbye to a world of “no’s” and hello to the power of “yes” with “The Yes Brain” by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson. This parenting book shows you how to create a positive atmosphere that helps your child grow up curious, brave, and strong

Learn to encourage your little one to explore and to celebrate their successes along the way. It’s all about building a supportive environment that inspires your child to learn and grow throughout their life. Ready to see the amazing things that happen when you start saying “yes” more?

Alternative Parenting Styles

7. Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman

Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman

Bringing Up Bébé


by Pamela Druckerman
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Curious about alternative parenting styles? This parenthood guide explores the French approach to parenting, emphasizing routines, independence, and a focus on healthy habits. It might not be for everyone, but it offers interesting food for thought and can help you establish healthy routines and habits from the get-go.  

8. Bless This Mess by Molly Baskette & Ellen O’Donnell

Bless This Mess by Molly Baskette, Ellen O’Donnell

Bless This Mess


by Molly Baskette
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos? This book is packed with uplifting advice and handy tips to help you see the beauty in the messy moments, enjoy the wild ride of parenting, and draw strength from your faith when things get tough. Ready for a new perspective that celebrates the mess and the magic of raising kids?

9. How to Raise Successful People by Esther Wojcicki

How to Raise Successful People by Esther Wojcicki

How to Raise Successful People


by Esther Wojcicki
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Ever wonder how to raise the next CEO? This book shares parenting strategies from the mother of three incredibly successful daughters. Learn how to foster curiosity, resilience, and passion in your child, setting them on the path to achieving their dreams.

And of course, we all want to raise successful children. But what about our own success? Parenthood can be a turning point in your career too!

Want to learn more? Discover how parenthood can supercharge your career! Read our article:How Becoming A Parent Supercharged My Career.

10. Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman

Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman

Bringing Up Bébé


by Pamela Druckerman
  1. 15 min reading time
  2. audio version available

Curious about alternative parenting styles? This book explores the French approach to parenting, emphasizing routines, independence, and a focus on healthy habits.

It might not be for everyone, but it offers interesting food for thought and can help you establish healthy routines and habits from the get-go.

How Blinkist Supports New Parents

Whether you’re aiming to soothe a newborn rockstar or guiding a future CEO, each book on our list of the best baby books for new parents is a stepping stone toward building a relationship filled with understanding, resilience, and love.

But here’s the best part:

You don’t need to carve out hours from your already-packed day to benefit from these pearls of wisdom. With Blinkist, you can absorb the core lessons of these parenting classics in just 15 minutes per book—your fast pass to parenting know-how.

Curious? All of these new baby books and more are nestled in our “Parenting” collection, ready and waiting to transform your approach to raising happy, confident, and successful individuals.

And with a 7-day free trial, you can start this journey today, risk-free. In just one week, you’ll be able to explore all the parenting books on our list and, if there’s time, you also have access to more than 7,000 top titles in categories like self-development, finances, or mental wellbeing.

So, why wait? Create your free Blinkist account and embrace the chaos, celebrate the milestones, and raise the next generation of dream-chasers.

Start your free 7-day trial

Chris Allmer
About the writer
Chris Allmer

Meet Chris, an accomplished bilingual copywriter who excels at simplifying complex topics and making them a feast for your brain. When he’s not crafting copy in German or English, you’ll find him chasing his dream of a barefoot life on the beach with stacks of exciting books.

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