First-time moms will agree, there’s no bigger role than becoming a mom. Here are 9 books to help you with your newest, most important job.
It took my wife about three days from our daughter’s birth to realize the amazing list of books she’d been gifted by experienced moms were actually worth her while.
While our baby slept in her or my arms, she devoured book after book of excellent advice for new moms. Some were funny, some were dead-pan serious, while others just gave her incredibly helpful tips on getting through the first few weeks and months of motherhood.
Whether you’re looking for practical advice, a laugh or just a little reassurance, these nine books for new moms cover all the bases. From soothing baby to caring for yourself, there’s something for everyone—because every mom deserves a book (or two) that speaks to her!
1. The Fourth Trimester
by Kimberly Ann Johnson
Summary: Johnson takes you through the post-birth journey like a best friend who’s been there. The fourth trimester is those first three months after baby is born, and this book dives deep into how to heal both your body and mind during this time. Johnson focuses on self-care, making it clear that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential!
Why it’s great: It’s practical without being preachy, covering everything from physical recovery to emotional support, and includes easy-to-follow tips on nutrition and self-care rituals.
2. Bringing Up Bébé
by Pamela Druckerman
Summary: Ever wonder how French parents seem so chill? Pamela Druckerman, an American mom raising kids in Paris, explores the differences between French and American parenting styles. Turns out, the French don’t just magically have well-behaved kids—they’ve got strategies!
Why it’s great: This book is perfect for new moms who want to laugh while learning. It’s packed with funny cultural anecdotes and practical advice on how to get your baby to sleep through the night (hint: the French call it Le Pause).
3. The Happiest Baby on the Block
by Harvey Karp
Summary: Dr. Karp’s book is a game-changer for new parents dealing with crying, sleepless nights, and general baby chaos. He teaches you how to soothe a fussy newborn using his famous 5 S’s (swaddle, side/stomach, shush, swing and suck).
Why it’s great: This book is like the baby-soothing Bible. It’s reassuring, straightforward and full of techniques that actually work when you’re trying to figure out why your baby won’t stop crying.
4. Mom’s One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book
Summary: This isn’t your traditional parenting guide, but it’s the perfect keepsake for busy new moms who want to capture the magical (and sometimes chaotic) moments of motherhood. Each day, you jot down a single line about what happened, and over five years, you’ll build a mini time capsule of memories.
Why it’s great: Time flies when you have a baby, and this low-pressure journal helps you capture those tiny, fleeting moments without making it feel like a chore. Plus, looking back at your entries will be super rewarding!
5. Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool
by Emily Oster
Summary: If you’re a data geek, this book is for you. Emily Oster, an economist and mom, breaks down the science and statistics behind common parenting practices. Want to know if breastfeeding is really better than formula? Or whether sleep training will mess up your baby? Oster gives you the facts so you can make informed decisions without the mom-guilt.
Why it’s great: It’s refreshingly no-nonsense and ideal for the mom who prefers evidence over opinions. No judgment here—just solid research!
6. The Sh!t No One Tells You: A Guide to Surviving Your Baby’s First Year
by Dawn Dais
Summary: Dawn Dais doesn’t sugarcoat anything in this hilarious and brutally honest book. She spills the tea on all the things no one tells you about being a new mom—like how you might still look pregnant for a while and how sleep deprivation can make you feel like a zombie.
Why it’s great: This book is like chatting with your funniest friend who isn’t afraid to tell you the real deal. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod in agreement, and you’ll feel a little better knowing that you’re not alone in the messy, exhausting whirlwind of new motherhood.
7. The Wonder Weeks
by Frans X. Plooij, Hetty van de Rijt, and Xaviera Plooij
Summary: This book helps you understand why your baby seems to go from being an angel one week to a tiny terror the next. Spoiler: it’s all about developmental leaps! The Wonder Weeks outlines when these growth spurts happen and how you can help your baby through them.
Why it’s great: It offers a huge sense of relief when you realize that your baby’s crankiness is part of a normal, predictable process. You’ll be able to spot the leaps and prepare for them, making the tough times a little easier to handle.
8. Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood—and Trusting Yourself and Your Body
by Erica Chidi Cohen
Summary: This modern guide covers everything from pregnancy to early motherhood, but with a warm, supportive tone. Cohen is a doula, and her approach is all about tuning into your instincts, trusting your body, and making choices that feel right for you.
Why it’s great: It’s holistic without being too woo-woo, and includes practical advice on nutrition, mental health and even postpartum sex. It’s perfect for moms who want an inclusive, supportive guide that acknowledges the emotional journey as much as the physical one.
9. The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
by Heng Ou
Summary: Inspired by the Chinese tradition of postpartum care, this book emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery during the first 40 days after birth. It’s filled with nourishing recipes, self-care tips, and advice on how to ask for (and accept) help from others.
Why it’s great: The focus on nurturing you during those early weeks is a refreshing change from the usual baby-centric books. It’s a lovely reminder that when you take care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to take care of your baby.