You’ve triple checked the pregnancy test, you’ve shared the big news with the family, you haven’t agreed on a name—but have agreed to stop arguing about it—and you’ve even promised your partner you’ll never let seafood enter your kitchen again… Sounds like you’re about to become a dad!
Men throughout the annals have undertaken rigorous adventures, embarking on new frontiers and territories. All of them—from the roughneck commandos to the high-elevation explorers—have found their wisdom not just by doing, but by reading. Fatherhood is much the same.
The parenting game is littered with literature that’ll tell you what to do, what not to do and what NEVER to do before, during and after having a child. So, which are the books you should look out for?
What are the best books about becoming a dad?
We’ve narrowed it down to five excellent reads to help fathers navigate their new role (with a bonus sixth book for those who love a page turner). If you haven’t read much since high school, well, you might want to change that habit. After all, every other habit’s about to undergo a serious change.
1. “The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash
About: Brott and Ash take you on a journey through every stage of pregnancy from a dad’s POV. It’s segmented into monthly accounts—because you’ll be watching the calendar like a hawk from your first baby scan—giving details of baby’s development, mom’s physical and likely emotional changes and dad’s role throughout all of it.
Why it suits new dads: The book offers practical advice on how to support your partner, prepare for the baby’s arrival, and manage the emotional transitions of becoming a father. Its dual perspective from both authors ensures a well-rounded approach, making it an essential resource for navigating the complexities of pregnancy and early fatherhood.
2. “Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!: How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 Months” by John Pfeiffer
About: Dads like to laugh (after all, we pioneered the dad joke). Which is why this one from John Pfeiffer is so great. Comically written and super engaging from first to last page, this book handles all the fears of typically expecting fathers, with straightforward advice on the pregnancy months, the day of birth and the first few weeks as a new papa.
Why it suits new dads: The fun tone breaks up the sometimes dramatic nature of talking about pregnancy and birth. It makes these tough topics approachable and gives you some easy reading while your mental state undergoes a little more anxiety than usual. You’ll better understand your new role by the end of the book and come away feeling more comfortable (with a couple gags thrown in for good measure).
3. “Men at Birth: Real stories from men about the birth of their children” by David Vernon
About: Australian journalist David Vernon interviews 23 dads about the experience from positive pregnancy test to the heart-stopping hours of watching their partner give birth. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always engaging, these tales will make you feel as if 23 of your closest pals are taking you on a journey of the most intimate—most important—moments of their lives.
Why it suits new dads: Facts are handy but it’s storytelling that truly drives home a message for us humans. That’s what makes Vernon’s beautiful collection of first dad tales so crushingly memorable and even practical for new dads. “You’re not alone.” That’s what it said to me, after every story I read.
4. “Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads” by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden
About: Tips, tricks and laugh-out-loud illustrations makes this one another easy yeet super helpful read for new dads. From diaper changing to swaddling techniques to soothing a crying baby, you’ll find a bunch of handy material in this baby handbook.
Why it suits new dads: Practical and visually pleasing, you’ll like the simple nature that this book is laid out. It’s a good one to have on the shelf to refer to, without diving through thick paragraphs and tiny text to find a solution to your baby’s needs. If you’re looking for just one “guide to fatherhood”, then this is probably it.
5.”The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life” by Benjamin Watson
About: Written by an ex-NFL player, this one relies on sports metaphors to guide you new dads through the string of challenges you’ll meet after baby’s born. From running audibles when baby’s sick to senior coach-quality communication techniques that’ll keep you and your significant other operating smoothly, this is an awesome induction to dad life.
Why it suits new dads: A lot of us fellas are driven. Whether in business, athletics or adventure, we seem to enjoy the enthusiasm and strategic-thinking that comes with a new, exciting venture. This book, with a bunch of sports analogies to keep things relevant for game-loving dads, lines up well with its motivational approach to fatherhood. Also, sports.
6. (Bonus book) “The Science of Pregnancy: The complete illustrated guide from conception to birth” by Sarah Brewer
About: While not a guidebook on how to dad, this was one of the most insightful reads I had before my girl was born. Lined with beautiful illustrations, scans and photographs of infants, this science-backed guide shows you how a baby is built, even right down to the cellular building blocks from the first day of conception. It’s broken into monthly segments, meaning you can follow your baby’s development, and even provides wonderful explanations of what to expect in the weeks, months and years after the magical day your bub is born.
Why it suits new dads: If you’re the type of guy who LOVES understanding how things work, this is for you. It’s super easy to read, despite the gazillion terms you’ve never heard of, and shows you what’s under the bonnet of your partner’s belly through every stage of pregnancy (and beyond). I still refer to it out of utter intrigue.
Well, there you go papa-to-be! Pages and pages of wisdom and insight to propel you forth on your journey to fatherhood. The journey is an arduous one, but perhaps the most exciting you’ll ever encounter. Good luck and happy reading!
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