Navigating the early years of parenting can have many challenges. Here's the best baby books I've used and are now available to help you with overall life and feeding.
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When I was a new mom I remember experiencing many of the roller coaster emotions that many new parents feel - immense love, fatigue, anxiety and confusion. I think the first 3 go without explanation, but the confusion?! Oh man, was there confusion, which probably led to some of that fatigue and anxiety.
There's just so much darn information out there about how to care for and feed a baby. And to be honest, I didn't really know much about any of it. I had some goals that I wanted to achieve such as getting adequate sleep, having flexibility in our schedule and exposure to healthy foods, but I had no idea how to execute that.
Before I go any further, I feel the need to express my most important piece of parenting advice, even though you didn't ask for it. Ready?
Do what you know and feel is best for YOU and your baby.
You get a lot of advice as new parents. And, you can read a lot of great books and websites about how to care for your baby, many of which are contradictory. If something doesn't feel right for you or your baby, or you just plain know it's not right, do not do it. Then, don't let it get you down. Move on and find the strategy that does work, or create your own, unique and blended approach. No one failed at anything, you just haven't found the right fitย yet.
I also encourage moms (as I had to be encouraged on a regular basis) to take care of yourself too. Sometimes this drive alone will nudge you to try new strategies and that is OK, and sometimes, really good too. When mama is taking care of herself, baby will thrive too. And for the record, "taking care of yourself" will look completely different to everyone but I am fairly certain it always involves sleep. ๐
Here are some baby books that I used during the early years (and to this day) as well as more recent resources I wish I had had available to me.
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting MHE. Some of the books were provided to me free of charge to review. The opinions in this post are my own and I was not obligated to write a blog post on this topic.
Mom Nutrition
Expect the Best: Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During and After Pregnancy
When I became pregnant I searched for resources to give me the FACTS about the best way to eat during pregnancy. Unfortunately, at that time I only found resources that I thought were poorly written or confusing (i.e. I do not recommend this book.) Fortunately, my colleague, Liz Ward, just released the 2nd edition of her book to perfectly guide moms through what and how to eat through pregnancy and into the "4th trimester." This book is well written, well organized and easy to digest. Start with this book first to become informed on pregnancy nutrition, and you will feel confident throughout your experience.
{If you are a science nerd, like me, and want to read about how all the guidelines around pregnancy were developed and how pregnancy shapes a baby for the rest of their life, read this interesting book.}
Scheduling First Year and Beyond
When I became pregnant my Sister In Law shared the amazing resources from Moms on Call with me and I am forever grateful. The 2 nurses behind this program are practical, faith based, and encouraging with years of expertise. They have 3 books that guide you from day one of birth all the way through the toddler years. The Basic Baby Care guide literally shows you how to set up a flexible schedule during the day so that the parents are empowered to guide their children into the flow of the family. The #1 objective is to get on a healthy sleep schedule for baby AND parents. AMEN to that!
Beyond just sleep, the MOC ladies explain how to ensure baby is getting adequate feedings, how to swaddle, set up a positive sleep environment, naps on the go, schedules for baby #2 with an older toddler, and so much more. I literally just did what they "told me to do" for both of boys and it made things go so much more smoothly, which is why it is one of my favorite books.
Disclaimer: This system is not for everyone because it involves allowing baby to self soothe at bedtime. BUT, they literally walk you through exactly how long to let crying happen where it is safe and OK.
If you are out of the infant stage, I definitely recommend their other books too: Next Steps Baby Care: 6-15 Months & Moms on Call Toddler Book. In fact, I think it's about time for me to reread the Toddler Book.
Feeding Baby with Step-By-Step Instructions
โBorn to Eat: Whole, Healthy Foods from Baby's First Bite
Born to Eat demystifies the idea of baby-led weaning. Written by two of my dietitian colleagues, this book lays out the research supporting the practice of baby self-feeding and starting with whole foods over baby food as their first foods. This book is hot off the presses and I really wish I had this resource when I was feeding my boys. In my opinion, it makes the idea of baby-led weaning less weird and actually doable. Leslie and Wendy Jo lay out a relatable, easy to follow plan on how to introduce the every day, nutrient-rich foods you eat to your babies. The authors are encouraging throughout, never shaming anyone for the decisions they make about baby's food or family meals. I think this is a good book for any parent starting their babies on solid foods, whether or not you go full force with the plan or not. The best part is that there's something for everyone in this book.
Feeding Baby Food Recipe Book
Natural Baby Food Cookbook
This is a straightforward, beautiful, complete cookbook to help you prepare nutritious meals for your baby from the "first spoonfuls" to "big kid meals". Written by popular blogger and doctor, Sonali Ruder, it is based on trusted guidelines and good flavor combos. Use this essential cookbook to help you get out, and stay out, of the rut of feeding your kids, and the whole family. You'll find foolproof step-by-step recipes. This is a great resource for all parents looking to prepare homemade baby food and give your children a healthy start.
Playing with Baby Young Families Guide
When Jackson, my oldest son, became a more mobile baby, I realized that I needed some ideas of what to do with him at home. We spent a lot of time at home and that was new to me. I was getting bored with the same ole activities we did every day. (If you stay home with young children, you'll know what I mean!) This book was a fun resource during this time. It describes very simple games to play with your baby, many of which require little to no "equipment". You may feel, like I did, that you just need a few new ideas. This is a cheap resource to help you through those first stages of development.
Takeaway
You do you...
Friends, I hope these resources are helpful and encouraging to you or the new parents in your life. In no way am I saying these are what every mom should or must do. I can't emphasize enough that each parent must decide for themselves what they feel is best for them and their family. Find what works for you and be unapologetic about it.
If this was a helpful list for you, please share it with a friend who may benefit as well. Some of these books are brand new so they may not be well know, but should be.
Books for Baby
While we're on the topic of books, here are my top picks for children's books. It's never too early to start the habit of reading with your little one. Even before their first birthday, the act of pulling out a sweet book and reading simple stories to your baby encourages closeness and bonding. They also love to hear the sound of your voice. Here are the best books (sorted by author) for story time according to our family:
- Sandra Boynton: She wrote many of our favorite board books including The Going to Bed Book and Doggies. The pages contain bright colors and simple stories that are fun and silly.
- Eric Carle: Our favorites by him include Brown Bear, Brown Bear (a classic!), The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and The Very Busy Spider. These books are a particularly great way to introduce all of the different animals and their sounds to your little one.
- Sherri Duskey Rinker: As a boy mom, I have to include something about construction vehicles and this one was a favorite of ours! Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site is a calming story about tucking all the construction trucks in for bedtime. Older toddlers will have the best time naming all of the trucks. It comes in board book form now, too! Books like these were also some of the best gifts I received at my baby shower.
More Resources
For those seasons when we don't have much time to make our own baby food, check out my Review of Beech-Nut Baby Food.
And for some nutritious food to take to a family with a new baby, try these recipes:
- Easy Quiche- this recipe reheats well, which will take away the stress of cooking dinner for more than one meal!
- Shredded Chicken Enchiladas
- Vegetarian Rice and Bean Casserole
To healthy families and babies,
Jenna
