New parents are bombarded with information from all different directions. Friends, parents, doctors, strangers on the street, etc. all want to give you advice on how to raise your child. Instead of listening to sources I believe to be biased, I have decided to do most of my parenting by reading great books. This way I can pick and choose what I want to read and what I want to ignore. There are three main books all new parents should read to prepare them for their new parenting career.
The What To Expect Series
Most expectant parents have heard of the book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Eisenberg, Murkoff, and Hathaway. However, did you know there is also a What to Expect the First Year and What to Expect the Toddler Years? Although I found the first book in the series very interesting, the second two books were extremely necessary. I knew nothing about raising a baby. I learned everything from the What to Expect series. As a matter of fact, I not only read each book cover to cover, but I still check back weekly to refresh my memory on certain topics. These books are great, nonbiased, reference manuals for new parents.
Super Baby Food
The next book that all new parents should read is the Super Baby Food book by Ruth Yaron. This book is absolutely amazing! There is nothing parents worry more about than what their baby is eating. Are they eating too much? Are they getting enough? When can I introduce solids? What foods are safe to eat? There are so many question to answer that most books don’t even scratch the surface. The Super Baby Food book is different. This book goes into much detail about everything that goes into your baby or toddler’s mouth. There is even an extensive recipe collection of healthy foods to make especially for your baby.
Ask Supernanny: What Every Parent Wants To Know
If you have never seen the television show, Supernanny, you are missing out. This show is pack full of useful and successful parenting information. It comes directly from a professional Nanny, Jo Frost. The Supernanny book follows the reputation of the television show. It tackles issues all parents have to deal with some time in their child’s lives. Potty training, sippy cups, bedtime, supper time, discipline, ect. Are just a few examples of topics she helps parents get through. If you have no previous experience with children, I find it wise to listen to someone who has tons of experience.
There are so many books on the market that new parents could read. Some of these books are fantastic, while others leave much to be desired. From my experience and research I have come up with these three book that have done me well over the past two years. If you need a place to start, begin with these three books.
