10 of the Best Pregnancy Books for Dads

If you're a dad-to-be, you may be looking for some pregnancy books to help you prepare for the journey ahead. Pregnancy can be a fun and exciting time for dads, but it can also be nerve-wracking if you're not sure what to expect.

Luckily, there are plenty of great pregnancy books out there that can help guide you through everything from conception to delivery. We've also included several books that help you plan for the baby and taking care of your child until they are out of their toddler years.

Here are just a few of the best reads that we think you will enjoy.

Best Pregnancy Books for Dads

1. The Birth Partner

The Birth Partner

Written by: Penny Simkin

Published: 2001 (Originally published in 1989)

Pages: 337

book is a comprehensive guide to childbirth that covers everything from the early stages of labor to postpartum care. It is an ideal resource for any expectant parent and can be especially helpful for those who have little experience with childbirth.

The Birth Partner is packed with information on topics such as medical interventions, pain relief, and cesarean birth, as well as practical advice on how to best support the mother-to-be throughout labor. Simkin also goes into the different childbirth choices and the pros vs. cons of them without any bias at all. There are over thirty illustrations to help you along your path to being a good parent. Whether you are a first-time parent or have already gone through childbirth once before, this book is sure to provide you with valuable information and support.


2. Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood

Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood

Written by: Michael Lewis

Published: 2009

Pages: 192

If you are into nonfiction, you probably know Michael Lewis as the author of The Big Short, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, and other excellent books. Instead of focusing on others, he decides to look at himself and what it was like being a dad. As a parent of three, he has experienced a lot regarding babies and their growth. You’ll learn more about how to change diapers, deal with tantrums, and everything else that goes along with being a new dad.

Lewis offers a lighthearted but practical guide to fatherhood because he has such a great sense of humor and silliness. So put down the power tools and pick up this engaging read – your family will thank you for it! Whether you're a first-time dad or have been one for years, Home Game is sure to offer some valuable tips.


3. Commando Dad: How to be an Elite Dad or Carer, From Birth to Three Years

Commando Dad

Written by: Neil Sinclair

Published: 2013

Pages: 192

Everyone thinks being a dad is tough. But how about being an elite dad? How about being one who can care for their child from birth to three years old? That's a whole different ballgame. Luckily for you, Neil Sinclair, ex-Commando and father to three, has your back. As you can guess by the title, it is also written in a very humorous way while teaching how to survive your first 24 hours, make meals, transport your "troops," and so much more essential to survive these rough times!

This book is chock-full of tips and information on becoming the best dad or carer you can be. Whether you're just starting or are looking for ways to improve your game, this book has something for you. So, what are you waiting for? Sit up straight, get the book, and get started now…that is a command! Sinclair has a few other fun how-to be a dad book if you enjoy this one.


4. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child

Written by: David L. Hill, FAAP

Published: 2019

Pages: 960

This one isn't specifically for fathers to be, but it is such an important book that we felt included. At almost one thousand pages, this book is full of information that will let you be the best parent you could be. Because of that, this is a book that you and your partner could read together and both learn from also.

So, if you are becoming a parent or have just had a child, you are probably wondering how to care for your baby and young child. The good news is that it's not complicated: As long as you have the correct information. In Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, pediatrician David Hill provides all the advice you need to ensure your child grows up healthy and happy.

Whether you're just starting out or already well into the parenting journey, this book offers something everyone can benefit from. It truly is an all-in-one guide to supporting your wife and being an incredible dad at the same time.


5. Mission: Pregnancy - Dad's Survival Guide to 9 Months

Mission: Pregnancy - Dad's Survival Guide to 9 Months

Written by: Dad Is

Published: 2021

Pages: 224

This book was written by a group of dads who consulted with a gynecologist and a pediatrician to learn as much as possible about being dads. We love this book because there are so many questions asked since there are so many authors, and everyone has such a great sense of humor.

It is an easy read and includes information about dealing with the news of your wife being pregnant and what happens in the first, second, and third trimesters. Some of the fun parts of this book go into helping your wife pick out a good wardrobe so she feels comfortable, how to deal with your insecurities and worries about being a good dad who is often ignored, and of course, labor and delivery.

There are several other "Dad Is" books, so you can check them out afterward if you enjoy this!


6. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide to Dads-to-Be

The Expectant Father

Written by: Jennifer Ash and Armin A. Brott

Published: 2021

Pages: 336

Dads-to-be have many questions about what to expect during their partner's pregnancy, and they often feel like they are on the outside looking in. This comprehensive guidebook offers dads-to-be vital information on everything from preparing for the baby's arrival to staying involved in the pregnancy. As would be expected, this book is loaded with information regarding how to help support your partner, what happens during the pregnancy, and what to expect afterward.

But one of the reasons we really liked this book is that it also goes far beyond that. Some of the subjects focused on include all the latest health and safety information, how technology has been changing fatherhood, how to balance parenting vs. work, and more. So, grab a copy and get ready for a fantastic journey! Whether you're a first-time dad or have been through this before, The Expectant Father has something for you.


7. From Dude to Dad: The Diaper Dude Guide to Pregnancy

From Dude to Dad: The Diaper Dude Guide to Pregnancy

Written by: Chris Pegula

Published: 2014

Pages: 224

If you're a dude who's about to become a dad, then you're in for some significant changes. Pregnancy can be a challenging time for both parents-to-be, but it can also be an exciting experience with the correct information and preparation. That's where the Diaper Dude Guide to Pregnancy comes in. This handy guidebook will help you navigate through all nine months of pregnancy, from preparing for the baby's arrival to taking care of your little one once they are born.

So, first off, as Pegula would suggest, "Dude, relax!" And, with tips and advice from the “Diaper Dude” himself, you'll be ready for anything! So, if you're looking for a resource that covers everything pregnancy-related, look no further than this book.


8. The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance (Owner's and Instruction Manual)

The Baby Owner's Manual

Written by:  Louis and Joe Borgenicht

Published: 2003

Pages: 226

Almost every expecting parent starts reading parenting books as soon as they find out they are going to have a baby. You've figured out how to use your smartphone, you've set the GPS on your car, and you can even ask SIRI or Google how to find your favorite restaurant at this point in your life. However, what about the owner's manual that comes with your new human?

This book is a guide to everything you need to know as a new baby owner. From operating instructions to troubleshooting tips, we have you covered! We love that this book has diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and loads of humor, along with great information, all gathered by Dr. Borgenicht and his son Joe. This is a great book to read if you are looking for facts, evidence, and years of knowledge, along with some hilariousness.


9. We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook

We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook

Written by: Adrian Kulp

Published: 2018

Pages: 280

Becoming a first-time or even multi-time dad can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. While you're probably doing your best to learn as much as you can about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care, there's nothing quite like having a handbook written explicitly for first-time dads. That's where Adrian Kulp's book comes in and helps you to save the day.

This is the perfect guide for expectant fathers, packed with information on everything from prenatal care to labor and delivery to taking care of your new baby. It gives you week by week ideas of what will happen, how to handle it, and what you should be doing to be the best soon-to-be dad. An excellent addition is the new "Fourth Trimester," which will give you advice on how to handle the first few months of your baby's new life. And, since you'll be a dad, your new life as a parent.


10. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads

Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads

Written by: Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden

Published: 2004

Pages: 240

If you're a new dad, preparation is critical. And while there's no single correct answer to how to be the best father you can be, this book is an excellent place to start. Written in clear and concise language, Greenberg's guide offers a wealth of practical advice on everything from changing diapers and soothing a fussy baby to bonding with your child and forging a solid father-son or father-daughter relationship.

Some of the valuable information includes essentials such as how to change a baby's diaper when at a sporting event, how to trick your baby into using stuff you don't care about instead of ruining your new cell phone, and how to pretend you are awake at work no matter how tired you are…and even if you are asleep. Whether you're just starting out as a dad or have been one for years, this book is sure to help make your journey into parenthood a little easier with diagrams and instructions. So put on your big-boy pants and read up!