Whether there’s already a bun in the oven or you’re getting ready to start a family, the prospect of fatherhood is so many things. It’s exhilarating. It’s exciting. It’s a little bit scary. And, you bet, fatherhood is anxiety-inducing. Now take a deep breath.

I want to tell you something. All of those emotions, well… they’re completely normal. While there’s no perfect manual for being an amazing dad (which I’m sure you will be), there’s loads you can do to help you feel more prepared.

And since you’re reading this article, you’re clearly already on the right track!

There’s so much pregnancy and parenting advice aimed at women out there. And while this can be useful for dads too, we recommend looking for content that speaks to fatherhood first. Whether you’re after advice from moms to dads, words of wisdom from fellow fathers, or the wise words of a parenting specialist, there’s the perfect book out there for you.

And to help you get started, we’ve rounded up eleven of our best books for dad. And you can also check out our book if you’re looking for practical advice other new fathers.

What kind of parenting book should I look for?

Walking into a bookstore can be daunting. The parenting shelves are rammed full of glossy covers. Some tempt you with a one-way path to parenting utopia, others with the promise of page-turning hilarity. But how are you supposed to know which dad book is going to resonate with you?

Many dads can start to feel overwhelmed at this point. And a quick Google search isn’t much better. Type in ‘books for new dads’ in the search bar and you’ll be met with pages and pages of results.

The key to finding your ideal parenting book is to whittle down the options.

Before even stepping foot into a bookstore – physical or virtual – ask yourself a few questions.

What style of book do you want to read?

Do you want informal advice from other dads or professional tips and tricks? Do you want a book that focuses on birth, the early years, or parenting in general?

Once you know, more or less, what you’re after, your search will become much easier.

It’s also worth considering how you learn best. Do you like to consume information visually or would you prefer to listen? If the latter, make sure your favorite cover is available as an audiobook. Likewise, if you’re the type to dip into a book on the go, you might want to look for an eBook option.

👍 PRO TIP FOR AVOIDING NEW-DAD BURNOUT 

Don’t try to read every book under the sun. Remember there isn’t a fatherhood bible out there. Nobody has the perfect recipe. But that doesn’t mean reading isn’t worthwhile. All you have to do is pick one or two covers that really speak to you. That way you’ll feel more informed but won’t shrivel up into a ball of new-dad burnout.

So, without further ado, here are our 11 best books for dad.

1.    The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

When the due date comes around all attention is on mom. And rightly so. But if you’re hoping to be the best birthing partner there ever was then you’re going to need to know what to expect. Having a supportive partner can truly transform a mother’s birth experience.

If preparing for the birth is your main concern right now, then this is the book for you. Penny Simkin covers all bases to prepare fathers for all eventualities. From interventions to pain relief, C-sections to breastfeeding. This book is the perfect prep for the very start of fatherhood.

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? Yes

2.    Dummy by Matt Coyne

Matt Coyne of the popular parenting blog, Man vs Baby, has written a book. And it’s a great one at that. If you’re looking for a lighthearted read full to the brim with utter hilarity, then this is the dad book of all dad books. This is the book of impractical advice for dads-to-be all about the bewildering journey into fatherhood – no wonder it’s a bestseller!

Available as eBook? No

Available as audiobook? No

3.    Pregnancy for Men by Mark Woods

If you’re looking for an easy-to-digest, practical, read then Pregnancy for Men by Mark Woods is a solid bet. This is an incredibly informative read that aims to tell new dads exactly what they need to know during pregnancy. This book will help you better understand what your partner is going through and offers tons of actionable tips to help you support them through the process.

And, despite its informative content, this is by no means a ‘dry’ read. Woods finds a way to fit plenty of humor into the mix as well. The laugh-out-loud bloke jokes throughout will put your anxiety at ease in an instant.

Available as eBook? No

Available as audiobook? No

4.    Father-ish by Clint Edwards

This is the book that will make you realize that there’s no such thing as a perfect father. And sometimes that’s exactly what we need to hear. In Father-ish Clint Edwards writes a fun (and fail) filled account of fatherhood – no holds barred. This pick is packed with real stories that go to show first hand that parenting doesn’t come with a rulebook.

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? Yes

5.    The Expectant Father by Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash

The Expectant Father is the ultimate in dad-geared books. This book is 100% aimed at you. If you’re the type to like clear, practical, actionable advice then we highly recommend making The Expectant Father part of your collection. If too many ‘dad jokes’ aren’t your thing then, rest assured, you’ll be safe here. This is a book firmly rooted in pregnancy, child development, and parenting tips.

Available as eBook? No

Available as audiobook? Yes

6.    The New Dad’s Survival Guide by Rob Kemp

The New Dad’s Survival Guide is Rob Kemp’s second parenting book and follows on from The Expectant Dad’s Survival Guide (also worth a read by the way). This second book in the series is geared towards fatherhood after birth.

If you’re most anxious about what to do when the baby actually pops out, then this one’s for you. Rob Kemp will run you through what to expect in the first 18-months of fatherhood and offers plenty of valuable tips and tricks for bonding with your baby and just managing everyday life with a newborn.

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? No

7.    Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy for Dummies by Matthew M.F. Miller

We couldn’t have a conversation about the best dad books without mentioning the all-time classic. Yes, that’s right, all you dummies out there are in luck. But despite the well-known comedy appeal of these books, Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy is a legitimately practical resource for expectant fathers.

There are tons of amazing tips between the covers of this book. Miller covers everything from how to announce a pregnancy to what to expect in the first six-months after your little one arrives.

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? Yes

8.    First Time Dad by John Fuller

This book focuses heavily on the parent-child relationship. It’s less about logistics and more about bonding. Here you’ll learn how your habits influence family dynamics. Fuller will guide you through a range of tips and tricks to help you break those bad habits and nurture healthy family relationships from day one. A great read for expectant fathers.

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? Yes

9.    From Dude to Dad by Frank Meyer

Does the prospect of being a father to an actual human baby still freak you out a bit? Don’t worry. Frank Meyer has your back. This book is a gentle roadmap for nervous dads-to-be. Learn how to help mom through each trimester and how to be the best partner possible as you prepare for your arrival day (remember, this time that means a baby, not a beach holiday).

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? Yes

10.    Commando Dad by Neil Sinclair

Neil Sinclair is an ex-Commando and a dad of three children. If you want a book that treats fatherhood with military precision then this is the one for you. Commando Dad is full of clear, concise, logical advice for new dads. Learn how to prepare, plan, and prevent poor performance.

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? Yes

11.    Man vs. Child by Doug Moe

Move over Man vs. Food. This is Man vs. Child.  And Doug Moe doesn’t skimp on real advice. This book is the perfect balance of silly and serious. Moe tackles some of the weirder questions that new parents find themselves asking with grace and wisdom. An all-round good read for new dads.

Available as eBook? Yes

Available as audiobook? Yes

Best Books for Dads Unveiled

So, there we have it. Getting ready for fatherhood can be a daunting and exciting time. Picking a few books to have on hand is a great way to support yourself and your family through the process. All of these covers offer something different. From practical tips to nerve-calming fatherhood stories. All that’s left to do is put some of your newfound knowledge into action and enjoy this new chapter.