19 parenting books to help at every stage of parenthood
Some days, parenting can feel like trying to stand still in a moving hammock. From surviving the fourth trimester to weaning your fast-growing little one, each stage offers its own unique challenges along with a rollercoaster of emotions.
That’s why we’ve created the below guide – a curated list of the best books to support you throughout your parenting journey. Whether you’re a new parent trying to understand what your baby’s cries mean, a father-to-be wondering what to expect, or you're seeking guidance on raising a neurodivergent child, we have you covered.
Parenting books for every stage of parenthood
Best for postnatal self-care: The Little Book of Self-Care for New Mums by Beccy Hands and Alexis Stickland
Best for helping with fussy eating: How to Feed Your Toddler by Charlotte Stirling-Reed
Best for potty training: Potty Training Magic by Amanda Jenner
Best for exploring gentle parenting: Parenting for Humans by Dr Emma Svanberg
Best for understanding your child: The Child Code by Dr Danielle Dick
Best for staying connected as children grow: Hold On to Your Kids by Gabor Maté and Gordon Neufeld
Best for dads-to-be: The Expectant Dad’s Survival Guide by Rob Kemp
Best for raising teenagers: Teenagers Translated by Janey Downshire and Naella Grew
Best for considering adoption: How to Adopt a Child by Louise Allen
Best for co-parenting after separation: The Co-Parenting Method by Marcie Shaoul
Best for parenting neurodivergent children: Raising the SEN-Betweeners by Lisa Lloyd
How should you choose a parenting book?
We recommend choosing a book based on your child’s age and developmental stage or the parenting styles that best align with your values. It’s worth checking the credentials of an author before you buy their book or having a quick search on forums like Reddit and Mumsnet to see how others have reviewed the advice. Or, if you’re looking for more tailored advice, we suggest you follow our below guide to the best parenting books.
Parenting books for new parents
Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, having a newborn baby can be a real learning curve. These are the books we recommend for understanding how to care for your baby – and for yourself – during the first year of parenthood.
Toddler parenting books
If you’re looking for advice on how to potty-train your toddler, help them to overcome fussy eating habits, or navigate their temper tantrums, these are the expert-written books you need.
Gentle parenting and child development
‘Gentle parenting’ is the new watchword in parenting circles. The approach, which is about empathising with your child’s feelings and helping them to be self-aware, while also teaching them the value of boundaries and respect, has become increasingly popular in recent years. The following books explain how to adopt gentle parenting, and other techniques for raising a happy child.
Parenting books for dads
Looking for support navigating fatherhood? From preparing for your baby’s arrival to tackling sleepless nights, these books offer expert advice to help dads know what to expect and to approach fatherhood with confidence.
Parenting teenagers
Adolescence is a challenging time for parents and teens alike. These are the books we recommend for parents looking to help their teenager to navigate friendships, mood swings and school life.
Evidence-based parenting books
All of the books in our guide are written by experts in their field, but this section is for the books that are grounded in research and studies. They cover the science of weaning your child onto solid foods and learning how to adapt your parenting style depending on your child’s personality.
Parenting for different family situations
Families come in all shapes and sizes and publishing around parenthood now reflects that. So, whether you’re looking to explore adoption, single parenthood, or co-parenting after separation, the below books will help you know where to start.
Parenting books for additional support needs
If you’re looking for books on parenting neurodivergent children, we recommend the below guides. They’re full of useful, compassionate advice on everything from creating a calm home life to accessing local resources.
19. The Parent’s Guide to SEND by Gary Aubin and Stephen Hull
If you’ve ever wondered how to support your neurodivergent child in school or where to even begin with trying to access local services, The Parent’s Guide to SEND is here to help. Written by acclaimed SEND professionals Gary Aubin and Stephen Hull, this practical, reassuring handbook focuses on your child’s needs first rather than diagnostic labels, with assured guidance on everyday challenges, local authority processes, and understanding your legal rights for EHC needs assessments.
Read this if...you want a clear, supportive guide to SEND that covers home life as well as local support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best parenting book for first-time parents?
If you’re looking to build confidence as you prepare for your baby’s arrival, comprehensive guides such as Your Baby Week by Week or The Modern Midwife’s Guide to the First Year offer expert advice for the early months of your newborn’s life. But the best parenting books meet you exactly where you are, so there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all' approach for every family.
Can parenting books change how I parent day-to-day?
Yes. Parenting books can give you the tools to help you better understand your child as they grow. By helping you to make sense of your child’s development, they give you the confidence to adapt practical advice to your child’s personality, your family life, and your own parenting values.
Should I read parenting books if my child is neurodivergent?
Absolutely! General parenting books can provide a helpful foundation, but they won’t always speak to the experiences of neurodivergent children. If your child is autistic, has special educational needs (SEN), or other additional needs, we’d recommend choosing books written specifically by experts, or those with lived experience, for more relevant strategies.
Are parenting books still useful if my child is older?
Yes. Parenting challenges can evolve as children grow older, and most books are written for specific stages such as toddlerhood or adolescence. We’d recommend choosing a book that fits your child’s age and/or addresses your biggest current challenge.
Can parenting books replace professional support?
No. Parenting books can help you to discover practical strategies to support your child’s development, but they should not replace professional support for medical and mental health, safeguarding or wellbeing concerns. The best parenting books supplement professional support by helping you to translate expert advice into everyday parenting. If you have concerns about your baby or young child, your GP and local health services can offer advice and support. For children or teenagers experiencing mental health challenges, the NHS can provide access to specialist support.