10 Useful (and Funny!) Books for Expectant Fathers

Are you an expectant father that’s feeling a bit left out? While you can’t physically carry the growing baby in your belly (if only you were a seahorse…) there are things you can do to feel really involved in this whole process.

Hit up the pregnancy books– while The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy won’t really be your jam, there are a ton of awesome books for dads-to-be that are just as informative, but actually relatable (and funny!).

Here are 10 books to prepare you for your little bundle of joy… and to teach you to make a delicious smoothie, while you’re at it:

The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be

By Armin A. Brott, Jennifer Ash

No need to turn to a women’s book to become informed. This well organized book is easy to read through, or to skim the topics you want. It’s filled with real-life support skills to help your partner, like making a tasty smoothie. You’ll also get the gist of what it’s like to be a dad and the importance of fatherhood.

The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions

By Penny Simkin

This gets inside your head and serves as a welcome introduction to what to expect when your partner is in labor and how to be an effective helper. There are a lot of emotions flying around during labor and birth. The book acknowledges the emotions needed with being a birth partner, including the feeling you may have when you feel invisible in the wake of all that the mom is going through.

What to Expect When Your Wife is Expanding: Reassuring Month-by-Month Guide for the Father-to-Be, Whether He Wants Advice or Not

By Thomas Hill

This humorous book contains a chapter for each month of pregnancy and of course, labor and delivery, plus an additional chapter on the initial weeks with a baby. Real advice via Hill’s commentary will be a fun way for dads to get a bit of intel.

From Dude to Dad: The Diaper Dude Guide to Pregnancy

By Chris Pegula, Frank Meyer

This is big on partner support during pregnancy, but lacking on birth and postpartum. It boosts plenty of suggestions for how to be supportive… it encourages future dads not to lose themselves in the process, but indeed make changes that will put fatherhood the center of their life. Future dads often wonder about their sex life after baby. That topic is well covered, along with how to bond with your new baby and managing work life in relation to family life.

Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth

By Robert A. Bradley, Marjie Hathaway, Jay Hathaway, James Hathaway

The man whose influence opened the doors for husbands-to-be allowed in labor and delivery writes this book specifically for the father. The basics of nutrition, emotional stability, exercise, and relaxation techniques during mom’s pregnancy are covered.

Dad's Pregnant Too

By Harlan Cohen

A fun read with personal accounts and real-life anecdotes from hundreds of interviews. It covers the full journey of pregnancy to the early days of being a dad. Lots of practical topics including doctor visits, sex, mood swings, prepping the nursery, and baby’s weekly development are presented in an easy-to-read manner.

Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-Be: Everything Dads Need to Know about Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Getting Ready for a New Baby

By Glade B. Curtis, M.D., M.P.H., and Judith Schuler, M.S.

A manual of pregnancy and beyond that includes factual info for fathers-to-be. It covers everything from financial and legal matters, to bonding with your new bundle of joy. The front of the book has a handy, quick read guide for each trimester up to the first days at home with the baby.

Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads

By Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden

Dads-to-be will enjoy this respite from the more serious parenting books. A wide range of topics are discussed – from basic baby care and picking the right stroller to making your baby laugh. Alongside silly illustrations, “What your newborn won’t look like vs. what your newborn will look like” are informative and comical. Ideas are also presented for other "manly" duties such as changing a diaper at a ballgame, baby proofing the house, and vacationing with a baby.

Don't Just Stand There: How to Be Helpful, Clued-In, Supportive, Engaged, Meaningful, and Relevant in the Delivery Room

By Elissa Stein and Jon Lichtenstein

Written in a he says/she says humorous style, this handy, 100-page book has reader-friendly, full-page illustrations that specifically cover labor and delivery. You won’t find the nitty, gritty details but you will get the basic info on the stages of labor and how you can help.

150 Tips and Tricks for New Dads: From the First Feeding to Diaper-Changing Disasters—Everything You Need to Know to Be a Great Father

By Vincent Iannelli

The author is a pediatrician and a father, so the info is reliable. Compassion and guidance allow how to define your new role as a father. It’s easy to understand and find what you’re looking for. The book will be a handy reference as your baby grows.

Know of any good books for dads-to-be? Share them with us in the comments below!