5 Books for Fathers-to-Be
Much hype and excitement often surround first-time expectant mums, but first-time dads seldom get the same level of attention. If you’re soon to be celebrating your first Father’s Day, and are nervous and apprehensive about welcoming your first child, we heart you! Here are five books written by dads to give you an idea of what to expect after bringing home your bundle of joy. And if you’re an experienced dad, these reads might just leave you either chuckling in agreement or groaning in empathy!
1. Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
Jim Gaffigan is an American stand-up comedian (check him out in Jim Gaffigan: Comedy Monster on Netflix) whose material often touches on raising five kids in a two-bedroom apartment in New York. His book, Dad Is Fat, contains short essays about the three main chapters of his life: the one before meeting his wife, the one after, and of course, the one with children. Gaffigan humorously describes their complicated bedtime routines, the complexity of getting around the city with five children without a car, family vacations, and in one relatively solemn piece, how others should refrain from passing judgment on the number of children that couples have. Overall, the book makes for a light-hearted read and a funny heads-up on how drastically life can change upon the arrival of a baby.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook, Audiobook
2. So You’re Going to Be a Dad by Pete Downey
So You’re Going to Be a Dad is a guidebook written by a father of three daughters on what fathers-to-be can expect when supporting their wives during pregnancy, choosing a hospital, labour, planning the baby’s childcare arrangements, buying baby gear and living with a newborn. Amusingly condescending at certain parts, this book reads like your secondary school senior advising you on what to expect when the pregnancy test turns up positive. If you prefer consuming distilled information put across casually, you might enjoy this one.
Get the book here: eBook
3. The Expectant Father by Armin A Brott
The Expectant Father is in its fifth edition, with over a million copies sold since its first release. It focuses on the stages of pregnancy and is packed with information to help you safeguard your wife’s, baby’s and your own well-being. From navigating the plethora of options with regard to the pregnant mum’s diet, to tips on healthcare and exercise, this handbook is a must-read for first-time dads. The main portion of the book is divided into the nine months of pregnancy, with additional chapters on labour, birth, Caesarean sections and life with a newborn.
As a parenting expert who has written other books on the later stages of fatherhood, Brott also includes personal anecdotes and advice on some common scenarios a dad may face, such as feeling useless or hurt after being rejected by a baby who only wants Mum. Overall, this is an excellent guide for dads looking for evidence-based advice to help them make informed decisions when starting a family.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook
4. Being a Dad Is Weird by Ben Falcone
Ben Falcone is an actor, comedian and scriptwriter (he wrote and directed the 2016 movie The Boss), but he is perhaps best known for his marriage to actress Melissa McCarthy. Being a Dad is Weird is a memoir filled with funny and poignant stories of being the husband of a Hollywood actress, dad to their two daughters, and his own childhood. Expect to be left in stitches reading some of the funniest, wildest and most heartwarming stories, courtesy of a youth spent living with his dad (who was quite the unconventional character), and his own experiences raising two girls (who, as kids often do, say the darndest things). This book is a great read for expectant fathers looking forward to the colour, joy and chaos that kids will bring.
Get the book here: eBook
5. The Life of Dad by Joe Finkel and Art Eddy
The Life of Dad goes where the other books in this list don’t: it consolidates advice on fatherhood from a group of fathers. These aren’t “ordinary” dads, either—they’re “legendary” dads comprising top entrepreneurs, sports stars, musicians, actors, and so on. Packed with wisdom, entertaining moments, practical advice and relatable challenges, this collection of reflections is perfect for visionary fathers-to-be who are already pondering on ways to raise successful children.
The authors have organised the advice into thematic chapters, such as “Mindset”, “Character” and “Handling Challenges”. There’s a write-up introducing each “legendary” father to readers, followed by their response to a question on fatherhood. The authors then expand on the ideas briefly before moving on to the next person. It’s a fast-paced read which makes you realise that despite their fame and achievements, celebrity dads ultimately don’t behave too differently!
Get the book here: eBook
