Baby books

[Looni]

Is it worth reading baby books in preperation for baby? I have Holly Willoughby's book but can't get into it there is lots of information in there and its a little bit over whelming. I'm a FTM

Thanks x

I've enjoyed the D&K day-by-day pregnancy book: literally gives you a page for each day so you can see how baby is developing and also means as you're only reading a little each day it's not too overwhelming! There's a big section at the back about labour (which I've conveniently ignored but now I'm in the third trimester I might have to acknowledge it at some stage!) Also there's lots and lots of pictures, which personally I like. Most libraries stock a copy if you wanted to borrow it and see if it suits you or it's a little under £20 on Amazon I think? X

Ahhh, just realised you might be talking about baby books for after baby is born. Personally I've avoided these and will just be relying on NHS antenatal classes to prepare me with the basics :)

If you want to breastfeed I would recommend The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. It's a game-changer.
The Gentle Sleep book by Sarah Ockwell Sleep is good for realistic sleep expectations.
A lesser-known book I really rate is Baby on Board by Dr Howard Chilton.

Apart from these 3 I found others quite the opposite of reassuring but everyone's best reads will be different.

In general though there is so much online now so whilst I value the 3 books I've listed above, on balance less is probably more wrt baby books!

I am sceptical of Holly Willougboughy after one of my team told me her friend was her live in nursery nurse' for the first month or so of her babies lives. Anyone who has someone come in and do all the hard/night work for you and then writes a book on parenting is a little suspicious in my eye 😂

Mumsnet is all I've ever needed. Well, and a doctor every now and again but people post about things on MN that you won't find in any baby book.