Books on baby development/for first time mums

[llol031]

Hi

I’m looking to do some reading around baby/early childhood development, as well as, good parenting tips books for first time parents.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Sorry I’m sure this question has been asked before but mumsnet isn’t allowing me to use the search function!

Thank you in advance :)

You’ll find your instinct a lot better than books.
Just remember that every baby & child reaches “milestones” at different times and ages.
I’m sorry I can’t recommend any books as I never used them and from my experience as a nursery teacher (for more years than I’m willing to admit) we could always tell book led parents as they were the most anxious, fussy, demanding (not necessarily a bad thing).

I really wouldn’t recommend using a book. If there’s anything you really need to know, you can always google it. Books and milestones and development charts etc only serve to induce anxiety particularly with a first baby.

Thanks both, very good points :)

I got a few books but the only one we actually read with DH is: your baby week by week.
Our baby is almost 12 weeks and we found it so helpful as we are both clueless!
It is now a ritual to read every week so we know what to expect or look out for!
Ofc baby doesn't read the book and is following their own timeline when it comes to milestones etc ... but when you know absolutely nothing and don't really have anyone around it is good to have it.

Agree with @SunnySideUp2020 - it's pretty good for the first few weeks/months (so long as you don't take anything it says as gospel). As they get older, there's a bit more variation in development and so it's less useful.

I liked week by week too but ignored the cry it out sleep section - not my thing at all.

Also liked The Wonder Weeks, Elizabeth pantley the no cry sleep solution and cribsheet by Emily oster.

Take them all with a pinch of salt though, as they say, baby hasn't read them.

Wonder Weeks book and app are great. It's focuses more on development 'leaps' and behaviour, really interesting and has been pretty spot on for me.

I had a look at the Emmas Diary website while I was pregnant, there's a section on monthly development bits to look out for. If you're currently pregnant you can also find a week by week summary of what's changing which us fascinating to read.

But just be cautious when reading up on milestones as they're averages and some babies will be early and some late. It'll only make you anxious if you feel you're behind schedule when that may not be the case at all

Thanks so much all. Really good suggestions ☺️