Pregnancy Books & Baby Books

There are tons of pregnacy/baby books out there. Some are very helpful. Some will put you to sleep. Everyone has their own preference, but these are the ones I liked best. I'll refrain from putting the bad ones on here. You just never know who might sue you, right?

As my baby ages I'll add more books to this list. I'm already reading about what to do when Baby arrives. More to come!

Baby Name Books

Not all baby name books are created equal. A list of ten million names is not as helpful as you might think. And you’d be amazed at the sheer quantity of names. You don’t realize it until you start poring over page after page of names - most of them terrible.

A couple of them were actually helpful, though. They came with an intro that gave some sound advice and broke the names into categories that helped to skip sections that you just know you’re going to hate For us, it was the creatively spelled names. We’re traditionalists when it comes to names.

While I'll refer to our own little one as 'Baby' for as long as I write this blog (for the sake of privacy), I confess that's as far as we've gotten with naming yet. However, we have a spreadsheet with our top picks that was populated mostly with names from the below two books. And maybe a couple of favorites that we've each always had. Agreeing on a name is our challenge.

Bring Back Beatrice! 

Jennifer Griffin

Great introduction with lots of helpful hints regarding things to consider when naming Baby. How initials will look, how first and last name syllables should matter, and whether the name passes the American Express card test. Even some hints about how couples can get past their indecision.

Then comes the list of names which comes with a little meaning, but more importantly some background on the name and some variations that are similar, but different enough if you love a name, but your spouse once got bullied by someone with that name.

Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana: What to Name Your Baby Now

Linda Rosenkrantz

Broken up into multiple categories, this book by Linda Rosenkrantz will keep you from snoozing while perusing names.Meanings aren’t given for names, but for me, that was a positive. Knowing the meaning and history of every name under the sun doesn’t serve much purpose.

This book helps you decide if you like old-fashioned names, traditional names, place names, last names as first names, etc. I was surprised to find I wasn't quite as traditional as I had thought. Rosenkrantz also discusses trends and which names are on the rise and which ones are on the way out. Some parents want trendy, some want to avoid it at all costs. I’ve found that your preference for trendy baby names may be determined by your own name and how you feel about it. But who wants to be one of three Liams or Emilys or in the same class?

Pregnancy Books

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know

Emily Oster

 Great book about the risks for baby during pregnancy. Real data, not just vague
suggestions and warnings that most pregnancy books espouse like ‘avoid caffeine’ or ‘no alcohol’. Really? Is everything black and white? Of course not. And Oster shows the studies that this advice is based on and breaks them down so folks like us can understand. No economic-ese. She is also very aware that what is right for one mom isn’t necessarily right for the next mom. Each woman must make her own decisions for what risks she is comfortable with.  

Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School

John Medina

This one is hands-down my favorite pregnancy/baby book. It covers the period from uterus to 5 years of age or so. Written by developmental molecular biologist John Medina, this book is absolutely fascinating and full of great advice. Medina covers the things we know about baby brain development and how to maximize your effort. Eating healthy is just the beginning. Advice like husbands loving wives, leaving baby alone while in utero, avoiding screen time, and giving kids plenty of playtime are some of his unexpected advice for raising smart, healthy, happy kids. And for a science nerd like me, the fact that he as hard data guiding him makes his advice all the more plausible.

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

Armin Brott & Jennifer Ash

This is one of the first pregnancy books that I liked. Possibly because it was all about Dad and that appealed to me. But also because it is written from a different perspective than most of these books. Brott and Ash are clear about what Mom and growing baby are going through and gives great advice on how to comfort and take care of Mom during this difficult time. It was a bit over-preachy about dad’s rights at the end, but I suppose that’s natural in a book like this. I still recommend this book for Dads. And Moms, too, if you want to know what we’re reading.