Best Books for New Moms
Cribsheet by Emily Oster is the best book for new moms — Oster's economist approach to parenting decisions cuts through the anxiety-inducing absolutism of most baby books by presenting actual research on which decisions matter and which don't. It's best for parents who want data rather than ideology. The tradeoff: What to Expect When You're Expecting is the most comprehensive week-by-week reference for pregnancy, and its reference format makes it complementary to Oster's more analytical approach.
Disclosure: BestPickZone earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. We research every pick independently.
Quick Comparison
| # | Book | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cribsheet by Emily Oster | Best Decision-Making Guide | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff | Best Reference for Pregnancy | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp | Best for Infant Soothing | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina | Best Science-Based Child Development | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Expecting Better by Emily Oster | Best for Pregnancy Decisions | Buy on Amazon |
Full Reviews
1. Cribsheet
by Emily Oster
Oster applies statistical analysis to the major early parenting decisions: breastfeeding, sleep training, co-sleeping, daycare. Her message is that many dogmatic parenting prescriptions are not supported by the data. The most liberating parenting book.
Skip this if: Skip this if you want warm emotional guidance rather than data — Oster writes like an economist, not a lactation consultant.
2. What to Expect When You're Expecting
by Heidi Murkoff
The most comprehensive week-by-week pregnancy reference. Better used as a lookup book than a narrative read.
Skip this if: Skip this as a cover-to-cover read — use it as a reference for specific questions.
3. The Happiest Baby on the Block
by Harvey Karp
Karp's 5 S's (Swaddle, Side, Shush, Swing, Suck) for calming newborns. The most immediately applicable parenting technique book.
Skip this if: Skip this if your baby doesn't have colic or excessive crying — this is specifically about calming infants.
4. Brain Rules for Baby
by John Medina
Medina presents the most robust findings about infant and early child brain development. The advice is practical and evidence-based.
Skip this if: Skip this if you want emotional support rather than research — Medina writes like a scientist.
5. Expecting Better
by Emily Oster
Oster's pregnancy version of Cribsheet: which pregnancy rules are backed by data and which are anxious overcaution. Best for evidence-oriented parents who want to make informed choices about alcohol, sushi, exercise, etc.
Skip this if: Skip this if you want a comprehensive pregnancy reference — this is analytical, not encyclopedic.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Use reference books as references
What to Expect and BabyCenter are references, not cover-to-cover reads. Don't read them anxiously start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book for new moms?
Cribsheet for data-driven parenting. What to Expect When You're Expecting for comprehensive pregnancy reference.
Our Verdict
Cribsheet for decision clarity. What to Expect as a reference. The Happiest Baby on the Block if you have a colicky newborn.