Books for parents

A good book is a calm voice at 2 am, but no single book has all the answers, and many push one method. We chose a short shelf: an Australian pregnancy guide, an Australian first-year reference, a gentle approach to unsettled babies, a data-led look at the big decisions, and two books for the toddler years when communication gets harder. For each one we say who it suits and where it leans. For anything about your own or your baby's health, a book is no substitute for your midwife, GP or child health nurse, and for sleep safety always check current Red Nose guidance, which can be newer than any printed edition.

Price bands for this category: $ < $20 · $$ $20–30 · $$$ $30–40 · $$$$ > $40. Prices change — check the retailer.