Best Books On Natural Parenting

OUR TOP PICK

The Other Baby Book by Megan McGrory Massaro

The Other Baby Book by Megan McGrory Massaro is one of the most popular general parenting books that promotes Natural Parenting. 

This book focuses on 8 specific areas of Natural Parenting, each of which is given its own chapter. The structure includes a chapter on breastfeeding as well as sections on baby-led feeding. 

However, there are two sections in particular that make this book on Natural Parenting stand out.

For one thing, there is a chapter dedicated to sign language, which makes The Other Baby Book an excellent stepping stone for communicating with very young children.

Communication is one of the most important aspects of Natural Parenting, and this book will help new parents to start the learning process as soon as possible. 

Additionally, The Other Baby Book has an entire section devoted to providing self-care tips for new mothers who are practicing Natural Parenting.

Becoming a new parent is a notoriously exhausting (albeit incredibly rewarding) experience, so it’s important that new parents find the time to take care of their own physical and mental wellbeing throughout the journey.

Our only criticism is that the self-care advice, and most of the advice in the book, is primarily geared towards new mothers.

While this is not a bad thing in and of itself, it does mean that new fathers or parents who do not identify as women may wish to seek advice from other sources as well. 

Because this book is only 196 pages long, it is concise, clear, and can be read in a relatively short time. This is perfect for new or expecting parents who are very busy. 

Pros

• Focus on communication - Includes sign language 
• 196 pages - Relatively short read 
• 8 chapters - Simple, clear structure 
• Includes self-care tips - Beneficial for parents 

Cons

• Primarily focuses on mother - Limited advice for fathers 

Also Available At: 

Biblio

EDITORS CHOICE

Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn

Another highly-recommended Natural Parenting book is Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason. 

This book by Alfie Kohn specifically addresses the behavioral side of Natural Parenting, teaching new parents how to incorporate discipline into your parenting without relying on traditional methods of punishment and reward.

Essentially, this is a book about how to discipline from a place of unconditional love. 

Unconditional Parenting has received literary acclaim in the familial sphere, winning the NAPPA (National Parenting Product Award) Gold Award in 2006.

Because of this, new parents can trust that the advice in this book has been read and followed successfully by thousands.

This book is almost 300 pages long, so while it’s long enough to provide a lot of detailed information, it’s not an overwhelming read.

The text is divided into 10 chapters, allowing for a focus on the practice of discipline in Natural Parenting from many perspectives, including the opposing concept of conditional parenting and the issue of fixating on success. 

Crucially, the final chapter of the book is called ‘The Child’s Perspective’, and this chapter ensures that the emotional experience of the child is centralized in new parents’ learning and decisions regarding parenting. 

Another very interesting part of this book is the Appendix, which addresses the ways in which factors such as cultural norms and class impact parenting styles. 

With all of that being said, some readers have reported finding the writing style somewhat scattered and difficult to follow. Thousands of readers, including ourselves, enjoy Kohn’s writing, but it’s certainly not for everyone. 

Pros

• NAPPA Gold Award Winner - Acclaimed 
• 10 chapters - Various perspectives 
• Focus on child’s perspective - Centralizes the child
• Addresses cultural impacts on parenting - Thought-provoking

Cons

• Divisive writing style - Not for everyone 

Also Available At: 

Waterstones 

BEST VALUE

Parenting with Presence by Susan Stiffelman

Susan Stiffelman’s Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids is considered one of the most ground-breaking books on Natural Parenting. 

The author is a licensed therapist, which means that readers can read about Natural Parenting from a professional perspective. However, because Stiffelman is a mother herself, the book reads engagingly and relatably for expecting and new parents. 

Excitingly, the forward to Parenting with Presence is written by famous spiritual teacher and self-help author, Eckhart Tolle, which speaks volumes to the wisdom and knowledge imparted in this book.

The writing style of Parenting with Presence is often anecdotal, which is not everybody’s cup of tea and has drawn some criticism from readers.

However, many parents find these anecdotes to be helpful because they are peppered with useful tips and examples of empathetic and compassionate Natural Parenting.

These moments in the text can easily be translated into practical, easy-to-follow advice. 

Pros

• Written by a licensed therapist - Professional perspective 
• Forward by Eckhart Tolle - Endorsed by famous self-help author
• Practical advice - Useful tips and examples
• Engaging writing - Relatable

Cons

• Largely anecdotal - Not the preferred format for some readers 

Also Available At: 

• Book Depository
• Harvard Book Store
• FoxTale Book Shoppe
• Waterstones

RUNNER UP

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby takes principles of Natural Parenting such as communication, understanding, and emotional intelligence and applies them to facets of everyday life with a baby, such as eating, sleeping, and general interactions. 

The entire book is founded on the basis of communication between parents and their babies, advocating for opening channels of communication from a very early age.

Readers of this bestselling book have been amazed at how early they are able to communicate with their newborns through various means. 

Communication is one of the basic foundations of Natural Parenting, and this book demonstrates how to utilize this tool to raise healthy, happy children and settle into a routine that works for everyone. 

At 352 pages, this isn’t an enormous paving stone of a book, but it’s lengthy enough to pack in a lot of information and provide a comprehensive perspective.

We especially love that Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau advocate for parents to make time for rejuvenation, seek support, and divide responsibilities effectively for everyone’s wellbeing. 

Another excellent part of this book is the chapter that focuses on unforeseen circumstances, from premature births to unexpected hospital stays.

This chapter provides a realistic but hopeful perspective on dealing with difficult situations at the start of your Natural Parenting journey. 

One word of caution is that some of the advice and beliefs in this book are stated in a fairly blunt manner, which some parents have reported finding off-putting or abrasive.

Others find the matter-of-fact approach to Natural Parenting refreshing, however, so it’s down to individual preference.

Pros

• Based on communication - Core principle of Natural Parenting 
• 352 pages - Detailed and informative 
• Advocates for self-care - Encourages parental wellbeing 
• Considers special circumstances - Inclusive of unforeseen situations 

Cons

• Some advice is bluntly worded - May be off-putting for some readers 

Also Available At: 

• Harvard Book Store
• Golden Lab Bookshop
• Book Depository
• Waterstones

RUNNER UP

The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind is a #1 bestselling book in the parenting category. 

Written by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, The Whole-Brain Child encourages Natural Parenting from a place of psychological understanding. 

Siegal and Bryson outline, in an accessible way, the basics of psychology and neurobiology as they apply to raising emotionally and mentally developed children. Chapters include advice on exercising both the left and right brain and self-integration. 

This book is only 192 pages in length, so it’s short enough to be read quickly, with relatively short chapters to facilitate easy learning and understanding of Natural Parenting. 

The Whole-Brain Child is full of practical, actionable advice that even new parents will take to with ease. It can, however, feel a bit repetitive in places - although, arguably, this could help readers to take in the information.

Pros

• 192 pages - Short and information-packed 
• Psychological focus - Centralizes the child’s mental experience 
• Scientific perspective - Highly research-based 
• Practical tips - Easy to practice 

Cons

• Slightly repetitive - Not the most gripping in places 

Also Available At: 

• Harvard Book Store
• Book Depository
• Waterstones