The First Time Dad Instruction Manual

Everything You’ll Need to Navigate Pregnancy with Your Partner and the First 12 Months After Birth

By: Dan Hawthorne

Narrated by: Hal Maas

You’re about to become a dad… It’s time to stock your toolkit!

The majority of pregnancy books are, understandably, aimed at women… But if you want to be the partner she needs at this time and start bonding with your child before they arrive in the world, you need something aimed specifically at new dads. You need guidance that will take the panic out of this moment so you can focus on being the best partner and father your family could hope for and feel the excitement of the adventure ahead.

Written by a father of three who once stood exactly where you are now, this comprehensive guide is the manual every first-time dad needs. Inside, you’ll discover:

• A clear understanding of the different stages of pregnancy and how to support your partner through them
• How you can bond with your child before they’re even born
• Practical guidance for preparing to bring a newborn baby into your home
• What to expect from labor and childbirth—so you can be sure you’ll be the supportive partner you want to be
• Exactly what you can do to make sure you bond with your baby immediately… and how you can support your partner through the first few days post birth
• Survival strategies for getting through the newborn stage—and exactly what you can expect during this time
• How your baby will change throughout the first year… and what you can do to encourage their development
• All your questions about everything from feeding to play answered… and how you can get involved at every stage
• The art of balancing work and family life (and why self-care will need to feature in your schedule too)
• How to recognize your emerging toddler—and what you can do to prepare for their increased activity and curiosity
• The long-term parenting strategies you want under your belt now, so you have a firm foundation at each stage of your child’s development
• And much more.

You already have everything you need to be a great dad…but in order to be the best dad, you need to get ahead of the game.

©2025 Jayne Street (P)2025 Jayne Street

A must-have guide for every new dad

As a first time dad, this audiobook is an absolute lifesaver! The First Time Dad Instruction Manual breaks down every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood in a way that’s practical, encouraging, and easy to follow. The author’s honest, down-to-earth advice makes even the most overwhelming moments feel manageable. I especially loved how it focuses on being a supportive partner during pregnancy while also helping dads’ bond with their babies from day one. I can’t tell you how much these things make all the difference in your babies’ development. This guide is packed with real-world tips, empathy, and also humour.

A practical guide for new fathers

This audiobook is both practical and reassuring, striking a balance between honest guidance and encouragement. The narration carries a conversational tone that makes the advice easy to absorb without going off topic. It leaves listeners with a sense of confidence and readiness rather than pressure. New fathers looking for a clear, level-headed roadmap will likely find this book especially valuable.

Gave me confidence as a dad

Before this, I honestly felt a bit lost. I wanted to be a good partner and dad, but I didn’t know where to start. I’m the kind of person who overthinks everything, so becoming a dad had me stressing. This gave me a clearer picture of what’s ahead. Listening gave me a sense of direction I didn’t have before. I feel more confident now.

Expert advice

I am helping to raise my niece and nephew, and I've been looking for a guide like this to be the most help I can be.
From the physical to the emotional, this audiobook has it all. It was really interesting, and I learned a lot. The narration is excellent, too.

Guiding my Son to Dad Greatness

As a 49-year-old father to a 22 year old son who is now having his own child I thought I would listen to The First Time Dad Instruction Manual on audio to help my 22-year-old son. It’s been a fantastic guide! With my four kids (15, 19, 19, and 22), I know how overwhelming new fatherhood can be, and this audiobook nails it with practical tips for supporting his partner through pregnancy such as helping with cravings and bonding with the baby in the first 12 months. My son’s already practicing soothing techniques for those late-night cries, easing his nerves.

The narrator’s warm, relatable vibe feels like a seasoned dad sharing wisdom, perfect for our car ride chats. If you’re a dad wanting to coach your son into confident fatherhood, this audiobook’s a must-listen as it is practical, heartfelt, and totally empowering!