What to Expect the First Year: (Updated in 2026)

What to Expect the First Year is a regularly updated guide addressing common questions new parents face, including establishing day-night routines, assessing breastfeeding adequacy, introducing solids, sleep patterns, colic, toy selection, and smartphone use. With nearly 12 million copies in print, the book provides practical information parents need during their baby's first year. The guide uses a month-by-month format to break down the first year into manageable stages. It covers baby care fundamentals such as crib and sleep safety, feeding, and vitamin supplements, along with breastfeeding support. The book addresses contemporary parenting approaches including attachment parenting, sleep training, early potty learning, baby-led weaning, and green parenting practices. It includes guidance on preparing homemade baby food, current recommendations for starting solids, and research on screen time effects from televisions, tablets, apps, and computers.