The Association between Use of Infant Parenting Books That Promote Strict Routines, and Maternal Depression, Self-Efficacy, and Parenting Confidence

The transition to motherhood can be challenging. The baby book market has taken advantage of this, publishing a range of books that suggest adopting strict routines for infant sleep, feeding, and general care. Despite their multi-million sales, their impact has not been established. The aim of this study was to explore the maternal experience of using these books, and the association with maternal well-being. Three hundred and fifty-four mothers with an infant aged 0-12 months reported use of infant parenting books that promote strict routines, experience of using them, and measures of postnatal depression, maternal self-efficacy and parenting stress. Use of the books was associated with increased depressive symptoms and stress, alongside lower self-efficacy, although experience of using the books predicted this. Although those who found the books useful had greater well-being, the majority did not find them useful, which was associated with lower well-being.