For newborns I don’t think you need a manual. The baby sucks on moms tit, sleeps, and cries for a year. No blood, fever, or discoloration? Don’t worry about it too much otherwise see the doctor. Do your vaccinations and check-ups.

Once they start to wake up to the world it becomes more complicated. People have all sorts of ideas about how to best raise a child. Listen to your heart. The right way is the way that’s right for you. For example, most people and so-called experts told us to “sleep train” our child, making them sleep in a separate room or bed on a strict schedule. We didn’t. Our child sleeps with us in our bed (he’s 4 now, still sleeping with us). It works for us. Do what works for you.

As far as books go I recommend “Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges” by Patty Wipfler