First-Time Parent: The honest guide to coping brilliantly and staying sane by Lucy Atkins

First-Time Parent: The honest guide to coping brilliantly and staying sane by Lucy Atkins is a BRAND NEW paperback crafted for anyone stepping into parenthood for the first time. If you’re a new mom or dad seeking calm, clarity, and a touch of humor, this practical guide blends medical insight with real-life routines to help you navigate those early days with confidence.

About the author: Lucy Atkins is the author of five novels. Her latest, WINDMILL HILL was a Best Summer Books pick 2023 in the GUARDIAN and the OBSERVER newspapers. MAGPIE LANE was a 'best book of 2020' for BBC RADIO 4's OPEN BOOK, the GUARDIAN, the TELEGRAPH and GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MAGAZINE. Her non-fiction books include the award-winning Amazon #1 parenting guide, FIRST TIME PARENT. A respected book critic for The Sunday Times and The Guardian, she also teaches on the Creative Writing Masters degree at the University of Oxford, splitting time between Oxford and Lewes, Sussex. This blend of health journalism expertise and storytelling makes First-Time Parent a trusted, empathetic resource for families.

What this honest guide covers

The book begins with that life-altering first day and moves through the realities of newborn care, sleep routines, feeding, soothing, and the day-to-day moments that leave new parents both exhilarated and overwhelmed. Written in a feisty, humorous voice, it speaks to the parent who looks at their baby and wonders, “Where are the instructions?” It’s a frank, supportive companion that respects the medical side of childbirth and baby development while honoring the messy, magical truth of early parenthood.

• Practical, evidence-based guidance on childbirth, newborn health, sleep strategies, feeding, and development milestones.
• Real-world routines for soothing, settling, and balancing self-care with baby care—perfect for busy nights and busy days alike.
• Feisty, hopeful tone that eases stress with humor, warmth, and reassurance from a seasoned health journalist who’s been there as a parent.
• Clear, accessible language that makes medical concepts approachable, so you can make informed choices with confidence.
• Timeless practical tips you can reference again and again—ideal for new parents building a comforting home routine and for gifting in a baby-book collection or boxed set.

Format: Paperback | ISBN: ‎ 9780007269440 | Condition: BRAND NEW. This title is a thoughtful addition to any book collection for caregivers, along with other parenting resources. It’s also a meaningful gift set component for baby showers and new-parent celebrations, offering both comfort and practical know-how in one thoughtful package.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself, for a friend, or for a classroom resource on parenting, this book stands out for its blend of expert insight and authentic voice. It’s a trusted companion for parents who want to feel capable, informed, and less alone on the journey to brilliant parenting. The approachable paperback edition makes it easy to keep by the bedside or on the nightstand for quick reference during late-night feeds.

First-Time Parent is more than a guide—it’s a companion that validates the experience of new parenthood while providing actionable steps to stay sane and connected. It’s the perfect gift for new parents, a timeless keepsake in any book collection, and a practical resource for families beginning their parenting journey.