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Advent Calendar: 7 December

Being a new mum is a bit like stepping into the unknown, isn’t it? The first year with my daughter was full of moments of joy, exhaustion, and a lot of googling at 3 a.m. But along the way, I found some brilliant books that made the journey just that little bit easier.

If you’re looking for book recommendations for new parents, whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone at the start of their parenting journey, here’s a list of 6 of my favourites. These books offered me practical advice, fresh perspectives, and even a good laugh when I needed it most—I hope they can do the same for you or someone you know!

1. Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby’s First Years

This book became my go-to for all those “Is this normal?” moments. Covering everything from feeding to sleep and developmental milestones, it’s like having a reliable expert right at your fingertips.

What I love about this guide is how straightforward and reassuring it is—it’s written by experts, but it never feels overwhelming. It’s perfect for those early days when you’re figuring everything out (or googling everything in a panic!). I still find myself going back to it time and time again.

2. Schlaf gut, Baby! (There’s no English translation of this one)

If sleep is a struggle in your house, I feel you! We had our fair share of witching-hour screams, and this book helped me make sense of baby sleep patterns and gave me some ideas to try.

It’s full of practical, realistic tips for creating calmer routines and helped me feel a bit more in control during those chaotic evenings. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for baby sleep, this book was definitely a calming presence when I needed it.

3. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry

I absolutely loved this one, and got so much out of it! It’s all about understanding how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent, but it’s written in such a kind, supportive way. Philippa Perry combines solid psychology with practical examples and explains everything in a way that just makes sense.

Reading this helped me reflect on my own childhood—what I’d like to carry forward and what I’d like to do differently. It really shaped how I think about building a strong, healthy relationship with my daughter. A really insightful and thought-provoking read!

4. The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

This book dives into how children’s brains develop and how we can support them emotionally and mentally. That might sound a bit heavy, but it’s actually really practical and easy to follow.

It’s full of strategies for those tricky moments (tantrums, anyone?) and helps you see things from your child’s perspective. I’ve found it very helpful since my Little bean was around 6 months old —it’s a great resource to have on your bookshelf.

5. The Wonder Weeks (German title: Oh je, ich wachse!) by Hetty van de Rijt and Frans Plooij

Again, emphatic recommend from me on this one! It explains the big developmental leaps babies go through, from sudden clinginess to sleep disruptions, and why they’re happening. Even better, it gives you ideas for play and activities to help your baby grow and learn during these stages. It made the chaos of fussy phases feel so much more manageable—and even a bit exciting.

6. Parenting Hell by Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe

Sometimes, all you need is a good laugh—and this book delivered. Rob and Josh share their honest (and often ridiculous) experiences of parenting, and it’s absolutely hilarious.

I found myself laughing out loud so many times while reading it. It was such a relief to know I wasn’t the only one feeling overwhelmed or facing chaos on a daily basis. While most of the stories are more relevant for the toddler years, it’s a brilliant reminder that no one has it all figured out—and that sometimes, all you can do is laugh about it!

Over to You

Those are the books that got me through my first year of parenting—each one offering something a bit different. Whether it was practical advice, a new way of thinking, or just a bit of reassurance, they all helped in their own way.

Have you read any of these? Or do you have a favourite parenting book that got you through the early years? I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments!