The first week home with a newborn can be overwhelming. Here are tips to help you get through the first week with your newborn.
Get plenty of rest Sleep is vital for you and your baby. Try to rest whenever your baby is sleeping, even if it’s just for a short nap. Don’t worry about household chores or other responsibilities during this time, and focus on getting the rest you need.
Accept help Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, whether with household tasks or caring for the baby. Accepting help can allow you to rest and recover and give you the support you need during this time.
Learn to read your baby’s cues In the first week, your baby’s communication will be limited to crying and body language. Learn to read your baby’s cues, such as hunger, tiredness, or discomfort, and respond appropriately.
Keep your baby close Newborns must be held and comforted frequently, so keep your baby close to you as much as possible. Skin-to-skin contact can also help regulate your baby’s temperature and promote bonding.
Breastfeed or bottle-feed frequently In the first week, your baby eats every two to three hours. Breastfeed or bottle-feed frequently, and keep an eye for signs of hunger.
Change diapers frequently Your baby will need their diapers changed often, so be prepared to change them up to 10 times daily. Keep a stock of diapers, wipes, and diaper cream on hand.
Keep your baby warm Newborns can become cold, so keep your baby warm with swaddling blankets, hats, and warm clothing. Make sure your home is also kept at a comfortable temperature.
Take care of yourself It’s important to take care of yourself during this time, both physically and emotionally. Eat well, stay hydrated, and take time for self-care.
Keep visitors to a minimum In the first week, limiting visitors is essential to prevent your baby from becoming overwhelmed and allow you to rest and recover. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family to wait a few weeks before visiting.
Trust your instincts As a parent, you will develop a strong intuition about your baby’s needs and behavior. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to seek help or advice from a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Coming home with a newborn can be challenging but also a time of joy and bonding. Get plenty of rest, accept help, learn to read your baby’s cues, breastfeed or bottle-feed frequently, change diapers often, keep your baby warm, take care of yourself, limit visitors, and trust your instincts.