Bringing your newborn home is magical…but that first night and first week can be in fact… exhausting. From cuddling your baby, to cluster feeding through the night, you’ll wondering if you’ll ever sleep again. The good news? You will survive! And to help you, I’m sharing seven insanely helpful tips to make those first days at home a little smoother.
Why is the first week at home with a newborn overwhelming?
The first week at home with a newborn is overwhelming because everything is new – for both you and your baby.
You’re healing from childbirth, adjusting to round-the-clock feedings, and running on very little sleep.
Your hormones are all over the place, your body feels different, and you’re suddenly responsible for a tiny human who doesn’t come with an instruction manual.
Add in the pressure to “do everything right,” and it’s no wonder so many parents feel exhausted and emotional.
Where should your newborn sleep?
As for where your newborn should sleep, the safest place is in a bassinet or crib in your room, ideally next to your bed. Keeping them close makes nighttime feedings easier and gives you peace of mind.
9 Helpful ways to survive the first week at home with your Newborn
1. Lower Your Expectations
Your house won’t be spotless, and that’s okay. Your only job this week is to rest, recover, and care for your baby. Everything else can wait.
2. Say Yes to Help
If someone offers to bring food, hold the baby while you shower, or fold laundry – say YES. This is not the time to prove you can do it all.
3. Sleep When You Can
It’s cliché, but true. If your baby naps, try to close your eyes too. Even 20 minutes of rest can make a huge difference.
4. Keep Snacks and Water Nearby
You’ll be feeding your baby a lot, and you need fuel too. Set up a little snack station with easy-to-grab food and a big water bottle.
5. Have a changing/nursing station within reach
Pick a comfy place with everything within reach – burp cloths, diapers, wipes, and your phone (because scrolling at 3 AM is inevitable). Some people go for a simple moveable cart like this. Others go for more sturdy furniture like this chest of drawers.
6.Speak to your friends and family
Talking to people who care about you will lift up your mood, I promise. I have a great relationship with my mum and so I would call her and at least one of my best friends everyday, whether it was for advice or just random conversations.
7.Have a gentle routine
Sometimes having a vague plan about what you want to achieve in the morning, afternoon and evening will help you feel more confident.
So consider having a gentle routine that may include when you want to spend time outdoors, when you want to have a shower, when you want to take your power naps, or even when you want to listen to a motivational podcast. This will help you feel organised. More so it will ensure you make time for things that uplift your spirit.
8.White noise
You should consider having a White noise machine. A white noise machine will help your baby fall asleep faster and sleep longer by simulating soothing sounds.
White noise machines are very useful even way past the first week at home with your newborn. My favourite so far has been this portable white noise machine– so many sounds/noises to choose from and you can easily take it with you on vacation.
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9.Give Yourself Grace and take one day at a time
Some moments will feel overwhelming. Cry if you need to. Laugh at the chaos. Remind yourself that you’re doing an amazing job and remember that you and your baby are learning together, and that’s enough.
Final thoughts
The first week is tough, but it’s also filled with sweet, fleeting moments. Breathe, soak it in, and know that it does get easier. You’ve got this!
