Bringing Baby Home: Surviving the First Few Weeks

**Collaborative post**

The day has finally arrived – it’s time to bring your beautiful newborn baby home with you! You’ve awaited this moment for nine months, but now you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the new duties and responsibilities you have to this tiny little human. Don’t worry!  All new parents feel this way. The first several weeks of bringing your infant home will be an adjustment period as you learn how to care for your baby and develop new routines. To help you through this time, here is a comprehensive guide on what to expect and how to care for baby and yourself.

Remember That It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

As you walk out the doors of the hospital with a precious new life in your arms, do not be alarmed if you’re feeling terrified or totally unprepared. Almost everyone feels this way to some degree after giving birth. You’re embarking on a new adventure that you have no previous experience with, so it’s normal to experience some fear or anxiety. Just remember, no one really knows what they’re doing in the first few weeks, yet from lactation supplements to postpartum wear, there is plenty of support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, practice some breathing exercises and talk your emotions through with your partner, friend, sibling or parent. The first few weeks are the toughest part so don’t be too hard on yourself during this time. Try to rest when you can and accept help from friends and family.

Taking Care of Your Newborn

During your baby’s first few weeks of life, he or she is going to require a lot of your attention. Feeding, bathing and putting your baby to sleep can feel like daunting tasks when all you want to do is lie down and take a nap, but follow these tips and you’ll be mastering these duties in no time.

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Sleeping

Babies need a lot of sleep in their first few months of life because their brains and bodies are still developing, and sleep aids in the process as growth hormones are released at this time. However, some new parents become concerned that their baby is sleeping too much or naps too often during the day. Neither of these actions is unusual for newborns. The American Sleep Association recommends that newborn babies get somewhere between 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day in their first few weeks, so if your baby is asleep most of the time, this is actually a good sign. In this initial stage of life, babies’ sleep schedules can work opposite to your own because their melatonin cycles haven’t yet developed to regulate release at night, helping baby to sleep when it’s dark and wake when it’s light.

Bathing

The first time you give your baby a bath, be sure to set the tub up in a warm room free of a breeze to ensure that he or she maintains body heat. Fill the tub with some water but you do not want the baby to be able to completely submerge in the water. Try to get the temperature to be warm but be careful not to heat the water too much. If it feels as though it might be a bit too hot, let the water sit for a few minutes to cool. Keep one hand on the baby at all times to secure him or her in the tub and then use a washcloth to soap and rinse the newborn. The first few times you try to bathe your baby, you’ll probably need another person’s assistance as baby may fuss and cry a bit. Remember, this is their first time taking a bath ever! So, they’re totally unfamiliar with this new sensation. As soon as you’ve finished the bath, have a hooded towel on hand to wrap the newborn up right away and prevent them from becoming chilled. Remember all the fun you had choosing sleepsuits for your baby? Now is the time to use them – just don’t be alarmed when they go through 5 outfit changes a day – explosions from the nappy is normal so be prepared for extra washing now your little one is here. 

Feeding

While breast milk is highly recommended for the first few months of your baby’s life, there are certain circumstances that may require formula feeding instead. Either way, ensuring that your baby is receiving enough food and the proper nutrients is vital. Most babies eat between eight to 12 times each day, and you’ll soon be able to pick up on signs that your newborn is hungry. Once your infant turns away from the milk, place them over your shoulder, which should be covered by a burp cloth, and gently pat their back to help them burp.

You are likely to experience some difficulty with this process at one point or another, whether the baby is not latching or refusing to drink from a bottle. If your child is not responding to your attempts to feed them, don’t push it – they may not be hungry yet. Give him or her some time, and try again in a little bit. If the issue continues, you can consult with your doctor for more information.

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Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Own Needs

Take Breaks

Many parents are so focused on properly caring for their new child in the first few weeks that they can forget to take care of themselves. Allow yourself time to take breaks throughout the day. Ask your partner to take over baby duty and practice some stress-relieving tactics like five-minute meditation, basic stretching or a walk around the neighbourhood.

Get as Much Sleep as Possible

Time for sleep can be scarce in these first few weeks. Allow yourself to take naps whenever the opportunity presents itself. If baby falls asleep in the middle of the day, feel free to lie down yourself and get some rest. You need all the energy you can get over the next few weeks, so don’t feel guilty about a midday nap session.

Enlist Other Family Members to Help Out

Never feel bad about asking for help. Family members are usually thrilled when a new baby arrives, so reach out to them for help when you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed. Grandparents love feeling useful and spending time with their new grandchild. Get them involved in the process and allow yourself time to sleep, eat a well-balanced meal or leave the house for a little bit.

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