7 Important Tips for the First Week Home with Baby

The first week at home with the baby is one of the most loving, stressful, challenging, emotional, and happiest times in the early stages of parenting. I know that with my first baby, like most first parents, it was all trial and error and I flew by the bottom of my pants. I bought WAY too much stuff and it really took off.

After my second child, I had my job under control and knew what I needed; I also had a good roadmap for the first week. That said, we’ve put together a list of tips for all new parents out there, as well as our top product recommendations for the first week at home with baby.

7 tips for the first week at home with your baby

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

I know when I had my oldest I tried everything: getting up with the baby, changing babies, making food, cleaning, etc. Luckily for me, my mother and husband had to constantly get up there and help me, and told me to just ask for help and they would.

Take advantage of free breastfeeding training resources

So, in order not to be afraid to ask for general help, it is also important to ask for help while breastfeeding. There are so many amazing resources out there; For me, I asked the nurses at the hospital and before I left they met with a lactation consultant who also introduced me to our resources in the county. When I got home, I contacted the county government and they sent a lactation consultant to my home to help me out.

There are so many resources online for breastfeeding through blogs. Here are some of the rookie moms.

Sleep and rest as best you can

You know the saying “sleep when the baby is asleep” is one of the most helpful tips I received when I first became a mother. I know a lot of us, myself included, and I try to get everything done when we get the chance, but the first week at home is not the time to get everything done. The first week at home with your baby is a time for you to enjoy your baby and rest.

Don’t worry about laundry or cleaning; It can wait. Take this time to sleep and enjoy your new little addition.

Postpartum symptoms

Postpartum symptoms are discussed at the hospital, usually in that little information packet they give you when you check out. Very often, however, new mothers do not have the time to read them before these symptoms appear. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, bleeding, fatigue, pain, discomfort, and many emotions.

We also recommend that you consult your OBGYN if for any reason you are concerned about any of your symptoms.

You are the best mom for your baby

When you first become a mom, you will get a number of opinions. Opinions from family, friends, colleagues and strangers. Remember that you are the perfect mom for your baby and you have built-in intuition to know what is right for your baby. To set healthy boundaries for people who transcend these choices, it is the best way to maintain your relationships and self-confidence as a mother.

Frozen meal for the win!

Before going to the hospital at the end of your pregnancy, it is very helpful if you and your partner prepare a few frozen meals that you can both have with your little one when you return. Little do you know how helpful it is when you have both been up day and night with no energy to prepare dinner or go out and get food. Putting a meal from the freezer into the microwave or oven is the perfect way to save those moments.

Make your baby needs mobile

We lived in a three story townhouse when I had my two children, so having baby items like diapers, wipes, and baby rash cream on multiple floors was so life saving. One of the things my husband made was a small mobile basket that he had in stock every morning and carried from room to room. The last thing you want to do is open that smelly diaper and have all of your towels on top; Make these diapers mobile!

Rookie Moms favorite products for the “first week at home with baby”!

Now that we have given you all of our tips, we are pleased to present you our favorite and must-have products for the first week at home with your baby!

First week at home with baby - Elvie breast pump

Elvie Curve manual portable breast pump

The Elvie Curve manual portable breast pump allows you to gently express milk by naturally sucking when you are draining from your other breast while breastfeeding or expressing, or when your breasts feel full. You have no idea how many times I would feed the baby and leak my other breast! This is such a lifesaver and the perfect gift for a new mom.

DockATot

The DockATot is the ultimate docking station for newborns and babies up to 8 months. This is a great product to have in the living room for laying your little one down next to you, or for diaper time, tummy time, lounging, playing, cuddling, and supervised napping.

First week at home with baby bassinet

SNOO Smart Sleeper baby cradle

For a good first week at home with your baby, it’s important to find the perfect bassinet that will help your little one sleep through the night. The SNOO Smart Sleeper cradle is an extra bed with automatic rocking movements and soothing white noise. The SNOO claims to increase 1-2+ hours per night so parents can get more sleep than with other cribs or smart furniture.

First week at home with baby owl

Owlet Smart Sock 2 baby monitor

For me, one of the hardest transitions the first week at home with the baby was being able to sleep while the baby was sleeping. My worries and stress got the better of me. However, with the Owlet Smart Sock you can now worry less and sleep better by tracking your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels.

Owlet uses clinically proven pulse oximetry and will notify you over your phone if something is wrong. Knowing the owl is chasing after you, rest assured you can get some sleep.

First week at home with baby - Belly Bandit

Belly Bandit Postpartum Luxe Belly Wrap

Marketed as the ultimate in targeted postpartum compression and support, the Belly Bandit Postpartum Luxe Belly Wrap is a lifesaver during your postpartum period. From back pain to postpartum comfort, you may want to add these to your baby registration list.

About the author

Ashland Hendrix from luvashland.com

Ashland - Author Bio

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frequently asked Questions

What happens to a newborn baby in the first week at home?

The first week at home with the baby is one of the most loving, stressful, challenging, emotional, and happiest times in the early stages of parenting. It’s really about getting to know each other and figuring out your new normal.

How do I survive my first few weeks with a baby?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Take advantage of free breastfeeding training resources
Sleep and rest as best you can
Stock up with frozen food
Remember that you are the best mom for your baby

What is postpartum?

Postpartum is the time after a baby is born. The postpartum period is generally between 4-6 weeks, but healing can take up to a year.

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