10 Simple Tips for Mom and Dad: Surviving the First Week
The first week home with your baby is sure to be equal parts amazing and terrifying. Newborns require constant care and it can be overwhelming trying to figure it all out. There’s going to be moments where you think you’ve got everything under control and moments where you have no idea what to do – no one said parenting was easy! But it’s important to remember that life as a new mom (and dad) is a constant learning experience and you will eventually adjust to your new routine. That’s why it’s important to prepare for baby’s arrival as much as you can before the big day. We’ve compiled the top 10 tips and ideas to make the transition to motherhood that much easier – from how to calm your little one to stocking your pantry, you’ll want to keep this checklist close at hand as you wait in anticipation for your baby to arrive!
Survival Tips for New Parents: The First Week Home with Baby
1. Get your car seat installed
Installing your car seat is one of the most important things you can do before baby comes. Most hospitals won’t let you leave unless you’ve got one that fits baby properly and is installed in your vehicle.
2. Fill your freezer and pantry
You’ll be so grateful to have some meals already prepared that you can just throw in the oven, especially in the first few weeks. In the weeks before baby arrives, cook up some easy-to-freeze meals that can also be easily heated and pick up some easy grab and go snacks (dried fruit, granola bars, cereals).
3. Accept the help
Don’t be afraid to ask for or accept help, especially when friends/family are offering. It will definitely make the transition home with baby easier and less stressful for you. If you can, think about hiring a temporary cleaner to come in once a week so that there’s one less thing for you to think about.
MORE TIPS FOR NEW MOMS: How to navigate the First Few Months with Baby
4. Practice the drive to the hospital
Go for a drive at least once with your partner to the hospital or birthing center and think of a potential alternate route as you do. You never know if there’s going to be a traffic jam or road closing on the day you go into labor – best to be prepared!
5. Pack your bag
In the weeks before your due date, make a list of everything you’ll want/need at the hospital with you and start packing your bag. Bring at least one change of clothing that is loose-fitting and essential items like a toothbrush, deodorant etc. Put the bag in an easy to find spot so that you or your partner can grab it quickly when needed.
6. Round the clock feedings
Newborns are feeding machines! Because their stomachs are so tiny, they can only eat so much at one time (about 1-3 oz.) – which means frequent feedings. Some might want to nurse every 2-3 hours, others might be hungry more often. It will depend on your baby’s needs.
Newborns are feeding machines! Because their stomachs are so tiny, they can only eat so much at one time (about 1-3 oz.) – which means frequent feedings. Some might want to nurse every 2-3 hours, others might be hungry more often. It will depend on your baby’s needs.
7. Soothing a crying baby
Crying is your baby’s way of getting your attention and letting you know they need something. In the early days, your job as a mom is often one of a detective. What is baby trying to tell you? Hungry? Too cold, too hot? Tired? It might be hard to pinpoint exactly why baby is crying but here are a few ideas to help calm your little one down.
- Try different ways of holding and comforting your baby – some babies like to be rocked side to side, back and forth, to be sung to or spoken to etc.
- Pat or rub baby’s back
- Offer something for baby to suck on like a finger, breast or pacifier
- Try swaddling your baby
- Use a white noise machine like Bubzi Co.'s Baby Sleep Soothing Owl. This must have owl sings 10 gentle lullabies and projects colorful stars in your baby’s nursery to help calm and soothe baby.
And remember there’s no such thing as spoiling a newborn so always respond to baby’s cries and give them the attention they need.
MORE TIPS FOR NEW MOMS: 6 Trusted Techniques New Moms Can Try To Get Baby To Sleep
8. Burping baby
An important part of the feeding process (and the diaper that soon follows) is the burp after a feed. You can often reduce the amount of diaper changes you’ll need to do. Try to burp your baby at every 3-5 minutes during feedings and place baby in an upright position right after feeding (whether in a bouncer, stroller or in your arms).
9. The endless dirty diapers
The first few diaper changes are not going to be pretty – you’ll notice a blackish green colored poop called meconium. This will eventually turn to varying shades of green, yellow or brown and can often be runny, pasty, or seedy. Don’t panic though – all shades are normal!
10. Practice self-care
It’s important that you take time each day to care for yourself. Your body (not to mention your hormones) has been through a rollercoaster and you need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself so that you can care for your newborn. Try to get as much rest as you can – go to bed earlier, sleep when baby sleeps and accept help from those who love you!
While this is only a snapshot of what life is like during the first week home with baby, it will help prepare you in some ways for your newborn’s imminent arrival. Yes, there will be times that are more hectic than others and yes, you might feel overwhelmed, but know that you and your baby will eventually settle into a routine and all the tips, ideas and parenting truths you’ve heard from friends will just be background noise. Remember to trust your instincts as a new mom (and dad), practice some self-care and ask for help when you need. And no matter what, once you hold your newborn in your arms and look into their eyes, any worries you had about the first week will just melt away!
Photo credit: Bigstock, Pixabay
