8 Straightforward Tips on How to Prepare for Your First Day Home With Your New Baby

When you bring your new baby home for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming. As a new parent, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as your due date approaches.

Bringing your new baby home from the hospital is a big moment! It’s natural to want everything to be perfect.

Assuming you have everything you need for your new baby such as diapers, wipes, food, and clothes, there might still be a few things that you want to prepare before bringing your newborn baby home.

Tips on How To Prepare For Your Baby’s First Day Home

Here are a few things you can do to help prepare for your new arrival and make the transition to life at home a little smoother.

1. Get your home ready

If you’re like most new parents, you’ll want to make sure your home is clean and baby-proofed before bringing your new little one home. Take some time to do a deep clean of your living space and pay special attention to the nursery. If you don’t have a nursery, now is the time to set up a safe space for your baby.

Remove any hazards from your home, such as loose cords or toxics chemicals. Also, make sure you have all the baby gear you need, including a crib, car seat, stroller, and diaper bag.

If you have other children, involve them in getting the house ready for the new baby. This will help them feel excited and included. You might even want to have a special “big brother/sister” room ready for them with their own toys and bedding.

2. Stock up on supplies

You’ll want to make sure you have all the essentials on hand before your baby comes home. This includes things like diapers, wipes, formula or breast milk, clothes, burp cloths, and bibs.

You’ll also need some basics for yourself, like snacks, a water bottle, and a comfortable place to sit or lie down. If you’re breastfeeding, you might want to invest in a breast pump and some storage bags.

If you’re formula feeding, it’s a good idea to have several days’ worth of formula mixed and ready to go. You can store it in the fridge and then just grab a bottle when you need it.

3. Make a plan

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety about your new arrival is to make a plan. Talk to your partner about things like who will stay home with the baby, how you’ll manage work and childcare, and how you’ll split up nighttime feedings.

If you can, try to take some time off work before the baby is born. This will give you a chance to bond with your new little one and get some much-needed rest.

If you have other children, make arrangements for their care in advance. This might mean making arrangements with family or friends, hiring a babysitter, or enrolling them in a daycare or preschool program.

4. Rest when you can

Having a new baby is exhausting! Once your baby is home, you're going to be up all night feeding and changing them, so try to get as much sleep as you can before their arrival.

Get as much rest as you can before your baby comes home. Once they’re here, take advantage of any opportunity to catch some Zs, even if it’s just a 20-minute power nap.

If you’re breastfeeding, you might want to sleep when your baby sleeps. This can be tough to do if you have other kids, but it’s important to take care of yourself too.

5. Ask for help

You don’t have to do everything on your own. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help when you need it.

If you’re struggling to get through the early days and weeks, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a postpartum doula or mental health professional. They can provide support and guidance when you need it the most.

6. Have your camera ready

You're going to want to document every single moment of your newborn's first day and beyond. Take lots of pictures and create memories that will last a lifetime.

7. Set up a comfortable feeding area

You’ll be spending a lot of time feeding your baby, so make sure you have a comfortable chair or rocker set up.

8. Have fun

Most importantly, try to relax and enjoy this special time. It's a lot of work, but it's also an incredible privilege to be a parent. Don’t forget to enjoy this special time with your new baby.

Conclusion

Having a baby is one of the most exciting and challenging times in your life. No matter how much you've prepared, you're likely to feel nervous and even a little scared on your first day home with your new baby.

Take it one day at a time. Don't try to do too much all at once. The first few days with a new baby are a learning curve, so go easy on yourself. Having a new baby can be overwhelming, yet also rewarding.