New Parents' Guide To The First Night At Home With Their Newborn

It's finally happened! After nine long months of waiting, your little one has arrived. Now the real adventure begins as you take your baby home for the first time. There are so many things to remember during those first few days and nights, but don't worry. The following blog will give you some tips for a successful first night at home with your newborn. Follow these guidelines, and you can relax and enjoy this special time with your new family member.



Photo by Josh Willink

1) Establish A Bedtime Routine

One of the best things you can do for your newborn (and yourself) is to establish a bedtime routine. This will help signal to your baby that it's time to wind down for the night. A few weeks before your due date, start thinking about what kind of routine you would like to establish. Do you want to give your baby a bath every night? Read a book together? Rock or nurse them until they fall asleep? Once you have decided on a routine, try to stick to it as closely as possible each night.

Of course, there will be nights when things don't go according to plan. That's perfectly normal! Just do your best and remember that even a simple bedtime routine can make a big difference for both you and your baby.

2) Put Your Baby To Sleep In Their Crib Or Bassinet

Once you have established a bedtime routine, it's time to put your baby down in their crib or bassinet. It's essential to create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your little one. Make sure the crib or bassinet is firm and free of pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals. You may want to use a white noise machine to help soothe your baby (and yourself!) to sleep.

If you're breastfeeding, you may find that nursing your baby to sleep is the easiest way to get them down for the night. Once they are asleep, gently place them in their crib or bassinet. If you're formula-feeding, you can try rocking or cuddling your baby until they fall asleep, then transferring them to their sleep space.

Whichever method you choose, remember to be patient. It may take a few nights (or even weeks) for your baby to get used to sleeping in their new environment. But soon enough, they'll be snoozing soundly through the night.

3) What Should You Do If Your Baby Does Not Stop Crying?

If you hear your baby crying and you've tried everything to soothe them, it's essential to take a step back and assess the situation. First, make sure that they are not hungry or in need of a diaper change. If they are still crying, try gently rocking or patting them. If this doesn't work, try walking around the room with them or taking them for a short car ride. Sometimes, all your baby needs are some extra movement to calm down.

If nothing seems to be working and your baby is still inconsolable, it's essential to trust your instincts. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply hold your baby and let them know that you're there for them. They may cry for a while, but eventually, they will settle down and drift off to sleep.

4) Check On Your Baby Throughout The Night

Once your baby is asleep, it's essential to check on them periodically throughout the night. This will help you make sure they are comfortable and safe, and it will also give you a chance to bond with your new little one. Every few hours, peek in on your sleeping baby and give them a gentle pat or stroke. If they seem restless or uncomfortable, try adjusting their clothing or blankets.

It's also important to keep an eye on their breathing. Make sure they are taking regular breaths (about 40 per minute is normal for newborns) and that their chest is rising and falling evenly. If you notice any changes in your baby's breathing, call your doctor right away.

5) Get Some Rest!

Taking care of a newborn can be exhausting, so it's essential to get as much rest as you can. If your baby is sleeping soundly through the night, take advantage of that and get some sleep yourself! Ask your partner or a family member to take over for a few hours so you can catch up on some much-needed rest.

Remember, this is just the beginning. The first few weeks (or even months) with a new baby can be challenging, but they are also full of precious moments that you will cherish for years to come. So take things one day at a time, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Before you know it, your little one will be all grown up!

6) Some Additional Tips

- Try to keep the noise level low in the house during the night so your baby can sleep peacefully.

- If your baby wakes up crying, try not to pick them up immediately. Sometimes, they just need a few minutes to calm down on their own.

- Keep a journal or log of your baby's sleeping patterns and feeding times. This will be helpful information for you and your doctor to track their development.

- Don't forget to take care of yourself! New parents often neglect their own needs in favour of taking care of their baby. But it's important to remember that you can't be your best self for your child if you're not taking care of yourself, too. Make sure to eat healthy meals, get some exercise, and take breaks when you need them.

- Finally, relax and enjoy this special time with your new baby. They won't be this small and helpless for long! Before you know it, they'll be taking their first steps and saying their first words. So savour every moment, good and bad, and cherish this time with your new bundle of joy.

In conclusion, becoming a parent is a life-changing experience that comes with its own set of challenges. But by following these tips, you can help make the transition to parenthood just a little bit easier. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy this special time with your new baby!

K Elizabeth xoxox

*Collaborative Post