Your Baby’s First Week Home: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Bringing your newborn home is one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences for new parents. That first week can feel like a whirlwind of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and high emotions. But don’t worry—you’re not alone! From a mom of soon-to-be four, a Certified Newborn Care Specialist, and Postpartum Doula, here are some tips to help you navigate those early days and set the tone for a smoother transition.

1. Prepare Before Coming Home

Before you even leave the hospital, take a few steps to make your homecoming easier:

• Set up your essentials. Make sure diapers, wipes, onesies, and feeding supplies are ready and accessible in key spots around the house. I have personally loved using these diaper caddies all around the house, and when not in use they collapse. Multiple sections allow for simple organization. 

Now for my pumping station, I have found the Skip Hop caddy to be the most convenient and easy to take on the go! It has multiple pockets for pumping bags, creams, wipes, and big sections to hold the pump and bottles. The light on top helps to find all the items you need during those late-night pumping sessions. 

• Stock up on easy meals. Whether it’s freezer meals, pre-made snacks, or a meal train organized by friends, having food ready will save you time and energy. But don’t forget to have an easy way to store and put away all of your meals. Rubbermaid containers have been a staple in our household to ensure a quick dinner clean up and having food prepped and ready for even our pickiest of eaters in our home!

• Create a safe sleep space. Ensure your baby’s bassinet or crib is ready and follows safe sleep guidelines (firm mattress, no blankets or stuffed animals). 

2. Expect a Rollercoaster of Emotions

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and even tearful during the first week. Both you and your partner are adjusting to a huge life change, and your hormones may be fluctuating, especially if you’ve just given birth.

• Give yourself grace. Don’t expect to have everything figured out right away. It is ok if the biggest accomplishment you did that day is to feed your baby and possibly shower. Having a few new sets of loungewear always gives me the pick-me-up I need to feel like a new person!

• Lean on your support system. Whether it’s a partner, family, or friends, let them help with household chores, meals, or even holding the baby so you can rest. [Consider a Newborn Care Specialist for extra support—find one here.]

3. Focus on Feeding

Feeding your baby will likely take up most of your time during the first week. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, here are a few tips:

• Breastfeeding moms: Using milk collection shells can be a game changer! They give your nipples a much-needed break by reducing friction and irritation. Plus, they help collect any leaked milk, saving precious drops that would otherwise be wasted. It’s a simple way to make breastfeeding a bit easier and more efficient for you and your baby!

• Formula-feeding moms: Have bottles sanitized and ready to go. Having a quick way to clean and dry bottles is essential for keeping the kitchen tidy. The Baby Brezza Sterilizer and Dryer helps me get bottles from dirty to clean in the cupboard in an hour or less. 

• Watch for hunger cues: Rooting, sucking on hands, and smacking lips are all signs your baby is ready to eat. Using a whiteboard can help keep you and your spouse organized to know when the baby ate last. (I love that it doubles as a toddler activity as they get bigger!)

4. Sleep Whenever You Can

Your newborn will likely sleep around 16-17 hours a day, but those hours are usually broken up into short naps. Here are some ways to make the most of your rest:

• Sleep when the baby sleeps. I know it’s a well-worn piece of advice, but taking even short naps when you can help recharge your energy. A comfy eye mask and a white noise machine can make those quick naps a lot more restful.

• Tag-team night duties. If you have a partner, take turns with nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Sharing the load can give both of you a chance to rest. A wearable baby monitor can help you track your little one’s sleep patterns so you can take advantage of the quiet moments. I’ve found that using the Owlet Sock has helped me get into a deeper sleep. Knowing that it will alert me if anything goes wrong gives me peace of mind and allows me to rest more easily.

• Keep it simple at night. During those middle-of-the-night feedings or diaper changes, keep the lights dim and the environment calm. It’ll help your baby (and you) settle back to sleep faster. A soft nightlight is a lifesaver for those late-night changes without waking everyone up. The Hatch has made it so easy for me to set up routines that work perfectly for our family. I use the red light and white noise overnight, and with just a tap on the top, I can easily adjust the settings whenever I need to. It also grows with your baby, so as they get older, they can simply remove it from the base and take it with them to the bathroom during those late-night trips!

5. Master the Diaper Routine

Your newborn will go through 8-12 diapers a day, so you’ll quickly become a diaper-changing pro!

• Be prepared. Keep diapers, wipes, and cream stocked at multiple changing stations (this includes in your car!) Make sure to include an extra set of clothes for yourself. You never know when a blowout will happen! 

• Monitor output. Wet and dirty diapers are good signs that your baby is eating well. 

6. Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to forget about your own needs while caring for a newborn, but your well-being is just as important.

• Stay hydrated and nourished. Keep water and healthy snacks handy. I could not live without my Meoky Tumbler. It holds so much liquid and is 100% leakproof with the straw out but even with the straw in it barely leaks! With toddlers around, I have had it knocked over many times with only a few drops of liquid coming out. Less mess = Happy Mama!

• Don’t skip postpartum care. If you’ve given birth, follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery and rest. Out of all the postpartum items my favorite has to be the Frida Mom Peri Bottle. The curved spout makes it easier to clean up, especially in the hospital!

• Ask for help. Whether it’s from a partner, friend, or Newborn Care Specialist, don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it. Moonlight Nurturer offers in-person and virtual support.

The first week with your baby is intense, but it’s also packed with those sweet, magical moments you’ll never forget. Take things one day (or even one hour!) at a time, celebrate the little wins, and remember—it’s totally okay to ask for help whenever you need it. You’re doing an amazing job, and you’ve got this!

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