Not sure what to expect the first week after bringing your baby home? Welcome to parenthood! Rest assured that every first-time parent feels similarly unprepared. Let’s go over some of the surprises you can expect.
Babies sleep a lot and cry a lot … and not much else. Your baby’s first few weeks are spent adjusting to life outside the womb. They have no idea they are supposed to be awake during the day and sleep at night, so they are likely to have two or three sleep and wakefulness periods around the clock. it’s smart to sleep when you can. You’re unlikely to get a solid uninterrupted eight hours for several months or more. Forget about schedules. You’ll need to just roll with it for a while.
Everybody will want to see the new baby. Your little one has been long anticipated, and your family and friends are excited for you. But you may not want a lot of company during the first week. Don’t hesitate to keep the first week a little more private if that’s what you prefer. On the other hand, you may welcome the kind of company who will be okay with you saying, “Here, take the baby, I’m going to take a nap.” Friends you have to dress, entertain or clean up for can wait for week two (or three).
Everyone is an expert. People will tell you how and where the baby should sleep, whether you should use a pacifier, what kind of bottles you should be using, you name it. Trust your pediatrician and your instincts when it comes to what’s best for your baby.
Not all newborns are the same size. Some babies will rattle around in newborn clothing and others won’t be able to squeeze into it. Prepare by stocking up on both newborn and 0-3 month sizes. You need a lot more diapers than you think you will. Buy plenty of the first couple of sizes. You can’t have enough things like sleepers, T-shirts, and burp cloths. Pro tip: Check your supply of essentials in the daylight hours. No one wants to make a 3 a.m. diaper run.
It’s okay to take the road of least resistance. If there is an easy way to do things or a hard way, chances are the easy way will cut it. For example, wear your baby. This will keep the baby happy, assist with bonding and allow you to get a few things done around the house or go for a walk without worrying about your baby maintaining their temperature. It also makes it easier to avoid passing the baby around if you prefer.
You may get a little stir-crazy. Don’t hesitate to go outside so you and the baby can get some fresh air and a change of scenery. If the weather is less than ideal, dress yourself for the weather and bundle your baby up in a stroller or wrap them up in a carrier. You don’t have to run a marathon, just a walk around the block can be refreshing.
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