Your bundle of joy has finally arrived! Congratulations! If this is your first baby there is no doubt that you are experiencing some nervousness in bringing the baby home for the first time. Your hospital stay has hopefully been a success and you feel the nurses have properly and lovingly cared for your little one.
Below are some tips to help with the transition for you as well as the baby as you begin your new life together.
Before the first car ride home
- Make certain both you and the baby are in comfortable clothes. Sure, you want the baby cute in their going home outfit but a comfy baby means a happier baby.
- Practice putting the child in the car seat before actually getting to the car. It can be tougher than you realize if you have never done it before. You don’t want the baby to sense your frustration.
- Don’t have music too loud. This can stress the child out. Nice, calm relaxing type of music is the best choice if you choose to have the radio on.
- Before heading home, meet all the babies’ needs first. Does she have a full belly and a clean diaper?
Before you arrive at the house
- Have a friend or family member go to your home and make sure the temperature is similar to that of the hospital. You don’t want the baby hot or cold.
- Make sure the pets are put away where they will not bark and go crazy scaring the child.
Once at home
- Do not over stimulate the baby or you may have a crying child on your hands. Transition the baby slowly into all the home activities. Family will be anxious to all hold the child but slow is best.
- Make a nighttime plan of who will get up with the baby and when. It is no shame for the mom to share this time with their spouse, partner or other family member. You need sleep too.
- Make things easier on you. If the changing table is in the babies’ room upstairs but you are mainly downstairs, make a changing area near you for the first few weeks.
- Make time for yourself! It is very important!
All of our pregnancy doctors and midwives want your transition to be as smooth as possible in bringing home your little one. Check out our knowledge center article – Bringing Baby Home – Tips for the Transition – for more detailed information about one of the biggest transitions you’re likely to experience in your life.
