Bringing your newborn baby home for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for new parents. The first night with your little one sets the tone for the weeks ahead. While every baby is different, there are some key things you can do during that first night home to help your newborn (and you!) adjust.
Prepare the nursery
Make sure your baby’s room is ready before you leave the hospital. Key things to have set up are:
- Crib or bassinet with fitted sheet
- Swaddle blankets
- Burp cloths
- Changing table with diapers, wipes, creams, etc.
- Rocking chair or glider
- Sound machine or white noise player
- Night light
You’ll want to have easy access to all of your baby supplies during those late night diaper changes and feeding sessions. Having the nursery organized ahead of time will make your first night run more smoothly.
Feed on demand
Your newborn’s tiny stomach can only hold 1-3 ounces at a time, so they will need to eat every 2-3 hours round the clock. Feed on demand whenever your baby shows hunger cues like rooting, sucking motions, hands to mouth, etc. Newborns should have at least 8-12 feedings per day.
If you are breastfeeding, have a comfortable nursing spot set up with plenty of water and snacks nearby. If you are bottle feeding with formula or pumped breastmilk, make sure you have enough ready-to-feed bottles prepared.
Tip for breastfeeding moms
Nurse as soon as possible after birth to take advantage of the first hour when babies are very alert. Try nursing in side-lying position during the night – it allows you to rest while your newborn eats.
Tip for bottle feeding moms
Look for your baby’s natural feeding cues. Don’t force a strict schedule or try to get them to finish bottles. Paced bottle feeding can help prevent overeating and spit up.
Use safe sleep practices
Your baby should sleep alone, on their back, in a crib or bassinet without any loose bedding. Recommended safe sleep practices lower the risk of SIDS.
- Firm, flat mattress covered only with fitted sheet
- No pillows, blankets, bumper pads, or toys in crib
- Share a room but not same sleeping surface
- Avoid letting baby get too hot
You can place a swaddle blanket loosely around your newborn and tuck it under the crib mattress so it doesn’t come loose. Just make sure their head remains uncovered.
Tip for swaddling
Use a muslin swaddle blanket. Swaddle snugly around the body but leave their arms and legs able to bend. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby can roll over.
Soothe your baby
Your newborn will communicate through crying. Try to determine if they need to be fed, changed, or simply comforted. Here are some soothing techniques for a fussy baby:
- Hold baby close while gently rocking or swaying
- Turn on white noise or lullabies
- Give a warm bath using mild baby wash
- Go for a walk or drive in the stroller
- Gently massage with touch or baby massage oil
- Offer a pacifier for non-nutritive sucking
Tip for soothing
The 5 S’s from Harvey Karp’s “Happiest Baby” method are great for calming a newborn – swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing sounds, swinging motions, and sucking.
Time for yourself
Don’t feel guilty about letting your baby sleep in their bassinet while you shower, eat, or take a nap. Newborns sleep around 16 hours a day. Take advantage of those peaceful moments to recharge yourself. The key is listening for their cries and tending to them as soon as they wake up.
Accept help from loved ones who offer to cook, clean, run errands, etc. Keeping your home in order and stocked with food will prevent extra stress.
Self-care tips
- Take a soothing shower or bath when the baby sleeps
- Eat small, healthy meals and stay hydrated
- Go outside for some fresh air when possible
- Sleep when the baby sleeps to catch up at night
- Ask your partner or friend to watch the baby while you rest
Bond with your newborn
While caring for your newborn’s basic needs is important, don’t forget to spend quality time bonding and getting to know them during your first night home.
- Maintain eye contact while feeding and talking to them
- Hold them closely for skin-to-skin contact
- Take time for baby massage
- Sing, read, and play together during wake times
Keep the lights dimmed, voices soft, and activity minimal tonight. A calm, quiet environment will help your newborn feel secure.
Baby bonding tips
Bonding happens through touch, eye contact, skin contact, smell, voice, etc. Respond to your baby’s cues and needs promptly to establish trust and attachment.
Stay flexible
Remember that this is just the first of many nights with your newborn. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to follow any schedule. Stay flexible and attend to your baby’s needs through this period of huge adjustment.
Your baby may seem fussy this first night due to all the new sights, sounds, and sensations. They will gradually get used to their new environment. You will also get more adept at interpreting their cries with time.
Tips for staying flexible
- Take each moment as it comes rather than rigidly following a plan
- Team up with your partner to take turns soothing the baby
- Let go of expectations and just focus on meeting baby’s needs
- Remind yourself this stage is temporary; it will get easier
Know when to call the doctor
In most cases, any issues you notice with your newborn can wait until your pediatrician visit. But call right away if you observe any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing, turning blue
- A high fever above 100.4 F rectally
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours
- Green or bloody vomit
- Excessive sleepiness or lethargy
- Persistent crying for more than 3 hours
Otherwise, try not to worry too much and just trust your instincts. You’ve got this!
Nighttime newborn care checklist
Here is a helpful checklist of things to remember during your baby’s first night home:
| Care Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Feed baby | Watch for rooting, sucking, hands to mouth. Offer breast or bottle every 2-3 hrs. |
| Burp baby | Gently pat or rub back after feeding until they burp. |
| Change diaper | Change after every feeding and as needed. |
| Swaddle baby | Use light muslin blanket, keep arms bendable. |
| Soothe baby | Rock, sing, take for walk. Try “5 S’s” method. |
| Put baby to sleep | Place on back in empty crib or bassinet. |
| Wash bottles | After each use to prevent bacteria growth. |
| Store milk | Refrigerate up to 4 days, freeze longer. Date storage bags. |
| Care for yourself | Shower, eat, nap when baby sleeps. |
Conclusion
While your first night with your newborn will be challenging, remember this exciting time is fleeting. Cherish these precious moments with your baby as they grow and change so quickly. Stay patient, accept help, focus on bonding, and you will make it through together!