Welcome to the wonderful world of parenthood! Bringing a newborn home can be both exciting and overwhelming. The first few days with your baby are crucial for building a strong bond and getting into a routine.

To help you navigate this precious yet challenging time, here’s a survival guide with practical tips to handle the first days with a newborn.

1. Prioritize Your Rest

It’s no secret that newborns wake up frequently during the night, making sleep a rare commodity for new parents. To combat sleep deprivation, take advantage of any opportunity to rest when your baby sleeps.

Nap during the day, go to bed early, and divide the night shifts with your partner to ensure you both get some sleep.

2. Accept Help and Delegate Tasks

Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends. Whether it’s having someone cook meals, clean the house, or watch the baby while you take a shower, every bit of assistance counts.

Delegate tasks to your partner or family members, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the demanding newborn care.

3. Establish a Feeding Routine

Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, so establishing a feeding routine is crucial.

Breastfeeding on demand or following a formula feeding schedule helps ensure your baby receives proper nutrition and allows you to plan for rest or other activities in between feedings. Consult with a lactation consultant if you encounter any breastfeeding challenges.

4. Diaper Changing Essentials

Stock up on diaper changing essentials, including diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. Prepare a designated changing station in your home where you can have everything within arm’s reach.

This will make diaper changes quicker and more convenient, reducing your baby’s discomfort and minimizing accidents.

5. Soothe Your Newborn

Newborns may cry frequently due to hunger, discomfort, or overstimulation. Learn to soothe your baby by swaddling, rocking, or singing lullabies. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your little one.

Using a pacifier or white noise machine can also help create a calming environment.

6. Establish Safe Sleeping Practices

Ensure your baby has a safe sleeping environment to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Place your newborn to sleep on their back, use a firm mattress, and avoid loose bedding or stuffed animals in the crib.

Keep the room cool and maintain a comfortable humidity level for better sleep quality.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Remember to prioritize self-care during this intense period. Eat nourishing meals, stay hydrated, and continue taking prenatal vitamins if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will help you cope better with the demands of caring for a newborn.

8. Connect with Other Parents

Joining a parenting group or attending support classes can provide an excellent opportunity to connect with other new parents.

Sharing experiences, tips, and concerns with a community going through similar challenges can be comforting and provide valuable advice.

9. Limit Visitors

While you may be excited to introduce your newborn to family and friends, it’s important to limit visitors during the first few days. Newborns are more susceptible to infections, and excessive visits can be overwhelming for both you and the baby.

Set boundaries and politely ask visitors to postpone their visit until you and your baby are ready.

10. Trust Your Parenting Instincts

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your baby.

You know your child better than anyone else, so embrace your unique parenting style and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go according to plan.