10 Tips to Survive and Thrive During Your Baby’s First Week at Home
Bringing your baby home is one of life’s most beautiful moments—but let’s be real—it’s also one of the most overwhelming. You’ve spent months preparing for this tiny human, and now they’re here.
What do you actually need to do during your baby’s first week at home to survive and thrive?
This guide walks you through everything from what gear to keep handy to how to emotionally prepare yourself.
During your baby’s first week at home, everything feels new. This is the time when bonding, rest, and building confidence all begin.
It’s packed with practical tips, product recommendations, and comforting advice—because yes, you can do this.
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1. Set Realistic Expectations
Your baby’s first week at home will not follow a schedule. Between irregular sleep, unpredictable feeding, and trying to figure out what every cry means, it’s a rollercoaster. That’s normal.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on bonding over achieving perfection. Skin-to-skin contact, cuddles, and simply holding your baby offer lifelong benefits—even if your hair hasn’t been washed in days.
2. Essentials to Have on Hand
Here’s what you’ll actually use during the first week (affiliate links included):
- ✅ Frida Baby Bitty Bundle of Joy Kit – Covers snot, gas, nail trimming, and more.
- ✅ Hatch Rest Sound Machine – Soothes baby with white noise and grows with your child.
- ✅ Muslin Swaddle Blankets – Lightweight and great for layering or on-the-go.
- ✅ Diaper Caddy Organizer – Keep essentials in arm’s reach, especially during nighttime changes.
- ✅ Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit – Because your recovery matters too.
🧺 Freebie Idea: Include a printable “Newborn First Week Checklist” with these items categorized.
3. Feeding: On-Demand Is Totally Normal
Establishing a feeding rhythm is one of the biggest hurdles in your baby’s first week at home, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both.
Your newborn will likely eat every 2–3 hours. That’s 8–12 feedings a day. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding—or a combo of all three—what matters most is that your baby is nourished and gaining weight.
💬 Struggling with breastfeeding? Reach out to a lactation consultant or check resources from La Leche League International.
Don’t forget hydration for you too! Keep a giant water bottle nearby, especially if breastfeeding.
4. Sleep: Yours Will Be a Distant Memory (Temporarily)
Newborns sleep about 16–18 hours per day, but in short spurts—think 2–4 hours at a time. This means your own sleep will be fragmented.
Create a safe sleep setup:
- Use a bassinet or crib with a firm mattress.
- Keep baby in your room for the first 6 months.
- Always place baby on their back to sleep.
🧸 For tips on what to expect sleep-wise beyond week one, check out your own experience in “How Many Newborn Baby Clothes Do I Need?”, which covers how messes and changes affect daily routines.
5. Diapering & Bathing Basics
You’ll change a lot of diapers during your baby’s first week at home, so set up a cozy changing area in advance.
Expect 6–10 wet diapers and 3–4 poops per day. That’s a lot of changes.
💧 Bathing tips:
- Sponge baths only until the umbilical stump falls off.
- Use a gentle baby body wash.
- Bath every 2–3 days is plenty.
6. Umbilical Cord Care
Keep the area clean and dry. No alcohol swabs needed—just fold the diaper down and avoid submerging baby in water.
7. Soothing Techniques That Actually Work
Many new parents feel overwhelmed during baby’s first week at home because the crying seems constant.
Babies cry—a lot. But your baby might especially cry with dad (yes, this is a thing!). Check out Soothing Tips When Baby Cries With Dad to troubleshoot those situations.
Tried-and-true calming strategies:
- Babywearing (more below)
- Gentle rocking or bouncing
- White noise
- Swaddling
- Pacifiers
8. The Power of Babywearing
Holding your baby close doesn’t just feel good—it boosts emotional bonding and helps regulate their temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
💗 Curious about the benefits? Explore 9 Important Benefits of Babywearing.
✅ Favorite carrier: Ergobaby Omni 360
9. Managing Visitors and Expectations
During baby’s first week at home, don’t be afraid to say no. Your job is recovery and bonding. If visitors want to help, give them a task—dishes, laundry, or a grocery run.
🛑 Pro tip: Put a sign on your front door for “quiet hours.”
10. Mom’s Recovery Matters Too
Between bleeding, cramping, sleep deprivation, and emotional swings, don’t neglect yourself. It’s not selfish—it’s survival.
What helps:
- Witch hazel pads and perineal spray
- Rest when baby sleeps (yes, cliché—but true)
- Short walks or sunshine time
📘 Also helpful: This guide on how to calm baby crying with dad works both ways—emotional regulation is for everyone.
11. Mental Health Check: It’s OK Not to Be OK
Baby blues are common and typically resolve in two weeks. If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness persist, you might be experiencing postpartum depression.
🌐 Learn more at Postpartum Support International
12. Track What Matters (Without Obsessing)
Keep a simple log of:
- Feeding times
- Diaper counts
- Sleep intervals
There are free apps for this (like Baby Tracker), but pen and paper work just fine too.
13. Know When to Call the Doctor
Call your pediatrician if you notice:
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Poor feeding
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers after day 4
- Jaundice getting worse
- Persistent vomiting
You’re not “bothering” them. You’re being a great parent.
Common Questions During Baby’s First Week at Home
How often should a newborn eat during their first week?
Newborns typically feed 8–12 times per 24 hours. Watch for hunger cues like rooting or sucking on hands.
What should my baby wear at home?
Soft, breathable onesies, footed sleepers, and swaddles. For a full breakdown, visit How Many Newborn Baby Clothes Do I Need?
How long should I wait to give my baby a bath?
Wait until the umbilical cord stump falls off—usually around 1–2 weeks.
What helps calm a fussy newborn?
Try babywearing, white noise, swaddling, a pacifier, or skin-to-skin time.
How much sleep will I actually get?
Likely 1–3 hour chunks at a time. Tag team with a partner or loved one if possible, and nap when your baby naps—even just for 20 minutes.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This, One Day at a Time
The newborn stage is intense, raw, emotional, and beautiful. You’re not doing it wrong—it’s just really hard sometimes. Take deep breaths, ask for help, and remember: you’re exactly the parent your baby needs.
📌 Pin This for Later!
Want to come back to this guide when you’re sleep-deprived and unsure what day it is? Save it to your New Mom Tips board on Pinterest!
💬 Let’s Chat
What surprised you the most during your baby’s first week at home? Share your experience or best tip in the comments—I love hearing from other moms!