Day and night
Newborns don’t yet know the difference between day and night. It takes weeks for them to figure it out, so be ready to go on that journey with them. It’s temporary but exhausting, so set yourselves up for success. Your baby will need changing, feeding and settling every few hours, so it’s often easiest to have everything right around your own bed. Think about what will be easiest at 3 a.m.
Noisy sleepers
Babies are surprisingly loud sleepers, even when they’re not crying. They grunt, squeak and move. A white-noise machine can mask these normal sounds so you can rest. Eventually you may decide to have them sleep in another room so everyone sleeps better.
Swaddling and reflexes
Your baby has spent their whole life inside you, used to the cosy boundaries of the womb. Being swaddled can comfort them and help them sleep. They also have reflexes we’re not used to, like the Moro (startle) reflex, which makes them fling their arms out and wake themselves up. A snug swaddle helps.
Feeding
There’s a separate guide on feeding your baby, but consider all your options. There are practical trade-offs: only you can breastfeed, but anyone can give a bottle. Being able to take a break and share the load with your partner can be incredibly helpful. Consider having some formula at home, even just as a backup, to take the pressure off in the early days.
Nappies
Every baby is different. Talk to your midwife or doctor if you’re worried, but know that a breastfed baby might poo anywhere from several times a day to once every ten days. Both extremes are considered normal!
Finally, all babies are unique. Take any advice, including this guide, with a grain of salt. What worked perfectly for another family might be the opposite of what your baby needs.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. For medical questions, contact your midwife or doctor.