That first week when you bring your baby home will be packed with all sorts of feelings, from awe to a bit of anxiety, and it’s all perfectly normal. Let’s make sure you can look back on these days with a smile. Here’s how to make that all-important first week as special as it needs to be.
Get Your Nest Ready
Before you even bring your new baby home, make sure everything is set up to welcome them safely. Get all those baby gadgets in place and double-check that you’ve baby-proofed everything. Once you’ve done that, create a little corner that’s all just for those midnight feeds and nappy changes. It’ll make life a lot easier for both of you.
Start a Memory Book

From the start, you should keep your camera handy and snap away. After all, those first yawns and sleepy smiles are precious, especially since they change so fast. You should make an effort to take a picture each day so that you’ll have a timeline to look back on and share with your loved ones.
Get a Good Camera
Speaking of camera, those blurry first photos won’t do justice to your baby’s first week. If you invest in a decent camera, you’ll get to capture every adorable detail in high definition, and you can share these memories when they’re all grown up. Modern cameras come with many features to get those perfect shots, even if your photography skills aren’t quite professional yet.
Keep the Tunes Gentle

Music’s a great way to calm down the nursery, whether that’s a little bit of Mozart or some sleepy lullabies. Of course, these sounds aren’t just great for the baby, either, because a soothing soundtrack can make those feeding sessions at dawn a lot easier for you, too. Just make sure you play the right song.
Time Those Welcome Wagons
As awesome as receiving love and support from family and friends is, it can be a bit much in the first week. Set up some visiting hours so you don’t get overwhelmed, and everyone can plan their cuddle time accordingly. Having a clear plan also means you can pace yourself and have some downtime between visits.
Keep Your Calendar Clear
Similarly, you should remember that the world outside can wait because this week is all about you and your little one. Clearing out your schedule gives you the time to soak up all those firsts without any pressure. Trust us, emails and errands can take a backseat when there are baby snuggles on offer.
Choose Comfy Baby Outfits
Keep it simple and soft. Even those cute outfits are tempting; comfort is most important of all, which is why you should stick to soft fabrics and easy-on, easy-off items. This will make those frequent changes far easier and keep your baby comfy and happy. Plus, when your baby is comfortable, they’re likely to be happier and sleep better, which means more rest for you, too.
Bond with Skin-to-Skin Contact

Nothing beats the warmth of snuggling up skin-to-skin with your newborn. It’s a great way to bond and has heaps of benefits, like calming your baby and even helping you both sleep. Research even shows that this close contact can also boost your baby’s immune system and improve the chances of breastfeeding successfully.
Brush Up on Baby First Aid
Knowing a bit about what to do if things go sideways is utterly priceless. Of course, you don’t need to be a doctor, but doing a quick course on baby first aid can keep you calm if your baby’s under the weather. Even if you don’t need to use anything you’ve learned, it’ll help you to keep those new parent worries in check.
Start a Simple Routine
Babies love knowing what comes next, which is why creating a gentle daily rhythm can help settle them into this new life. For example, a relaxing bedtime routine or a regular walk can set a peaceful pattern for your days. If you establish these patterns early, you’ll also help to reduce some of the uncertainties that come with being a new parent.
Spruce Up the Sleeping Quarters
A calm and comforting nursery makes those sleepless nights a bit easier on everyone. You should add some soft colors and cuddly blankets to make the baby’s room a peaceful place. This will help your baby associate it with rest and relaxation, making bedtime routines far simpler.
Set Up a Feeding Area
Don’t forget to make a nice spot for those feedings, either, because it can really make all the difference. Get a comfy chair and some soft pillows, then make sure all your supplies are within reach so both you and your baby can relax during those intimate moments. Making sure you’re comfortable during feedings can help reduce your fatigue.
Find the Right Baby Carrier

A carrier that suits your body can be more beneficial than you might realize because it frees up your hands while keeping your baby close and comfortable. They’re perfect for pottering around the house or taking a little walk to show your baby the world. If you choose the right carrier, you’ll feel encouraged to use it more often.
Get Older Siblings Excited
Try to get any big brothers or sisters involved by allowing them to pick out a toy or even sing a song to the baby. It’s a great way to kick off a lifelong friendship. Better yet, getting older siblings involved in caring for the new baby will help them feel important and valued at a time when they might not get a lot of attention.
Plan Simple Meals
Who’s got time to cook? Prep some easy meals before the big day, or at least stock up on some healthy takeout menus so you can forget the fuss and focus on feeding more important appetites. Not only will it save you time, but it’ll also make sure that you’re eating well. That’s pretty important to keep up your energy levels during the exhausting first days.
Line Up Some Extra Hands
It doesn’t matter if it’s a pro or a pal because a little extra help goes a long way. Having someone to do a diaper run or just hold the baby while you shower is a huge weight off your shoulders. Don’t forget about the importance of having some emotional support on standby, either.
Keep Things Mellow at Home
A calm home is a happy home, especially with a newborn. Keep the lights soft and the noise down to help your little one get some peace and quiet. A calmer environment is good for you as well because it’ll help you feel more relaxed and enjoy this special time with this new addition to your family.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
All the baby care in the world won’t do much good if you’re running on empty. Remember to drink plenty of water and take a rest when you can so that you’re able to keep yourself healthy. This way, you’ll be ready for anything baby life throws your way, no matter how difficult or stressful it may be.