First Week at Home
Tips for surviving and thriving during those first days...
Disclaimer: This guide is based on our experiences as parents. We are not medical professionals, therapists, or certified experts. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific situations.
Surviving Your First Week at Home with a Newborn
Those first seven days at home with your newborn can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and emotional—and that's completely normal. You're learning to care for a tiny human while recovering yourself. This guide will help you navigate those early days with practical advice, realistic expectations, and reassurance that you're doing better than you think.
What to Expect: The Reality of Week One
The first week is intense. Here's what's normal:
Emotionally:
You might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, joyful, anxious, or all of these at once. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the enormity of caring for a newborn can create a rollercoaster of emotions. This is normal.
Physically:
You're recovering from birth while learning to care for a baby. You'll be tired, sore, and probably questioning everything. Your body needs time to heal.
Baby's needs:
Your newborn needs feeding, changing, cuddles, and sleep. That's it. Everything else can wait. Focus on these basics and trust that you're doing enough.
Feeding: Follow Your Baby's Cues
Newborns need to eat frequently—typically every 2-3 hours, sometimes more often. Here's what to know:
Feeding frequency:
Newborns have tiny stomachs and need frequent feeds. Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, feed on demand. Your baby will show hunger cues: rooting, sucking motions, bringing hands to mouth, or crying (a late sign).
If breastfeeding:
- Feed on demand to establish your milk supply
- Expect cluster feeding (frequent feeds close together)
- Watch for proper latch and swallowing
- Keep hydrated and eat regularly
- Get support from a lactation consultant if needed
If formula feeding:
- Follow the guidelines on the formula tin for amounts
- Sterilise bottles and equipment
- Hold baby during feeds for bonding
- Burp baby after feeds
Remember:
Every baby is different. Some feed quickly, others take longer. Both are normal.
Sleep: Yours and Baby's
Sleep will be disrupted, but there are ways to manage:
Baby's sleep:
Newborns sleep 14-17 hours a day, but in short bursts (2-4 hours at a time). This is normal and helps with feeding and development. They don't yet know the difference between day and night.
Your sleep:
Sleep when baby sleeps. This advice exists for a reason. The housework, emails, and social media can wait. Your rest is essential for recovery and your ability to care for your baby.
Safe sleep practices:
- Always place baby on their back to sleep
- Use a firm, flat mattress
- No loose bedding, pillows, or toys in the cot
- Room-share (but don't bed-share) for the first 6 months
- Keep the room temperature between 16-20°C
Day vs. night:
Help baby learn day from night by keeping daytime feeds and changes in a bright room with normal noise, and nighttime activities quiet and dimly lit.
Nappy Changes and Hygiene
You'll change a lot of nappies in the first week. Here's what to know:
Frequency:
Newborns typically need 6-8 nappy changes a day. Change them whenever they're wet or dirty to prevent nappy rash.
What's normal:
- First few days: dark, sticky meconium
- Days 3-5: transitional stools (greenish-brown)
- After day 5: yellow, seedy stools (breastfed) or firmer, tan-coloured (formula-fed)
Nappy rash prevention:
- Change nappies frequently
- Clean gently with water or fragrance-free wipes
- Let baby's bottom air dry before putting on a new nappy
- Apply barrier cream if needed
- If rash persists or worsens, consult your health visitor or GP
Asking for and Accepting Help
You don't have to do this alone. Here's how to get the support you need:
What help looks like:
- Meals or meal prep
- Holding baby while you shower or rest
- Doing household chores (washing, cleaning, shopping)
- Emotional support and someone to talk to
- Taking older children out for activities
- Running errands
How to ask:
Be specific. Instead of "Can you help?" try "Could you bring dinner on Tuesday?" or "Could you watch the baby for 30 minutes so I can shower?" People want to help but often don't know how.
Accept help when offered:
If someone offers to help, say yes. Even if it's not exactly how you'd do it, help is help. You can refine things later.
Professional support:
Don't hesitate to contact your health visitor, midwife, or GP if you have concerns about yourself or your baby.
Caring for Yourself
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. Here's how:
Rest:
Sleep when baby sleeps. Even 20 minutes helps. The housework can wait.
Eat and hydrate:
Keep snacks and water near your feeding spot. You need fuel to recover and produce milk if breastfeeding.
Shower:
A daily shower can make you feel human again. Ask someone to hold the baby for 10 minutes.
Get outside:
Fresh air helps. Even a short walk around the block (when you're ready) can boost your mood.
Connect:
Talk to other parents, join online groups, or call friends. You're not alone in this experience.
Be kind to yourself:
You're learning. It's okay to not know everything. You're doing better than you think.
When to Seek Help
Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, seek help:
For baby:
- Not feeding or very difficult to feed
- Fewer than 6 wet nappies in 24 hours after day 5
- Very sleepy or difficult to wake
- High temperature (38°C or above)
- Persistent crying you can't soothe
- Breathing difficulties
- Yellowing skin (jaundice)
For you:
- Excessive bleeding or large clots
- Signs of infection (fever, pain, discharge)
- Severe mood changes or feelings of hopelessness
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
Remember:
It's always better to ask and be reassured than to worry alone. Your health visitor, midwife, or GP is there to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed?
Yes, completely normal. The first week is intense. You're recovering, learning, and caring for a newborn all at once. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. It gets easier.
How do I know if baby is getting enough milk?
Signs baby is feeding well: 6+ wet nappies a day after day 5, steady weight gain, alert and content between feeds, and regular dirty nappies. If concerned, contact your health visitor.
Should I wake baby to feed?
In the first week, yes—especially if baby hasn't fed in 3-4 hours or if advised by your midwife/health visitor. After the first week, most babies will wake themselves when hungry.
Is it normal for baby to lose weight?
Yes, babies typically lose 5-10% of their birth weight in the first week, then regain it by day 10-14. Your health visitor will monitor this.
When will I feel normal again?
There's no set timeline. Recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself. You're doing great, even when it doesn't feel like it.
Should I establish a routine?
Not yet. In the first week, focus on feeding on demand and following baby's cues. Routines can come later when baby is more settled.
You've Got This
The first week is intense, but you're doing better than you think. Focus on the basics: feeding, changing, cuddles, and rest. Everything else can wait. Trust your instincts, ask for help when you need it, and remember that every parent feels uncertain at first. You're learning, and that's okay.
If you need more support, check out our guide on "Preparing for Your Newborn" for preparation tips, or explore our other resources for new parents. You're not alone in this journey.
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