The First Few Days at Home with a New Baby

I imagine only the most seasoned and experienced of families are not upended when a new baby comes over the threshold. For the rest of us, the first few days at home with a new baby can be taxing and testing to say the very least. It doesn’t seem to matter how organized and how much of a routine a family runs by, the tiniest member of the family manages to get everything topsy turvy. It helps to know what to expect and how to prioritize in those first few difficult and wonderful days…

Preparation in advance can go a long way to alleviate some of the stressors of the early days with a new baby. By having the cupboards and the freezer filled and plenty of household staples (toiletries, pet food, diapers, etc.) stocked up at home, you’ll avoid those emergency trips to the 24-hour market on the corner. If you have other children, try to prepare them in advance to expect some major changes when the new baby arrives. Depending on the age of your other child or children, this will be effective to varying degrees. 

The baby’s needs will be a priority and that is just the way it is. If possible, have other people on hand to step in with your other child or children. You may need help taking and picking up the kids from school. If you anticipate this in advance and have helpers ready, you can make it part of the adventure for the children to look forward to. The older your other kids are, the more independent they may be - but that doesn’t mean they won’t need extra attention. A trip for ice cream with a favorite aunt, or out to dinner with grandparents can be a wonderful treat, and a big help for the new parents.