Bringing Baby home for the first time is an incredibly exciting day, but it’s important to make sure that you, your partner, and your house are all ready for their big arrival!
Leaving the hospital
When leaving the hospital, you’ll want to make sure that Baby is dressed comfortably, so while it sure is fun to dress them up in cute attire for those first few pictures, it’s most important to make sure that they are dressed properly for the temperature. You should also be sure you’re confident in any specific information your healthcare provider gave you about Baby, if any. You’re likely to be pretty exhausted after giving birth, so it might be a good idea to make sure either your partner, friends, or family are around to help you bring Baby back and get set up.
Baby‘s room
It probably goes without saying, but you’ll want to make sure that Baby has a cozy place to sleep. A crib, changing table, and space to keep their clothes are all essential components of their room. You might also consider getting them some toys, a night light, and a rocking chair to help you help them get the Z’s they need.
Car seat
Because you won’t be able to carry Baby around in your womb forever, you’ll need a super-safe car seat for them to ride in. Car seats for two-year-olds and under should be rear-facing, and always situated in the back seat, the safest place for Baby. When installing a car seat, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the seat is installed properly. Many fire stations provide free car seat installations, and can teach you how to install it securely yourself.
Baby-proofing
Before your bring Baby home, you’ll want to make sure that your home is as baby-safe as possible. This may mean buying covers for your power outlets, cushioning any sharp corners, and ensuring the behavior of any large or excitable pets.
Mom time
Whether you have other kids or not, bringing a new baby home is always going to be a huge adjustment. It can take time getting used to Baby‘s sleep schedule, but just be patient, and go to your healthcare provider with any questions you might have. Getting the other kids involved with Baby is also a great way to help ease the transition, as nobody wants to feel left out.
Reviewed by Dr. Jamie Lo
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Sources
- “New car seat research shows rear-facing longer is better.” ConsumerReports.org. Consumer Reports, 6/9/2015. Web.
