Congratulations! You’ve just brought home a tiny newborn, and now you’re facing the challenge of surviving the first week with your newborn. This week will be full of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and wondering when you’ll ever eat a hot meal again. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with tips, humor, and practical advice to help you get through this exciting yet exhausting time.
1. Prepare Your Home in Advance (Or at Least Try)
You’ve likely spent the last few months preparing your home, organizing the nursery, washing tiny clothes, and debating which diaper brand is best. But once your newborn is home, you may realize that, despite your best efforts, you’re not fully prepared. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready for the first week with your newborn.
Nursery Setup
That Pinterest-perfect nursery may be beautiful, but your newborn doesn’t care. What matters to them is a comfy crib and a room with the right temperature. Make sure the room stays between 68°F and 72°F to keep your baby comfortable. For more guidance on newborn sleep, check out this helpful guide on newborn sleep – Mayo Clinic.
« I spent weeks painting a mural on the nursery wall, only for my baby to cry whenever we entered the room. Turns out, babies don’t appreciate art. » – Sara, exhausted new mom
Changing Area
A well-organized changing station is great, but during the first week with your newborn, you’ll likely find yourself changing diapers wherever you can—on the couch, the floor, or your bed.
« By day three, I was changing diapers on the bed because the changing table felt like too much effort. Now, it’s just a fancy laundry sorter. » – Tom, dad who gave up
Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both, having everything within arm’s reach is key. Be prepared to eat one-handed while holding your baby. If you’re breastfeeding, check out this breastfeeding guide from La Leche League for extra help.
« I never thought I’d master eating cereal with one hand while holding a baby, but I’m basically a breakfast ninja now. » – Emily, master of multi-tasking
Stock Up on Essentials
Sure, you’ve got diapers and wipes, but did you remember snacks for yourself? Late-night feedings go much smoother when you have a stash of snacks and a giant water bottle nearby. For more tips on newborn care, check out this newborn care guide from UNICEF.
2. Establish a Routine but Stay Flexible (Because Babies Laugh at Plans)
You may have entered parenthood with grand plans of a strict routine. Spoiler alert: your baby didn’t get the memo. The first week with your newborn is all about going with the flow (or at least pretending to).
Feeding Schedule
Forget the idea of feeding your baby every 2-3 hours. Your newborn will decide when they’re hungry, whether it’s every 30 minutes or every 5 hours. Just go with it, and keep snacks for yourself handy.
« My baby’s feeding schedule was like an unsolvable puzzle. I just fed him whenever he cried and hoped for the best. » – John, confused but committed dad
Sleep Patterns
Newborns sleep a lot—but not necessarily when you want them to. Be prepared for them to be wide awake at 3 AM, staring at you like you’re the most boring person on the planet. When they do sleep, that’s your cue to pass out too.
« I thought newborns slept all the time. Turns out, they sleep all the time except when I want to sleep. » – Jessica, nocturnal mom
Diaper Changes
You’ll change more diapers than you thought possible. Just embrace it and remind yourself that one day this will make for a funny story.
« By the end of the first week, I was changing diapers in my sleep. I even dreamed about diapers. I’m scarred for life. » – Matt, diaper duty survivor
3. Take Care of Yourself (If You Remember You Exist)
In the midst of caring for your newborn, don’t forget to take care of yourself. If you’re not well, you won’t be able to care for your baby. During the first week with your newborn, it’s essential to focus on your own well-being too.
Rest When You Can
Everyone will tell you to « sleep when the baby sleeps, » which is great advice in theory. But in reality, you’ll probably spend that time washing bottles, doing laundry, or Googling, “Why is my baby crying?” Try to get some rest whenever possible.
« I tried to sleep when the baby slept, but then I remembered the mountain of laundry. Now I just sleep standing up. » – Amanda, sleep-deprived but surviving
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
You’ll need energy to keep going, so keep snacks and water nearby. If you can manage to sit down for a proper meal, consider it a victory. If not, at least keep a protein bar in your diaper bag.
« I’ve eaten more granola bars this week than I have in my entire life. They’re not bad if you squint and imagine it’s a real meal. » – Eric, king of snack food
Accept Help
If someone offers to help, say yes! Whether it’s someone bringing dinner, holding the baby while you nap, or talking you through a meltdown, accept all the help you can get.
« I was too proud to accept help at first. By day three, I was begging my mom to come over and do literally anything. » – Rachel, humbled by motherhood
4. Embrace the Emotional Rollercoaster (Because There Will Be Tears)
The first week is an emotional whirlwind, and nothing can fully prepare you for it. You’ll experience moments of pure joy, sheer panic, and everything in between. Yes, there will be tears—from both you and your baby.
Talk About Your Feelings
It’s okay to admit that parenthood is overwhelming. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or both, it’s important to talk about your feelings. Share them with your partner, a friend, or even your pet. Someone needs to know what you’re going through.
« I cried because my baby was so cute. Then I cried because I was so tired. Then I cried because I realized I hadn’t showered in three days. » – Laura, emotional rollercoaster rider
Take Breaks
Don’t feel guilty for taking a few moments to yourself. Sometimes stepping outside for fresh air or hiding in the bathroom with chocolate can work wonders for your sanity.
« I never knew how calming it could be to sit in a dark bathroom and eat chocolate in silence. It’s my new happy place. » – Sam, bathroom break enthusiast
5. Focus on Bonding with Your Newborn (Because This Is What Really Matters)
The first week is a critical time for bonding with your baby. Even if you feel overwhelmed, remember that to your baby, you’re the most important person in the world. Surviving the first week with your newborn is not just about making it through—it’s about building a connection.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Hold your baby against your skin as much as possible. It’s great for bonding and helps regulate your baby’s body temperature and heart rate.
« I thought skin-to-skin was just a thing people said, but it really works. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to stay in pajamas all day. » – Chris, pajama-wearing dad
Talk and Sing to Your Baby
Your baby may not understand what you’re saying, but they love the sound of your voice. Feel free to narrate your day, sing your favorite songs, or even vent about how tired you are.
« I found myself singing 90s pop songs to my baby at 2 AM. She didn’t care, and I felt better. Win-win. » – Megan, 90s music enthusiast
6. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Because You’re Doing Great)
It’s easy to get caught up in the little things, but during the first week with your newborn, focus on what really matters. If your baby is fed, loved, and relatively clean, you’re winning.
Perfect Parenting Doesn’t Exist
Newsflash: Nobody is perfect. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay. Your baby doesn’t need you to be perfect—they just need you.
« I spent the first week trying to do everything right, and then realized that ‘right’ just means doing my best. » – Anna, recovering perfectionist
Conclusion
Surviving the first week with your newborn is both challenging and beautiful. By preparing in advance, accepting help, and keeping a sense of humor, you can make it through with your sanity intact. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job—even if it feels like you’re just surviving one diaper at a time.
