Bringing your new baby home means bringing a whole host of challenges and responsibilities. Can new parents expect anything close to a “typical” day and night? Well, no. Parenthood is anything but typical.
Remember that not only have you gone through a big change, but so has your baby. A big part of the process when taking your children home is helping them transition to the outside world. They’ve spent the past nine months living inside of the womb. Keep them close to you, wrapped up and warm. It may take some time for both mother and child to adjust to breastfeeding too.
If you are formula feeding your child, they will require feeding every 3 – 5 hours. Children will need to feed more if they are being breastfed. It can feel like breastfeeding is the only thing you do sometimes. On the plus side, you’ll be more emphatic towards cows! There are also going to be lots and lots of diaper changes, particularly before you become familiar with their schedule. You will likely need to change their diaper not long after feeding, around once an hour or so in the early days. Be sure to regularly check if your child needs changing.
You should give your baby a sponge bath every few days until their umbilical cord falls off. Even then, you should wash their bottom each and every day. Use a washcloth and warm water to wipe their face, neck, hands, and bottom each day. It will take a few weeks for them to be ready for proper baths, and it’s recommended you give them one every day to prevent them developing diaper rash. Don’t overdo it though, as bathing too much can dry out their sensitive skin. Find a nice balance that works well for your child.
Their little fingernails and toenails are going to grow fast, and so you’ll have to regularly trim them so that your baby doesn’t scratch themselves. Their nails can be long and can sit high on the nail bed. You should gently press their finger-pads away from their nails and then use a baby nail clipper to clip the nail. You may want to take care of this while they’re sleeping to prevent them from wriggling away from you.
You should get used to being busy around the clock, at least for the first month. You’ll be feeding your baby and changing their diaper almost endlessly. Get the help that you need so you can still enjoy some peace and quiet.