Bringing your newborn home for the very first time is a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, joy, nervousness, and often a good bit of uncertainty. No matter how much you’ve read or how many antenatal classes you’ve attended, the reality of that first week can feel like a completely different experience altogether.
As a new parent, it’s perfectly natural to feel unsure or overwhelmed. This is not only a huge adjustment for you and your partner but also for your baby, who has just transitioned from the cosy, warm womb to a world filled with unfamiliar sounds, lights, smells and sensations. The first week is all about getting to know each other and setting the tone for the journey ahead. So, what exactly can you expect in these precious early days at home? Let’s walk you through it.
Your Baby’s Sleep Pattern: Expect the Unexpected
One of the biggest surprises for new parents is how much – and how little – newborns sleep. Your baby may sleep between 14 to 17 hours a day, but not all in one go. Instead, expect short stretches of sleep, often just 2 to 3 hours at a time, around the clock.
Newborns do not yet have a circadian rhythm, so they don’t know the difference between night and day. It’s completely normal for your baby to be awake more at night and sleep more in the day during the first week. This is why the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” exists – it’s one of the few ways to catch up on rest during this period.
While you may be keen to establish routines, the first week is not the time for that. Instead, focus on responding to your baby’s cues and gradually introducing day-night associations by keeping daytime interactions bright and stimulating, and nighttime ones calm and dimly lit.
Feeding: A Round-the-Clock Affair
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a combination of both, be prepared to feed your newborn every 2 to 3 hours. That’s 8 to 12 times a day or more. And yes, this includes through the night.
For breastfeeding mums, the first few days are particularly important as your body produces colostrum – a nutrient-rich, antibody-packed pre-milk. Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a cherry at birth, so small, frequent feeds are more than enough.
It’s common to question whether your baby is getting enough milk. Some signs that feeding is going well include:
- Frequent wet and dirty nappies (around 6 wet and 3-4 dirty nappies per day after day 4)
- Baby seems content and relaxed after feeds
- Steady weight gain after the initial expected weight loss in the first few days
If you are formula-feeding, you’ll follow the feeding instructions on the tin. But remember, your baby’s needs may vary. Try to follow their cues rather than sticking strictly to scheduled amounts.
Breastfeeding can be a learning curve for both mum and baby. Sore nipples, engorgement, and latch issues are common. Seeking help from a lactation consultant early on can make a big difference.
Nappy Changes: A Constant Task
Prepare yourself for a lot of nappy changes – anywhere between 8 to 12 in a 24-hour period. In the first few days, your baby will pass meconium – a thick, blackish-green substance. This will transition to a greenish colour and then to the typical mustard-yellow stool (if breastfed) or a more brownish colour if formula-fed.
Frequent nappy changes are a good sign and show that your baby is feeding well and staying hydrated. Keep some nappy rash cream handy and change nappies promptly to prevent rashes. A gentle wipe with plain warm water or fragrance-free wipes is enough during changes.
Baby’s Umbilical Cord: Don’t Fret
Your newborn will come home with a small umbilical cord stump still attached. This usually dries out and falls off on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. Until then, keep the area clean and dry. There’s no need for special lotions or powders. Just fold nappies down to avoid rubbing, and clean gently with plain water if needed.
Call your healthcare provider if you notice any foul smell, pus, or redness around the base, as these could indicate an infection.
Baby’s Appearance: Perfectly Imperfect
Newborns rarely look like the cherubic babies seen in adverts. Their heads might be slightly moulded from the birthing process, skin may be blotchy or flaky, and they might have fine body hair (lanugo), milia (tiny white spots), or even swollen genitals due to hormones. All of this is normal.
Most of these features fade within the first few weeks. If something worries you, never hesitate to reach out to your midwife or health visitor – that’s what they’re there for.
Crying: A Language in the Making
Crying is your baby’s main form of communication. In the first week, they may cry when they are hungry, uncomfortable, overstimulated, tired, or simply need to be cuddled. It takes time to learn what each cry means, but you’ll get better at it each day.
Holding your baby, using skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, gentle rocking, and soft white noise can be very comforting. The idea that you might spoil a newborn by holding them too much is a myth. At this stage, responsiveness builds trust and security.
Your Emotions: The Rollercoaster is Real
You’re not just caring for a newborn – you’re also recovering physically and emotionally. Hormonal shifts, exhaustion, and the pressure of new responsibilities can leave you feeling teary, anxious, or even irritable.
These “baby blues” usually peak around day 3 to 5 and settle by the second week. However, if feelings of sadness, anxiety or hopelessness persist or worsen, do seek support. Postnatal depression is real, and early intervention helps.
Be gentle with yourself. It’s okay if the house is messy or if you’re still in pyjamas at 3 pm. Accept help from friends or family, and don’t hesitate to ask for specific support – whether it’s holding the baby while you nap, or bringing over a hot meal.
Visitors: Set Boundaries
Everyone wants to see the new baby – and while the love and excitement are heartwarming, the first week is not always the best time for long or frequent visits. You and your baby need rest, recovery, and time to bond.
Feel free to set boundaries and limit visitors. A simple message letting people know that you’re taking some quiet time to settle in as a family can go a long way. Close friends and family will understand – and those who don’t probably need the boundary even more.
When to Call the Doctor
While most newborn issues are harmless and pass quickly, there are a few signs that require prompt medical attention. Call your healthcare provider if:
- Your baby has a fever (temperature above 38°C)
- Shows signs of jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) that worsens
- Is not feeding well or seems too sleepy to wake for feeds
- Has fewer than 6 wet nappies per day after day 5
- Is vomiting forcefully or has blood in the stool
Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to call and ask.
The First Week is Just the Beginning
In many ways, your baby’s first week at home is less about routines and more about survival, bonding, and beginning to understand each other. It’s a time of constant adjustment, discovery, and growth – for both baby and parents.
Be kind to yourself and remember: perfection is not the goal. What matters most is that your baby is loved, fed, comforted, and safe. Everything else can wait.
You’re doing better than you think. If you’re looking for more guidance on newborn care, including feeding techniques, sleep strategies, and postpartum recovery tips, consider joining a structured postnatal program or consulting a parenting expert. A bit of expert reassurance goes a long way in these early days.
This blog is written by Sonali Shivlani – Pregnancy and Parenting Consultant
