The moment has finally arrived – you're bringing your baby home from hospital. This is an incredibly special milestone, but it also marks the beginning of a major life adjustment. Whether it's your first baby or your third, transitioning from hospital to home can feel a little overwhelming at first. The good news? With the right support and preparation, you can make the experience as smooth and empowering as possible.
Here’s your guide to preparing for the big day, caring for your baby at home, and supporting your own recovery during those early postnatal weeks.
Get Organised the Day Before
If you're due to be discharged the next day, it can help to plan ahead. Ask your birth partner or a friend to take home any non-essential items in advance – flowers, gifts, baby items, or spare clothing. This helps reduce the amount you need to carry when leaving.
If you've had a caesarean section or a complicated birth, walking may be slow and uncomfortable. Midwives can provide a wheelchair if needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for support – recovery is your priority.
The Car Seat Check
Installing your baby car seat safely is one of the most important tasks before leaving hospital. Many parents underestimate how tricky it can be.
Tips:
- Practice fitting the seat before your due date
- Never place the car seat in front of an active airbag
- Always ensure baby is securely fastened and the harness sits snug across the chest
- Avoid removing baby from the seat during travel, even to soothe them
If you're unsure about anything, ask a midwife for guidance before discharge.
Once You're Home: Settling In
Prioritise Recovery and Bonding
It’s tempting to tidy up, organise the house or entertain guests, but your focus should be on rest, recovery, and bonding. Accept help wherever it’s offered. Let go of housework. You just had a baby - that is more than enough!
Encourage your partner or support person to take an active role in:
- Nappy changes
- Bathing
- Soothing baby
- Preparing meals
It’s vital that both parents feel involved and connected. If you're co-parenting, this shared experience builds confidence for both of you.
Health Professional Support
Your postnatal care will include check-ins from:
- Midwives (at least two visits, usually in the first 10 days)
- Health visitors (usually from 10 days onwards)
They will check:
- Your baby's weight, feeding, and general health
- Your mental and emotional wellbeing
- Healing of any tears, stitches, or c-section scar
You can always call your midwife or health visitor between appointments for advice or reassurance.
Baby's First Baths
Newborn baths can feel daunting, but it’s easier with a few simple steps:
- Keep the room warm (about 24°C is ideal)
- Lay out towels and clean clothes in advance
- Keep the bath short – no longer than 10 minutes
- Bathe every 2-3 days, not daily (newborn skin can dry out easily)
Many parents choose to "top and tail" their baby in the first week. This means gently washing baby’s face, neck, hands, and bottom with cotton wool and cooled boiled water.
Umbilical Cord Care
The umbilical cord stump usually dries up and falls off within 1-2 weeks. Until then, keep it:
- Clean and dry
- Exposed to air as much as possible
- Gently wiped with water if soiled (and dried thoroughly)
Watch for signs of infection like:
- Bleeding
- Foul smell
- Swelling or discharge
If you notice any of these, contact your midwife promptly.
Visitors and Boundaries
Everyone is excited to meet your baby, but it’s okay to set boundaries around visitors. In fact, it’s often essential for your mental health.
Tips for managing guests:
- Keep visits short and spaced out
- Ask visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby
- Say no if you’re tired or not up for company
You’re under no obligation to entertain or host. Your wellbeing and baby's routine come first.
Emotional Wellbeing After Birth
It’s completely normal to feel a rollercoaster of emotions during the first few weeks. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the demands of newborn care can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Signs to watch for:
- Persistent low mood or tearfulness
- Anxiety or irritability
- Difficulty bonding with baby
These can be signs of postnatal depression, and help is available.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Don’t rush your recovery – your body needs time
- Sleep when the baby sleeps, even if it’s just for 20 minutes
- Eat nourishing foods and drink plenty of water
- Talk about your feelings with your partner or health visitor
- Take each day as it comes
Bringing your baby home is the start of an incredible new chapter. There will be ups and downs, moments of joy and moments of exhaustion. Trust your instincts, ask for support when you need it, and remember – you're doing a great job.
This is your time to bond with your baby, recover from birth, and start finding your rhythm as a new family.
