Coming home with baby - the practicalities

Bringing your baby home is a huge life event - and a huge life upheaval. Those early weeks are filled with new things to learn - whether it’s why your baby is crying, how warm their bath should be, or how to keep them comfortable and safe.

It’s usual to feel unsure about what to expect or when, or to whom, you should ask for help.

Registered Nurse, Juliana Parker, sums it up: “The first weeks home with your newborn can feel like a crash course in baby care - nappies, bathing, cord care - and just figuring out what’s normal.”

One thing to remember throughout those early weeks is not to put too much pressure on yourself. Parker says: “The goal isn’t perfection - it’s comfort, safety, and confidence. A few simple routines - and clear guidance on when to seek help - go a long way.

Here we have some of that guidance for you, with each section offering simple, reassuring tips to help make your baby’s first weeks at home smoother and safer for both of you.

We break down the essentials of newborn care in your baby’s first 8-12 weeks, with expert‑backed advice on everything from bathing and hygiene to health‑visitor appointments, vaccinations, and getting outdoors. We also look at which things may need urgent attention.

What’s normal in the first two months - and what needs urgent attention?

The first few weeks with your baby can be a steep learning curve. You might ask yourself questions such as: “Is my baby sleeping too much - or not enough? Why are they breathing so heavily? Or are 12 nappies a day to be expected?

Nurse Kiara DeWitt says: “Expect the unexpected with everything going on in the first two months. Weight will drop before plateauing, poos may range anywhere from eight a day to zero in two days - your baby may sneeze a dozen times in half an hour and be completely healthy.”

Here, our experts explain what’s usual in those early weeks, and the signs that mean you should get medical advice straight away.

What is normal

“In the first two months, many babies have irregular sleep and feeding patterns, noisy breathing, hiccups, sneezing, peeling skin, and frequent diaper changes. Much of this is normal newborn adjustment.” Nurse Juliana Parker

“During the first 8 weeks, it is usual for your baby to have irregular sleep, frequent feedings - 8-12 times in 24 hours - startle response, and variable toilet habits.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

“Newborns sleep a lot. They are growing and the amount of sleep varies. Sleeping 18-20 hours per day can be normal for a newborn.” Dr Leslie Treece

Weight loss

“Newborns can lose up to 10% of their birth weight, but they should regain this by about 2 weeks.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

Breathing

“Babies often have odd breathing patterns - typically known as periodic breathing. They will breathe very fast and then have a long pause. Often, they will take another deep breath and breathe fast again. This is all just an immature brain and normal, and a newborn.

Distressed breathing is different and will be more consistent.” Dr Leslie Treece

Toilet frequency: “If your baby is not pooing or peeing much, this can be a sign they are not getting enough in their feeds - speak to your health care professional about this.” Dr Leslie Treece

Bathing basics

Bathing your tiny baby can feel daunting at first, but it can quickly become a lovely bonding moment. Newborns usually don’t need daily baths - 2 to 3 times a week is often enough.

Bathing baby too frequently can dry out their skin. Pabst says that sponge baths are adequate until the umbilical cord stump detaches - usually within 1 to 3 weeks.

Here we outline how often to bathe your baby, how to keep them warm and comfortable, and the simple safety steps that make bath time stress‑free and enjoyable for both of you.

Top bathing tips

And here a few more bath time tips from our experts.

“Making a kit of essentials in advance will help decrease how long you’re handling the baby and keep them at proper temperature.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

“Between baths, gentle spot-cleaning - face, neck folds, hands, diaper area - keeps baby comfortable.” Juliana Parker

“If your baby dislikes baths, shorten them - calm and quick beats long and stressful.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

“If your baby is shivering or going into arch-mode during bath time cut their bath short to 3-5 minutes.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

Hygiene essentials

Hygiene issues such as umbilical cord care, nappy changes, and handwashing may seem straightforward, but play a big role in keeping your baby healthy.

Our experts share practical, easy‑to‑follow hygiene tips that help prevent irritation and infection - and make everyday care feel simpler.

Cord care

“Umbilical cord care is simple - keep it clean and dry to allow natural separation.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

“Leave the umbilical cord alone until it falls off on its own - typically between one and three weeks. No rubbing with alcohol pads or pulling on it.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

“Try not to submerge the cord in water - use sponge baths until it falls off. Keep the nappy folded under and beneath the cord so that it stays in the air and away from wetness.” Dr Leslie Treece

Hand hygiene

“Washing your hands frequently helps prevent the spread of germs to your baby. Their immune system is vulnerable in the first few weeks of life and handwashing goes a long way to prevent transmitted infection. Always wash your hands before handling your baby and after changing their nappy.” Dr Leslie Treece

“Make sure anyone holding your baby washes their hands first.” Nurse Juliana Parker

“If anyone in the household has cracked nail polish or new acrylic nails, they should not be changing diapers as fungi thrive in those tiny spaces.” Kiara DeWitt

No fragrance is the best fragrance

“Avoid fragranced wipes or use plain water instead.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

“Avoid applying lotions and products to baby’s skin because it is very thin. If you need an emollient, petroleum jelly is a safe option.” Dr Leslie Treece

“Do not use scented laundry detergents or dryer sheets, and don’t use baby-specific ‘smelling’ products directly on the skin.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

Nappies

Other top tips

If your baby’s skin does get broken down, rinse their bottom in warm running water to help prevent over wiping and avoid the chemical exposure from the wipes.” Dr Leslie Treece

“Frequently changing baby's nappy - 8-12 times a day - helps to avoid irritant dermatitis that happens in around 1 in 3 babies.”

Health care - health visitors, vaccinations, and vitamins

Health‑visitor check‑ins are a key part of your baby’s early development, and they are a vital source of support for you. The early health visits will include weight checks, feeding review, jaundice watch, and monitoring your baby's development.

The vaccinations your baby will receive are to prevent severe infections that can be life-threatening or harm their long-term health.

We explain what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of these visits. Our experts also give tips on vaccinations and simple guidance on vitamin D and other supplements.

Vitamin D

“Your human milk may not provide enough vitamin D for your baby’s bone development. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests 400 IU of vitamin D a day for breastfed babies.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

"If you are breastfeeding, then give your baby a vitamin D supplement for the first year. This can be given by mouth and does not need to be mixed with anything. No other supplements are generally needed." Dr Leslie Treece

“Vitamin D supplementation does not need to be given to full-term formula-fed babies. You don’t need to bombard your home with vitamins and gummies.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

“Always ask your healthcare professional about what supplements and amounts of them are appropriate for your baby.” Nurse Juliana Parker

Healthcare for you and baby

What happens

“Early health care visits will include a physical examination and a session where you can get all your questions answered. They will weigh and measure your baby and discuss how feeding and sleeping is going. They will also check on your physical and emotional wellbeing.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

“Paediatricians are there to support you and baby, not judge you.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

Preparation

"Draw up a list of feeding patterns, nappy tallies, and sleep trends to help make your health visits more productive." Nurse Kelsey Pabst

“Have a list of questions you want to ask and note any changes in behaviours you want to discuss.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

And remember...

“If you’re worried, let them know.” Nurse Juliana Parker

Vaccinations

“If your baby is fussy after vaccinations, speak to your doctor about a dose of medicine such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) to make them more comfortable. If they are not having symptoms, then avoid using it.” Dr Leslie Treece

"Sometimes babies may have decreased appetite or slightly raised temperature for 1-2 days after vaccines - speak to your healthcare professional about whether to give them a medicine to help them." Nurse Kiara DeWitt

"Mild fussiness, sleepiness, or a slight temperature after vaccination can be usual. Comfort measures - extra cuddles, feeding on demand, and following your health professionals' guidance on fever relief - are usually enough." Nurse Juliana Parker

Getting out and staying in

You may find yourself desperate to get out of the house and in the fresh air. Daylight and gentle movement are good for both you and your baby, but there are considerations about what to wear and whether it’s the right weather.

You may also find that you have many visitors keen to come around and see you and your new baby. This can bring relief and welcome help, but it can also be a strain. And have you ever thought about how many people have kissed your baby over those early weeks?

Here we look at the benefits of getting outdoors and making the most of your time in the fresh air. We also have advice on making sure your visitors are welcome guests and not a burden.

Getting outdoors

Benefits

“Outdoors is a safer place to meet people because there's less exposure to infections. A stroll every day is good for your mental health and a good diversion for the baby.” Dr Leslie Treece

“You can take your baby outside whenever you’d like - too many parents spend the baby’s first weeks admiring them from inside. Take your baby out for 10-15 minutes in a stroller. It’s about establishing a routine - getting out once a day will help baby recognise day and night and be a nice mental break for you.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

“Fresh air and natural light are good for helping your baby’s circadian rhythms establish. Short outings are also good for the sensory stimulus, which boosts early brain activity. Also, short social visits and casual outings are associated with decreased postpartum stress for mothers and fathers.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

Car seats

“Your baby’s car seat or carrier can keep wind off and help in the winter but can heat up like an oven in the hot weather. So, use your judgement.” Dr Leslie Treece

Clothing and layering

“In a healthy newborn, you can go outside in most weather if your baby is dressed and layered properly - one more layer of clothing than an adult would need.” Nurse Kelsey Pabst

Preventing overheating

“Avoid overheating in car seats and strollers - remove extra layers when you’re moving into warm spaces.” Nurse Juliana Parker

Preparing for baby coming home

"Advance preparation helps to make the newborn experience more comfortable. Make a few casseroles and freeze them so that dinners are easy during this time - you will be sleep deprived and will not want to cook.

Try to have your basic baby supplies purchased as well. You likely don't need as many things as you think - but having the basics before coming home relieves some stress." Dr Leslie Treece

Visitors and support

“Meeting supportive people - friends, family, new parent groups - can make the early weeks feel far less isolating.” Nurse Juliana Parker

"Discuss your boundaries with others before your baby comes home - and what visitors you and your co-parent will allow. This will reduce conflict around the subject when it arises. Set expectations with relatives and friends about what you will allow." Dr Leslie Treece

“Visitors should be given guidelines - no unexpected visits, and keep visits under 30 minutes during the first two weeks unless you need help with things. Everyone needs rest.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

Limit kissing and touching

Limit contact with visitors for the first few weeks because of your baby's vulnerable immune system. Consider asking if your visitors are up to date on their vaccinations.

Any visitors should be well and without sick symptoms, including a runny nose or fever. If sick, they should avoid contact. If they must be in contact, then wearing a mask is important and hand washing is crucial." Dr Leslie Treece

No kissing

“Do not let any visitors kiss your baby on their face.” Nurse Kiara DeWitt

“Set clear boundaries about not kissing your baby. Kissing can transmit infectious diseases that can be life-threatening to your baby.” Dr Leslie Treece

Accept help

“Don't feel guilty about letting someone else cook for you or do your dishes or hold your baby while you take a shower.” Dr Leslie Treece

“Accept help with meals, laundry, and errands so you can rest.” Nurse Juliana Parker

Routine

“Most babies are born wanting to sleep during the day and play all night. If you can wake them up for feeds throughout the day on a regular basis, then they will reverse their days and nights usually within the first two weeks. This routine will make your life a whole lot easier and will help them rearrange their days and nights.” Dr Leslie Treece

“Keep routines simple - feed, sleep, change nappy, repeat...” Nurse Juliana Parker

And finally...

Where to get help in the early days with your baby

These trusted organisations offer clear, practical advice on everything from bathing and nappies to feeding, getting out, and settling into life at home with your newborn.

UK support

NCT (National Childbirth Trust): Practical support for new parents, including newborn‑care tips, feeding help, early‑days routines, and friendly local groups.

tommys.org: Offers clear guidance on bonding, feeding, and everyday newborn care.

Best Beginnings (Baby Buddy App): Step‑by‑step videos and practical tips on bathing, nappies, feeding, hygiene and getting to know your baby.

Home‑Start UK: Local volunteers offering hands‑on support with the day‑to‑day realities of life with a newborn.

Family Lives: Practical parenting advice and a helpline covering newborn care, routines, crying, feeding and early‑days challenges.

US support

Zero to Three: Guidance on newborn development, bonding, routines and everyday care.

HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics): Guidance on bathing, hygiene, feeding, nappies, safety, and early routines.

March of Dimes: Support for new parents adjusting to life at home, with practical tips for caring for your newborn.