Feeling nervous about bringing your new baby home? Join the club. Whether you are bringing your baby home from the hospital or from an adoption agency, you’re probably going to struggle with some fear, which is completely natural.
Here are some tips to make sure your trip home is pleasant and uneventful.
Before leaving the hospital
- Don’t forget to have the necessary documents of your baby such as birth certificate and correct name. Bring your baby’s little footprints also.
- Get additional details regarding red flags for when to bring your baby to emergency room, pediatrician follow up, or audiology follow up (if the baby fails in hearing screening).
- Take loose-fitting, comfortable clothes along to the hospital for yourself and your baby to wear going home. Dress your baby as you would yourself. Many new moms overdress baby in outfits that are too warm or cumbersome for baby’s comfort.
- In warm weather, dress your baby in a T-shirt and cotton pants. If it’s cold, dress your baby in footie pajamas, a hat, mittens and wrap in a baby blanket.
- If your baby is a preemie or had medical health issues, make sure you learn and become aware about infant CPR.
Baby’s first car ride
- Be sure you know how to properly install and fasten your baby’s car seat. The most common problem involving car seats is improper installation.
- Infant seats should never be placed in the front seat of the car. When placed in the back seat, they should always face the rear.
- Practice installing the seat and fastening it several times before the day you take your baby home.
- It is never safe to hold your baby in your arms while the vehicle is moving, no matter how short the distance.
New baby and new home
- Prepare yourself for feelings that may surprise you. You are likely to be tired and physically drained. You don’t yet know how your baby’s schedule at home will change demands on you.
- You may have other children at home who are waiting for your attention and may even be jealous of a new baby.
- You will feel less stressed if you plan a quiet homecoming that allows you to respond to the situation at hand.
- Invite friends and family to come meet baby another night. If you have a family member you can be honest with and comfortably ask for specific help you’d like, inviting that person can help.
- Try to spend individualized time with siblings when your baby naps or another adult can take the baby.
- Encourage siblings to help you with their new brother or sister. Try to ignore or reschedule well-wishers’ calls by having your partner or another adult limit calls and drop-in guests’ visits.
Get ready for visitors and surprises
- Take help from your partner to restrict the visitors at least for the first few days until you are comfortable and in charge of your baby and your little kingdom.
- Do not hesitate to ask anyone who is ill to wait until they become better before visiting.
- Make it a routine to ask visitors and other children to wash their hands before handling the baby.
- Never leave the pet alone with the baby.
Do not hesitate to call your doctor
Small things can turn badly within short span of time with new babies. If you sense something wrong, you are probably correct. Mothers are the first doctors for their babies.
Call for help immediately for:
- Rectal/forehead temp higher than 100.4 degrees
- Sunken eyes, depressed soft spot (while baby is sitting)
- Poor feeding
- Dark green vomit
- Bloody stools
- More than eight loose stools
- Rapid or labored breathing (call 911)
- Convulsions
Most moms and babies get home and do extraordinarily well. Enjoy the first night at home by relaxing and admiring your new baby and the joys of parenthood that await you. But be ready and prepared for any surprises and concerns.
Welcome to parenthood, and best of luck!
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Posted In Children's, Health Information, Women's
