From Hospital to Home: Baby's First Journey
10:58 AM
When you've welcomed your new bundle of joy into the world, it's a thrilling but also frightening time. If it's your first baby, it's all new, and you're probably feeling both unsure and pretty emotionally raw too. You might only have to wait a day, or it could be a little longer, but eventually, it will be time to take your baby home. It can feel a bit like the hospital shouldn't be letting you walk away with a tiny baby, but the reality is that you're now responsible for this little person. For now, don't worry too much about what's ahead of you. Concentrate on getting your baby home and settling in.
Getting Ready to Go
For a comfortable journey home, you'll need to make sure you have all you need to get yourself and your newborn out of the hospital. The first thing to think about is having the right clothes for both of you. You'll both need to be comfortable and have appropriate clothes for the weather. If it's cold, make sure you're both wrapped up well, and if it's warm, don't overdo it with the layers. Before you go, don't forget to check when your baby's first checkup will be. You can ask any questions you need to, and inquire about resources your health care provider might have for new parents.
Safe Journey Home
The actual journey home is likely to be in a car. It's more comfortable for both of you, and maybe you'll even get a chance to take a short nap. You'll need to ensure you have a car seat that follows safety regulations. Some car seat tips to consider include having a rear-facing seat, sitting your baby in the back of the car, and practicing installing and removing the seat before taking your baby home. You also might want to get a head support for the seat to cradle your newborn's little head and neck and keep him safe.
Setting Up at Home
When you get home, you want to have everything you need and make sure it's comfortable for both you and the baby. Either prepare everything before having your baby or get your partner or someone else to get everything ready while you're in the hospital. You'll need plenty of diapers, formula, and bottles if you're unable or have chosen not to breastfeed, clothes, blankets and burp rags, and lots of other items. Think about your own comfort as well as the babies.
Make Decisions About Visitors
You might have had some people come and see you while you were in the hospital. Now that you're at home, you should think about whether you want to set any rules concerning visitors. You probably don't want to have people dropping in whenever they feel like it. Some new parents even decide that they don't want any visitors for few weeks so that they can bond with their baby. You can also set visiting times or restrict visitors to only close family.
Remember that when you bring your baby home, you're in charge. It's important to take time to recover and spend time with your baby in these precious few days.
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