The birth is behind you, and the first days at home with your baby are beginning. You may have been through an intense time, and now you finally have the chance to slow down for a bit. It might feel like you do absolutely nothing in those first days with your baby—and yet, the days fly by. Why is that? Simply put, you actually do a lot. Most of it happens naturally, but we’re happy to share some handy tips for the first days with your baby.

Love and security

Not only are childbirth and recovery exhausting for mothers, but babies also need time to catch their breath. Your little explorer is probably not very interested in the world around them during the first 24 hours and wants only one thing: sleep. A good tip for the first days with your baby is to adapt your rhythm to that of your little one and take regular naps, too. It’s no coincidence that our eastern neighbors call the postpartum period Wochenbett.

Your little one is probably not yet very good at calming themselves down. That’s why it can help to keep your baby close to your body while they sleep. With lots of physical contact, a sense of security develops, and your little one learns that they are safe with you.

Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding

During the first days, your baby will probably want to drink a lot. Don’t worry if there isn’t much structure yet; the most important thing is to feed your little one whenever they need it. Growing up is hard work, and a little pampering is allowed. Since this can take quite a bit of energy from the mother, it’s another good reason to take a quick nap now and then. Rest is important, too.

If you prefer to bottle-feed your little one, your partner can help with that. This way, you can enjoy a cozy moment together as a trio early on after the birth.

Care and changing

Someone may be born with green fingers or a talent for languages, but without practice, no one becomes an instant expert in diapering and baby care. So feel free to learn from your midwife or maternity nurse and ask plenty of questions, so you can quickly get the hang of it during the first days with your baby. After just a few days, changing diapers and caring for your little one will likely become routine.

Are you wondering when your baby can take their first bath? You can do so once the umbilical cord falls off after about five to six days (sometimes it may take longer). Until then, you can wash your little one with a damp washcloth and some lukewarm water. Applying ointment or cream is not necessary.

Family and friends visiting

Your family and friends are probably eager to meet the newest member. Maybe you’re already busy with birth decorations for the postpartum period. But your well-being and that of your baby come first. So if you’re not in the mood for visitors yet, be honest about it and reschedule. There’s no one in the world who wouldn’t understand.

Help during the first days with your baby

Even though the first days can be very special with just your baby, it can also be comforting to rely on good support—especially now that your life has changed completely. For this, there is maternity care assistance. Maternity care is covered by the basic package of your health insurance, with reimbursement for a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 80 hours. This is spread over at most ten days. Your midwife also monitors your baby’s health and is, of course, willing to answer all your questions thoroughly.

It’s important for your body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. So don’t start doing household chores yourself; let your partner or the maternity nurse take care of them. Feel free to involve family and friends as well—they will probably be happy to help. It’s also not a bad idea to have a monthly box delivered to your home. This way, you don’t have to worry about buying diapers, and you’ll have everything you need at home.

Be kind to yourself

The first days with a baby are often filled with emotion—especially if, after a few days, you start to feel a little down and the baby blues appear. You may also find yourself desperately searching for a reason why your little one is crying. But your little explorer is human, too, and you need time to get to know each other. It probably won’t take long before you start to get a feel for your little one. Even then, though, it isn’t always clear why your baby is unhappy. What’s the best thing to do? Offer love, security, and calm. And most importantly: be kind to yourself. Unpleasant feelings are OK, and all emotions are allowed.

The first days at home with your baby are quite an experience. Listen carefully to your feelings and enjoy this special time together with your little one. Relax, adjust your rhythm to your baby, and get to know each other well—that’s the most important thing during the postpartum period.