Finally, the moment of returning home with baby has arrived! It’s a much-anticipated step as you begin a new life in your family nest, away from the maternity ward. Everything feels more real, and emotions run high: excitement, joy, apprehension… During the first days with baby at home, everyone needs to find their bearings and settle into a new rhythm as a growing family. If you’re a first-time mother, it’s also a big leap—wanting to do your best, with your head full of questions!

To support you during these early days with your little adventurer, we’ve put together a short guide filled with tips: sleep, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, outings, organization… Everything you need to care for baby, manage fatigue more easily, and enjoy these first months with more peace of mind!

Anticipate the first days with baby at home

Prepare for the return from maternity leave

Don’t hesitate to anticipate your newborn’s arrival as much as possible during the last weeks of pregnancy, so you can welcome them in the best conditions. If you have the time, coordinate with your partner to take care of cleaning, laundry, and ironing. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to ask a loved one for a helping hand. During the first days with baby at home, you’ll need to rest and devote yourself 100% to your little rascal.

Fill the fridge with healthy and varied products

Before birth, stock the fridge with homemade or frozen meals to help you maintain a healthy diet. The early days with baby are very busy, and it’s common for moms to forget their own needs and eat on the go. Your body still needs to regain energy after drawing on its resources during pregnancy and childbirth. A varied, balanced diet is essential to help you get back in shape—especially if you’ve chosen to breastfeed, since you’ll need to get all the nutrients you and your baby will need; more details can be found in our article on the . Of course, a small pizza now and then won’t hurt. ;)

Understanding baby sleep

Prepare its cozy nest

During the first night and up to 6 months, you can have your newborn sleep in your room. Some mothers appreciate this closeness, which is both reassuring and practical, especially for breastfeeding. In this case, it is recommended that baby sleep in a separate bed or a co-sleeper, and not in the parents’ bed. You can also set up a separate room for baby and use a baby monitor to hear when they wake up. There isn’t one option that’s better than another; this choice is entirely yours. Follow your instinct and do what seems best for the whole family.

For their safety, do not put any stuffed animals, pillows, or blankets in their bed. Always place them on their back as well. As for temperature, the ideal is a room between 16 and 20 °C.

Respect his sleep cycle

In the first days at home, baby sleeps like a little marmot, averaging 16 to 20 hours per day. Even if they’re a heavy sleeper, they only sleep in stretches of 2 to 4 hours. For your child’s proper development, it’s important to respect their rhythm. Do not wake them, even to breastfeed or give a bottle; they will let you know when the time is right. Newborn sleep is also interrupted by restless phases. It can be surprising, but baby is sleeping—don’t wake them. ;)

Get your baby used to their new rhythm

In the days following birth, baby is still aligned with their in-utero rhythm. They don’t distinguish between day and night. It’s only around the 8th week of life that the concept of a biological clock appears. To help them adjust gently, leave the blinds open during the day and close them in the evening. During the day, live normally without creating absolute silence. At feeding time or during a night bottle, speak softly and avoid stimulating them so they understand it’s a time for calm.

If you have any other questions, we have written an article on that can help you better understand how it works.

Take care of your newborn

Wash it by following some rules

If bathing may initially upset your newborn, it will quickly become one of their favorite moments—full of bonding with mom or dad. Newborns don’t need a daily bath; two to three times a week is enough. To learn more, do not hesitate to check out our article to learn everything about baby bathing . Frequency, temperature, steps to follow: you’ll find all our tips there. Outside of bath time, daily hygiene is still necessary. It’s important to clean their eyes, navel, nose, behind their ears, and hands. Use skincare products suitable for babies’ delicate skin or physiological saline solution.

Change his bed regularly

During the first months at home, baby goes through a lot of diapers! They’ll need to be changed 6 to 10 times a day to avoid any risk of redness and . To keep them dry, change the diaper as soon as it is soiled and at each meal (before or after—whichever is more convenient for you). Clean from front to back, changing the cotton or tissue each time to avoid contaminating the genital area. You can clean their bottom using simply lukewarm water, olive-calcium liniment, or suitable wipes when you’re out. Then dry their skin by patting, without rubbing. Be sure to dry the skin folds well to prevent maceration. Finally, opt for and free from irritating substances like those offered by LILLYDOO.

Take a walk with baby

Once you’re back home, you can go out with baby from the very first days. However, listen to your body and check in with how you’re feeling. If you’re up for it, a little outing can do you a lot of good—both for you and your little adventurer! At first, baby gets tired very quickly, so choose short walks of 15 to 20 minutes. The ideal time to go out is after a meal, so you have some time before the next one. Avoid overly noisy places that could tire your newborn. Large stores and public transportation are also not recommended in the first few weeks. Besides being hectic, these places expose your child to viruses and bacteria. Avoid going out during the hottest hours in summer, and dress them well in winter by layering clothes so you can remove one if they get too warm.

Feeding baby

Practice breastfeeding and bottle-feeding on demand

Baby’s favorite pastime is napping! Your infant needs to eat frequently (every 2 to 4 hours), and this is perfectly normal since their stomach is about the size of a walnut during the first week. It is recommended to practice bottle-feeding and breastfeeding on demand—that is, as soon as baby shows the first signs of hunger. Baby lets you know they need to eat when they put their hands to their mouth, make sucking movements, stick out their tongue, or stretch and move their arms and legs. To help them burp, sit them upright against you, with their head on your shoulder, and gently pat their back. If they don’t succeed, don’t worry—babies don’t always feel the need to burp.

Choose the correct positions for breastfeeding

Get comfortable in a place where you feel at ease and relaxed. There are many , and the best ones are those that suit you. However, it’s important to alternate positions to stimulate all areas of your breast and help avoid engorgement and sore nipples. Since every experience is different, breastfeeding may not work immediately. Don’t worry—sometimes it just takes a little time, and once you get past this stage, it becomes a moment of deep connection with your child. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your midwife, a lactation consultant, or an organization like

Adopt the right techniques for the bottle

Your little glutton will drink 6 to 8 bottles per day. Don’t hesitate to stock up on powdered milk before birth so you’re prepared. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing it. You can give it at room temperature or warm it to a maximum of 37 °C. In that case, check that the milk isn’t too hot by dropping a few drops on the inside of your wrist. Never use the microwave to heat it, as the bottle may be lukewarm on the outside but burning hot on the inside. If your little one doesn’t finish, discard any remaining milk.

Take care of yourself

Rest as soon as you can

Moms know it: the first days with baby at home are intense! To limit fatigue, follow baby’s rhythm and rest as much as possible. As soon as they close their eyes, take a quick nap to recharge. Housework can wait—prioritize your needs first! Also, don’t hesitate to entrust your little one to your partner, your mother, or a friend so you can take a moment just for you: enjoy a relaxing bath, read a book, or take a short walk to unwind.

Feel free to ask for help

Delegate as much as you can so you can fully focus on yourself and your baby. Your partner and those around you can be a huge help, so don’t hesitate to ask for their support! After childbirth, your mood may fluctuate for a few days. This completely normal phenomenon is due to a drop in hormones. It is the well-known that many mothers go through. Don’t feel guilty—share your feelings with loved ones or in a support group for new parents to help you through this phase. If needed, you can also contact your PMI to schedule a home visit with a pediatric nurse. This free service offers advice on daily child care, health, and a space to share your concerns.

Find the right rhythm as a family

Team up with your partner

With the birth of this new little being, your partner may have trouble finding their place in the early days. Let them hold baby in their arms as often as possible so they can get to know each other. Skin-to-skin contact also helps create a special bond, as it stimulates the secretion of oxytocin, the attachment hormone.

Also plan some one-on-one moments to rebuild your recently shaken couple intimacy. It could be a tête-à-tête meal or a quiet conversation to share your feelings and questions. A decrease in libido is common after pregnancy, as fatigue sets in and the perineum and vagina need time to recover; sexual activity may not feel right right away. You can replace it with massages and sensual moments to enjoy intimate, bonding time together.

Be patient with the elders

Big brothers and big sisters also need to find their balance with the arrival of a newborn. To get your attention, your children may act out more or regress. These reactions are perfectly normal and will gradually fade. As parents, stay patient and understanding. Plan moments with them without the baby—during a game or a book—and always with plenty of sweet words.

Stay cool with yourself!

If you feel overwhelmed, or if you’re afraid you might not be doing well enough, that’s perfectly normal. Give yourself time to find your bearings and trust yourself—you’re doing the best you can. :) It also takes time in the first few months to get to know each other with this new little being. Baby’s cries may feel mysterious at first, but little by little, you’ll learn to understand and tell them apart. Your infant may also cry simply because they need reassurance. Far from the cozy intrauterine calm, they need to feel your presence. Cuddle them as much as possible, and let your partner do skin-to-skin contact too, to enjoy a special moment with your little adventurer. Taking care of a baby isn’t innate; you’ll learn little by little through everyday contact. And if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician or your doctor.

We hope these tips help you get through these first days smoothly with your little adventurer! You’ll soon be a pro at baby talk, and wonderful moments of communication and giggles are ahead. ;)