First Night at Home with a Newborn: How to Prepare and Stay Calm

It can feel overwhelming taking a newborn home

Your first night at home with your newborn can feel overwhelming, as you adjust to the new dynamics of parenting.

It’s a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and exhaustion.

In this blog post, I’ll provide practical tips for making your first night at home manageable and introduce how Nook’s guided meditations can help you stay calm and centred.

Contents

1. What to Expect on Your First Night with a Newborn?

2. Tips for Surviving the First Night at Home with a Newborn

3. How Nook Can Help You Stay Calm

   
   

What to Expect on Your First Night with a Newborn?

Your first night at home with a newborn is all about adjustment.

Don’t expect everything to go perfectly—it’s a learning experience for both you and your baby.

Newborns thrive on unpredictability, and their feeding and sleeping patterns may surprise you.

Here are three key things to keep in mind:

• Frequent Wake-Ups: Your baby may wake every 2–3 hours for feeding. This is normal as their tiny stomachs need constant nourishment.

  
  

• Unpredictable Crying: Crying is how newborns communicate. It may take time to understand their cues, but trust your instincts.

  
  

• Your Own Emotions: It’s normal to feel a mix of joy, exhaustion, and even anxiety. Give yourself grace as you navigate this new phase.

Create a calming environment

Tips for Surviving the First Night at Home with a Newborn

The first night at home can be smoother with some preparation and the right mindset.

Here are three practical tips to help you manage this milestone with confidence.

#1 - Create a Peaceful Sleep Space

Your baby will sleep better in a safe, calm environment.

• Keep the room dimly lit to avoid overstimulating your baby during nighttime feeds or diaper changes.

  
  

• Ensure their crib or bassinet is set up according to safe sleep guidelines, with a firm mattress and no loose bedding.

#2 - Have Essentials Within Reach

Preparing ahead can save you stress during nighttime wake-ups.

• Keep diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and feeding supplies (whether breast or bottle) in a convenient spot near your bed.

  
  

• Use a feeding tracker app to log times and keep track of your baby’s routine as it develops.

  
  

• Don’t forget to hydrate and have snacks handy for yourself, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

  
  
  
  

  

  Trust your gut and stay calm

  
  

#3 - Stay Calm During Crying Spells

Newborns cry—it’s how they communicate—but it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times.

• Gently soothe your baby with swaddling, rocking, or skin-to-skin contact

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• If you need a break, place your baby safely in their crib and take a moment to breathe.

  
  

• Nook’s guided meditations can help you stay grounded during these moments of high stress.

  
  
  
  

How Nook Can Help You Stay Calm

Nook offers guided meditations designed for new mums to help you find calm amidst the chaos.

Here’s how Nook can make your first night easier:

• Sleep Support: Use bedtime meditations to relax and prepare for short but meaningful rest.

  
  

• Stress Relief: Listen to quick calming meditations during feeding sessions or when your baby is crying.

  
  

• Emotional Balance: Explore affirmations that remind you of your strength and ability to handle this new chapter.

  
  

  

  The Nook App has lots of meditations and features to support you during the first night

  
  
  
  

FAQ

Q1: How do I prepare for my first night at home with a newborn?

Set up a safe sleep space, gather essentials like diapers and feeding supplies, and create a calm environment for both you and your baby.

Focus on resting if you can't sleep.

Resting can be as good as sleep especially in intense times like the newborn stage.

It's important to rest with as little stimuli as possible around, so avoid scrolling on video apps, turn the tv off and close your eyes if you can.

Q2: What if my baby won’t stop crying?

Try soothing techniques like swaddling, rocking, or using white noise.

Remember, it’s okay to take a moment for yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Q3: How can I get rest during the first night?

Focus on short naps when your baby sleeps.

Use Nook’s sleep meditations to help you wind down quickly and make the most of your rest time.

Enjoy precious moments with your new child

Wrap-Up

Your first night at home with a newborn is a big transition, but with preparation and support, you can handle it with confidence.

Remember to create a peaceful environment, keep essentials close, and prioritise calm moments for yourself.

Looking for extra support? Download Nook now and explore meditations designed for new mums. Start your journey with calm and confidence!