Hey there, new parents! It’s been a whirlwind since our little bundle of joy arrived, hasn’t it? I remember when our daughter, Lily, was born—it felt like we were thrown into the deep end of parenthood without a lifejacket.
Those first few weeks were a blur of diaper changes, midnight feedings, and lots (and lots) of coffee.
But here’s the thing: we survived. And you will too! To help you navigate this exciting (and exhausting) time, I’ve put together a list of 30 tips that saved our sanity during that first month with our newborn.
From breastfeeding hacks to soothing techniques, getting your partner involved to venturing out into the world, these tips will help you find your footing as a new parent. Trust me—if we can do it, so can you!
Tips for Thriving in the First Month with Your Newborn
Here are 30 tips to help you care for your baby (and yourself!) in those early weeks.
1. Seek out lactation support before you even give birth
Before your baby arrives, start thinking about how you’ll ensure successful breastfeeding.
Reach out to friends who have had positive nursing experiences, ask your pediatrician for lactation consultant recommendations, and consider attending a breastfeeding support group.
Having a support system in place can make all the difference in those early days.
2. Take advantage of hospital resources while you’re there
During your hospital stay, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the nursing staff and lactation consultants.
They’re there to support you and can offer valuable advice on everything from latching techniques to comfortable nursing positions.
Take advantage of any breastfeeding classes or resources available to you before you head home.
3. Don’t forget to take care of yourself while breastfeeding
It’s easy to get so focused on your baby’s needs that you forget about your own. But taking care of yourself is crucial for successful breastfeeding.
Make sure you’re staying hydrated, eating well, and getting as much rest as possible.
And don’t be afraid to ask your partner or family members for help so you can take a few moments for yourself.
4. Use warm compresses for engorged breasts or blocked ducts
If you’re dealing with engorged breasts or blocked ducts, a warm compress can be a lifesaver.
Try using a heating pad, warm washcloth, or even a microwaveable flax pillow to help relieve discomfort and promote milk flow.
Apply the compress for a few minutes before nursing or pumping to help things along.
5. Try cold packs for sore breasts and nipples post-feeding
On the flip side, if your breasts or nipples are feeling sore after a feeding, a cold pack can provide much-needed relief.
Try using a bag of frozen peas or a cold gel pack wrapped in a soft cloth.
Apply it to the affected area for a few minutes at a time, as needed.
Just be sure not to leave it on for too long, as you don’t want to damage your skin.
6. Introduce a bottle early if you plan to bottle-feed eventually
If you know you’ll need to bottle-feed your baby at some point (whether with pumped breast milk or formula), it’s a good idea to introduce a bottle early on.
Many experts recommend starting around the 3-6 week mark, after breastfeeding is well-established but before your baby gets too used to nursing exclusively.
This can help prevent bottle refusal down the line.
7. Let go of the idea of getting a full night’s sleep (for now)
I hate to break it to you, but those blissful pre-baby days of uninterrupted sleep are a thing of the past (at least for a while).
Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours, which means you’ll be up multiple times throughout the night.
Instead of fighting it, try to accept that this is a temporary stage and do what you need to do to get by.
Nap when you can, go to bed early, and remember that this too shall pass.
8. Take shifts with your partner for nighttime feedings and care
If you have a partner, consider taking shifts for nighttime feedings and diaper changes.
This way, each of you can get a little more uninterrupted sleep.
For example, one person could handle the first half of the night while the other sleeps, then switch for the second half.
Just be sure to communicate and find a system that works for both of you.
9. Nap when the baby naps (housework can wait!)
You’ve probably heard this advice a million times, but it bears repeating: sleep when the baby sleeps!
It can be tempting to use naptime to catch up on chores or scroll through social media, but trust me—napping should be your top priority.
The dishes and laundry will still be there later, but you’ll be better equipped to handle them if you’re well-rested.
10. In the early days, do whatever it takes to get your baby to sleep
In those first few weeks, your main goal is to get your baby to sleep however you can.
If that means rocking, singing, nursing, or driving around the block a few times, so be it.
Don’t worry about creating “bad habits” or spoiling your baby—you can always work on establishing a more independent sleep routine later on.
For now, just do what works.
11. Mimic the womb to soothe a fussy baby (swaddling, shushing, swinging)
Newborns are used to the snug, cozy environment of the womb, so mimicking that feeling can be incredibly soothing.
Try swaddling your baby in a soft blanket, making gentle shushing sounds, and gently swinging or rocking them.
These actions can help calm a fussy baby and promote better sleep.
12. Play calming music or white noise to help your baby relax
In addition to mimicking the womb, playing soft, calming music or white noise can also help your baby relax and fall asleep.
There are countless playlists and apps specifically designed for babies, or you can experiment with different sounds to see what works best for your little one.
Just keep the volume low and be mindful of any overstimulation.
13. Use warm wipes or a wipe warmer for diaper changes
Let’s face it—diaper changes can be a shock to your baby’s system, especially if the wipes are cold.
To make the experience a little more pleasant, try using warm wipes or investing in a wipe warmer.
You can also use a soft cloth and warm water if you prefer a more natural approach.
Your baby will thank you!
14. Experiment to find the soothing techniques that work for your baby
Every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different soothing techniques until you find what clicks for your little one.
Maybe they prefer a gentle bounce to a sway, or a pacifier to a swaddle.
Keep trying different things until you find your baby’s unique recipe for calm.
15. Take a warm bath together to relax both you and your little one
Sometimes, a warm bath can work wonders for both you and your baby.
The warm water and skin-to-skin contact can be incredibly soothing, and it’s a great way to bond with your little one.
Just be sure to keep the water at a safe temperature and never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a moment.
16. Allow your partner to make mistakes without criticism
As new parents, you and your partner are both learning as you go.
It’s important to give each other grace and allow room for mistakes without criticism or judgment.
Remember, you’re on the same team, and you’re both doing your best.
Offer support and encouragement instead of pointing out each other’s flaws.
17. Encourage your partner to take time off work to bond with the baby
If possible, encourage your partner to take some time off work to bond with the baby in those early weeks.
This can be a great opportunity for them to get comfortable with diaper changes, feedings, and soothing techniques, and it can help you both feel more confident as parents.
Plus, it’s a special time that they’ll never get back.
18. Divide up household duties so you can both focus on the baby
With a new baby in the house, it’s easy for household tasks to fall by the wayside.
To keep things running smoothly, try dividing up duties with your partner so you can both focus on the baby.
Maybe one person takes on laundry while the other handles grocery shopping, or you alternate cooking and cleaning duties.
Find a system that works for you and don’t be afraid to let some things slide for a while.
19. Promote skin-to-skin contact between your partner and the baby
Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly beneficial for both babies and parents.
It can help regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and promote bonding and attachment.
Encourage your partner to spend some time each day holding the baby against their bare chest, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.
20. Trust your instincts and ignore unwanted advice
As a new parent, you’ll likely be bombarded with advice from well-meaning friends, family members, and even strangers.
While some of it may be helpful, it’s important to trust your own instincts and do what feels right for you and your baby.
You know your child best, so don’t be afraid to politely ignore advice that doesn’t resonate with you.
21. Put housework on the back burner for the first few months
In those early months, your main priority should be taking care of yourself and your baby.
Housework can wait. Don’t feel guilty about letting the laundry pile up or the dishes sit in the sink for a bit.
You’ll have plenty of time to catch up later on, but for now, focus on getting the rest and support you need.
22. Accept help from anyone who offers (and don’t be afraid to ask!)
If someone offers to help, whether it’s bringing a meal, watching the baby so you can shower, or running errands for you, say yes!
Don’t feel like you have to do everything on your own.
Accepting help from others can make a world of difference in those exhausting early weeks.
23. Be specific about the kind of help you need from others
When people ask how they can help, don’t be afraid to give them specific tasks or requests.
Maybe you need someone to walk your dog, pick up groceries, or just sit with you while you vent about how tired you are.
Being specific can help ensure that you get the support you actually need, rather than just vague offers of help.
24. Delegate time-consuming tasks like cooking and cleaning
If possible, consider delegating some of the more time-consuming household tasks to others.
This might mean hiring a cleaning service, using a grocery delivery service, or asking friends and family to bring meals.
Taking some of these tasks off your plate can free up more time for you to rest and bond with your baby.
25. Make time to get out of the house alone, even for a few minutes
As much as you love your baby, it’s important to take a little time for yourself too.
Even if it’s just a quick walk around the block or a trip to the coffee shop, getting out of the house alone can help you recharge and feel more like yourself.
Don’t feel guilty about taking a few minutes away—you deserve it!
26. Bring a supportive friend or family member on your first public outing
When you’re ready to venture out in public with your baby for the first time, consider bringing a supportive friend or family member with you.
Having an extra set of hands and someone to offer moral support can make the experience much less daunting.
Plus, it’s always nice to have someone to talk to and share the experience with.
27. Stick to baby-friendly locations for your first solo outings
For your first few solo outings with the baby, stick to places that are likely to be welcoming and accommodating to little ones.
This might mean a local parenting group, a baby-friendly cafe, or a quiet park.
Avoid crowded or overstimulating environments until you feel more confident in your ability to handle any challenges that may arise.
28. Keep your diaper bag well-stocked at all times
Before leaving the house with your baby, make sure your diaper bag is well-stocked with everything you might need.
This should include plenty of diapers and wipes, a change of clothes (for both you and the baby), bottles and formula if you’re bottle-feeding, snacks and water for yourself, and any other essentials like pacifiers or toys.
It’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard!
29. Pack a spare set of clothes for yourself, too (blowouts happen!)
In addition to packing extra clothes for your baby, don’t forget to throw in a spare outfit for yourself as well.
Trust me, blowouts and spit-up happen when you least expect it, and you don’t want to be stuck wearing soiled clothes all day.
Having a clean shirt and pants on hand can make all the difference.
30. Embrace the chaos and be prepared to adapt your plans as needed
Finally, remember that life with a newborn is unpredictable, and that’s okay.
Embrace the chaos and be prepared to adapt your plans as needed.
If your baby has a meltdown in the middle of a grocery store run, don’t sweat it.
If you have to cancel plans because you’re just too exhausted, that’s fine too.
Give yourself permission to go with the flow and do what works best for you and your baby in the moment.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it—30 tips that helped us survive (and even thrive!) during that first month with our newborn.
Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one family might not work for another.
The key is to be flexible, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself some grace as you navigate this new chapter.
Most importantly, don’t forget to savor the sweet moments amidst the chaos. Those tiny toes, those first gummy smiles, those precious snuggles—they make all those sleepless nights worth it.
You’ve got this, mama (and dada)! And if you have any tips of your own to share, please leave them in the comments below. We’re all in this together!
