How to Make Your First Week with a Newborn Easier
Bringing home a newborn can be one of the most exhilarating yet challenging experiences of motherhood. If you’re a new or expecting mom, you’ve probably heard plenty of advice about what to expect, but there’s something special about learning from a mom who’s been through it all—twice. In a YouTube video titled First Week with a Newborn Baby -- Tips & Things I Wish I Knew, Jessica Homer, a mom of two, shares her invaluable tips and lessons she wishes she knew with her first child, Eloise, to make that whirlwind first week a little smoother.
This article summarizes Jessica’s key insights from the video, offering practical, mom-tested advice for navigating those sleepless nights and busy days.
1. Share the Night Feedings
One of Jessica's first and most impactful tips is to share the responsibility of night feedings. In her first week with Wilson, her newborn son, she began pumping during the day and storing milk in the fridge so that her husband, Sean, could give the baby a bottle at night. This gave Jessica the precious gift of a few uninterrupted hours of sleep—a true lifesaver for new moms.
Jessica explains that this shift in routine allowed her to sleep from 1 AM to 6 AM rather than waking up multiple times during the night to nurse. It made a world of difference in how rested she felt during the day. If you can, let a partner, relative, or friend help with nighttime feedings so you can recharge. While every family dynamic is different, even just one night of uninterrupted sleep can do wonders for your well-being.
2. Embrace the Bottle and Pacifier Early (If It Works for Your Baby)
Many new moms are told to avoid introducing a bottle or pacifier early due to fears of "nipple confusion." This was advice Jessica followed with her first child, Eloise, waiting a full month before trying a bottle. However, with Wilson, she trusted her instincts and introduced both the bottle and pacifier right away—and it worked perfectly for him.
If your baby is nursing well, consider using a pacifier or bottle earlier than advised if it feels right for your family. Of course, if your baby is struggling to nurse, always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice. As Jessica points out, every baby is different, so it's important to trust your gut.
3. Don’t Stress About Nursing in Public
Nursing in public can be daunting, especially for first-time moms. Jessica recalls being more self-conscious when nursing Eloise in public, always covering up and worrying about what people might think. This time around, she embraced a more relaxed approach, taking cues from her time living in Spain, where public nursing is normalized.
Jessica’s advice is simple: if you're nursing, don’t stress too much about what others think. Wear clothes that make nursing easier, such as a t-shirt over a nursing tank top, and remember that your comfort and your baby’s needs come first.
4. Dress for Practicality, Not for Style
When it comes to postpartum fashion, practicality should be your top priority. Jessica admits that with her first child, she was more concerned about appearance. But now, with Wilson, she opts for functional clothing that makes nursing easier, like dresses with low sides or simple t-shirts layered over nursing bras.
She suggests keeping outfits simple, with nursing-friendly tops and darker, flowy fabrics that are forgiving of postpartum puffiness. The ability to easily nurse in public or at home, without fumbling with layers or complicated garments, will make your life infinitely easier during those early weeks.
5. Be Kind to Your Postpartum Body
Body image is often a concern for new moms, especially when you’re still adjusting to your postpartum figure. Jessica encourages moms to take a more relaxed approach to their postpartum bodies. The hormonal changes triggered by nursing will help your body recover over time, and it’s okay to let go of the pressure to "bounce back" quickly.
She emphasizes that your primary focus should be on keeping your baby healthy, not worrying about how quickly the baby weight comes off. Wearing comfortable, flowy clothes can help you feel more confident while allowing your body to heal at its own pace.
6. Organize Your Space for Convenience
One often-overlooked tip Jessica highlights is the importance of staying organized. Diaper changes are constant in the early days, so having a well-organized diaper changing station will make life significantly easier. Keep essentials like diapers, wipes, and swaddles in a central, easily accessible location, especially near your baby’s sleeping area.
For nighttime diaper changes, this level of organization is crucial for minimizing stress and disruption. Simple hacks like using a basket or a nearby shelf for all your diapering supplies will streamline the process and make those late-night wake-ups a little more bearable.
7. Prepare for Postpartum Recovery
Jessica offers an important reminder: postpartum recovery can be messy, and it's important to be prepared. Stock up on essentials like comfortable "granny panties" and heavy-duty pads to manage the postpartum bleeding. While the hospital may provide some supplies, you’ll likely need to have more on hand for the first week at home.
Having these items ready and easily accessible in your bathroom will save you from unnecessary stress during an already overwhelming time.
8. Opt for a Backpack Diaper Bag
When it comes to diaper bags, Jessica has made the switch from a traditional diaper bag to a backpack—and she’s not looking back! A backpack keeps both hands free, making it easier to manage multiple kids, push a stroller, or carry other essentials. Plus, it’s comfortable for both moms and dads to carry.
Jessica’s golden-yellow backpack is filled with all the newborn essentials, and she praises its practicality. While she still hasn’t added a portable changing pad, she admits that even without it, she’s been able to manage diaper changes on the go—on coffee shop benches, outdoor spaces, and wherever life takes them.
9. Keep It Clean, But Don’t Stress Over It
For first-time moms, cleanliness can become a major concern. With Eloise, Jessica admits she was overly worried about her baby being exposed to germs and dirt. However, with Wilson, she’s taking a more laid-back approach. While she hasn’t given him a full bath yet (waiting for his umbilical cord to heal), she does wipe him down with gentle wipes or a warm washcloth at the end of the day.
Hand hygiene is still important, and Jessica keeps hand sanitizer on hand for visitors who want to hold the baby. But overall, she’s found that a balanced approach to cleanliness—without overthinking it—works just fine.
10. Treat the Newborn Sleep Cycle Like Jet Lag
Finally, Jessica’s clever approach to managing her newborn’s sleep pattern is to treat it like jet lag. In the early days, many newborns are more awake at night and sleep more during the day. Jessica recommends keeping your baby in a bright, loud environment during the day to encourage wakefulness, and a dark, quiet space at night to signal that it’s time for sleep.
While it may take some time for your baby to adjust to a regular sleep cycle, this method can help establish day-and-night cues early on.
Final Thoughts for New Moms
Jessica's insights, honed through the experience of raising two children, provide a mix of practical advice and emotional reassurance. Every baby is different, and every family’s journey through the newborn stage will be unique. The most important takeaway is to trust yourself, take things one day at a time, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support system when you need it.
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EarlyDaysMom.com is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented in this article. All content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers should always consult with a medical professional, pediatrician, or qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article.
