First Week With Baby: 10 Things That Made Life Easier

Wondering what you really need for the first week with a baby? Here’s what made postpartum and newborn life easier during our first week home with baby #5.

Welcoming Baby #5 Home

We’ve officially survived our first week home with our sweet baby boy, and it’s been whirlwind of snuggles, nursing, and adjusting to life as a family of seven. 🍼🩵

His arrival was a little unexpected, he decided to come just a few days earlier than his planned c-section at 38 weeks, but I couldn’t have asked for a delivery.

I’ll be sharing our full birth story soon, so stay tuned!

We spent our first two nights at the hospital, and honestly, it felt like a mini vacation. The big kids were at hoe, and I got to soak up all the newborn cuddles without interruption (well, except from the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff!).

It was quiet, slow, and gave me time to really take in those first precious moments with him before heading home and diving into the beautiful chaos of life with five kids.

Coming home was a whole different story, it was full of sweet moments of with excited siblings eager to help and hold their newborn brother, but also the real-life juggle of newborn life, postpartum recovery, and finding small pockets of time to take care of myself in the middle of it all.

How the First Week Has Really Felt

The first week has been such a blur, from the slightly panicked feeling on our way to the hospital ( I thought I had 5 more days to get ready) to the overwhelming joy of holding him in my arms the very first time, completely overwhelmed with love.

Even now, it’s hard to believe he’s finally here, and we’ve made it through our first week as a family of seven.

This may be the 5th time I’ve done this, but I’m always humbly reminded that nothing can fully prepare you for the newborn days.

One minute I’m soaking in those sleepy snuggles, breathing in the sweet newborn smell, and the next I’m realizing it’s been hours since I’ve eaten anything besides a few Triscuits my kids were snacking on beside me, and I’m only technically awake.

Most nights, I find myself binge-watching random series at 2 a.m. just to stay awake during those endless nursing sessions.

There are moments I wish I could just freeze in time, and others that I’m literally counting down the seconds until I can crawl back into bed (or my nursing chair) for even 5 seconds of what resembles sleep.

It’s beautiful and exhausting all at the same time.

What’s Made Life Easier This Week (Essentials & Tips)

Now that we’re settling into life at home, I’ve been thinking a lot about the little things that have made this first week with a newborn smoother, for both me and baby.

Some of these things were lifesavers while we were in the hospital, and other have made the transition home so much easier.

Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth like mine, I hope this list gives you a few ideas to help you along through those early days.

What Made Our Hospital Stay Easier

Somewhere in the third trimester, I packed my hospital bags with the hopes of making our stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible for baby, my husband, and myself.

Knowing this would be my 5th c-section, I wanted to be prepared with all the little things that would help me recover, rest, and soak up those precious first moments.

Looking back now, a few days later, there are a few things I’m especially grateful for, and a few items I realized I wish I had packed.

Here’s what made our hospital stay easier this time around.

1. Soft Robe or Nightgown

The first day I wore the hospital gown provided by the hospital and I’m glad I did. We had to change it several times for different reasons, sometimes from postpartum bleeds and another time it was because baby boy had peed on me.

After the first day though, I was ready to get out of the gown and feel a little more like myself.

I brought the Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery Essentials Bundle with me to the hospital and wore the ruffle strap gown during my stay. It ended up being the perfect choice, the front and back both unbutton easily, which made things so simple for the nurses and doctors during their checks. Plus, it let me feel a little more put together and comfortable compared to the standard hospital gown.

2. IPad and AirPods

The first night in the hospital with my baby boy, I was in that newborn bliss, wide awake and soaking it all in.

But by the second night, the adrenaline had worn off.

Between the late-night feeds and the constant interruptions from the nursing staff for vitals, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. One thing that made those sleepless nights a little easier? Having my iPad and AirPods with me. I ended up starting a few different series on Netflix just to stay awake.

3. Eye Mask

One thing I made sure I had packed was my eye mask. I’m a very light sleeper and the slightest bit of light will wake me up. I used my eye mask not only during the night but it was really useful when it was daylight out and I wanted to sneak in a quick nap while baby boy was sleeping.

4. Fan

Originally this wasn’t something I had packed in my hospital bag. However, as soon as I made it back to the postpartum room, I knew I needed a fan. The room felt so hot to me (thanks hormones) but I didn’t want to drop the temperature in the room and make baby boy too cold.

I asked my husband to swing by the store on his way between the hospital and checking back in on the kids at home and pick up a small fan for me to use.

It’s not something I would really ever consider bringing to the hospital but it made such a difference for me while we were there.

5. Boppy Pillow

This was my fifth c-section, and one thing I made sure to pack was a Boppy pillow. It’s a must-have, even if you’re planning a natural birth. It helps prop the baby up, making breastfeeding so much easier and more comfortable.

What’s Made Life Easier at Home This Week

Once we got home, the things that made life easier shifted a bit. I was no longer in the same hospital room all day with just the baby and me, sometimes my husband, as he ran back and forth.

Now, we were home with everyone: our family of seven and my husband’s aunt, who had come to stay and help us out.

Here’s what made our first few days at home a little bit easier..

1. Changing Station

I remember when I first mentioned to my husband that I wanted to set up a changing station in our bedroom. He asked if I really needed it, but it was something I felt strongly about and I’m so glad I followed my gut.

My changing station is simply a dresser with a changing pad on top and a small basket full of diapers, creams, and wipes.

It has made my late night diaper changes a breeze. I’m not scrambling to find items while half asleep. I can quickly grab what I need and get baby boy changed, fed, and back into his bassinet quickly with this well organized spaced.

If you’re doing your research on changing tables and don’t know which kind to get for your space, check out my article “Changing Tables: What Works and What Doesn’t.” I break down the most popular types of changing tables and my personal experience with each one.

2. Diaper Pail

On that same note, let’s talk about the diaper pail.

I didn’t have one with our first four kids; I just used a small trash can. And while that definitely works, having a diaper pail this time around has been such a game changer!

It’s so convenient, holds a ton of diapers, keeps the smell under control, and fits perfectly in our space.

When I used a traditional trash can, the diapers would flow over the sides, our dog was constantly sniffing around and the diaper pail just eliminates that entire situation for us.

3. Nursing Chair

The one BIG splurge I purchased this pregnancy was my Nurture& Glider for my bedroom.

I specifically picked this piece because I knew that it would last well beyond the newborn days.

I slept in this chair our first few nights home because it’s an electric recliner and made getting up and down easier than if I were to try and lay in bed with my c-section recovery.

I’ve now spent many days, but more nights, rocking and gliding in this chair while nursing our little boy and I would 100% buy this chair again. It’s just made this first week home so much more enjoyable.

You don’t have to splurge like I did, I realize this is a huge investment piece but I do recommend finding yourself a comfortable spot to nurse baby. You can find a variety of nursing chairs on your local FaceBook Marketplace.

I’ve actually used FB Marketplace for a few nursing chairs in the past and loved them.

4. MamaRoo Baby Swing

Just like having a comfy chair helped me, having a soothing spot for baby has been a lifesaver. The MamaRoo provides constant, gentle motion, and it’s been a huge hit for keeping him calm and content when I need a moment to rest or get things done.

5. Nursing Gown

One thing that always helps me feel more like myself after giving birth (and even in day-to-day mom life) is getting dressed for the day.

Since I’m breastfeeding my little boy, I wanted to make sure I had comfortable outfits that were loose, easy to nurse in, but still made me feel good.

I ordered this nursing gown before he was born, and it’s been perfect!

It doubles as a maternity dress, the fabric is incredibly soft, and I loved it so much I ended up ordering it in four different colors.

Tips for New Moms (Or Moms Adding Another Little One)

1. Give Yourself Grace

The first week at home with a newborn can be an emotional and physical rollercoaster, whether it’s your first or fifth baby. Each time you bring home a new little life home, everything shifts. You’re adjusting, becoming a new version of yourself, and learning how to weave this beautiful new person into your family and routine.

Things that once felt simple might suddenly feel hard, and that’s okay.

Give yourself grace in those moments. You’re not doing it wrong, you’re finding your way.

Eventually, you’ll settle into your own “new normal,” and when you do, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come.

2. Ask for Help When Needed

As a military spouse, I’ve become pretty independent over the years. Asking for help hasn’t always come easily for me, in fact, for the longest time, I felt like if I asked for help, I was somehow failing.

But I’ve learned that couldn’t be further from the truth. Asking for help takes courage and strength, and in this newborn season, I want to encourage you to ask for what you need, even the simplest things.

For example, late at night while I’m nursing my little guy, I often find myself glued to the rocker. My husband will ask if there’s anything he can do, and instead of saying, “No, I’m fine. I’ll do it later,” I’ve started asking…

“Can you bring me a Gatorade?” (Because hydration is everything!)

“Can you grab my blanket?”

”Can you turn off the lights?”

You can ask for help in small ways or big ones.

Before the baby was born, we asked my husband’s aunt to come stay with us.

She has been such a gift, helping with meals, folding laundry, and just making life feel less overwhelming.

I almost didn’t ask because I worried it might be a burden, but it’s turned into the sweetest time together. Honestly, I don’t know how we’d be managing without her.

So if you’re in that place of wondering whether you should ask, this is your gentle nudge. You deserve support. Let your people show up for you.

3. Accept Help When Offered

Along the same lines as asking for help… is accepting it.

I know how hard that can be. Just because someone offers to help doesn’t mean they think you can’t handle it. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. What it does mean is that they want to be part of your village. They want to show up for you, and that’s a beautiful thing.

We’ve only been in our new house for about seven months, and a couple weeks ago, my next-door neighbor so generously offered to set up a meal train for us after the baby was born.

And you know what my gut reaction was?

“Oh no, that’s okay! We’ve got it.”

But the truth is… once my husband’s aunt leaves, we’re going to be figuring out a new rhythm all over again. And those meals will be a lifeline in the middle of all the adjusting.

If someone offers to help, whether it’s dropping off dinner, running an errand, or holding the baby while you shower, say yes.

Let your people show up. You don’t have to do it all alone.

4. Rest When You Can (Feed Your Soul)

You’ve probably heard this before: “Rest when the baby rests.”

And maybe you’ve even laughed at it, like I have. Because resting when the baby rests isn’t always realistic especially when you have older kids at home, a house that feels upside down, or a brain that just won’t quiet down.

So instead, I’m going to say this: Rest when you can… and find little things that feed your soul.

Sometimes I can’t physically sleep. I’m wide awake, or I know the baby will be up again soon.

But I’ve found that rest doesn’t always have to mean sleep.

Sometimes, rest looks like stepping outside for a few minutes and walking through my garden, noticing what’s blooming.

Sometimes, it’s sitting quietly with a warm cup of coffee (even if it’s gone cold a few times), or taking a longer shower without rushing to get out.

And sure, if you can grab a nap, take it.

But if sleep isn’t happening, that doesn’t mean you’re missing out on rest.

It doesn’t have to be big or perfect.

These little pockets of pause, they matter.

They fill you back up in ways you don’t always realize in the moment. And that kind of rest counts, too.

5. Soak in the Little Moments

And one final piece of advice: soak in the little moments.

The newborn smell. The tiny hands and feet. The soft little coos. The sleepy stretches and little yawns. The milk-drunk smiles. Their tiny hiccups. How their whole body fits in your arms. The way they settle the moment you hold them close. Even the late-night feeds when the world is quiet and it’s just the two of you.

These moments might seem small or even mundane in the thick of it, but they’re everything, and they’ll go by way too fast.

As a mom who thought she had experienced all her “lasts” with my fourth baby, I’m holding this season a little closer with baby #5. I’m extra thankful for another chance to do this again.

The long, sleepless nights that once left me frustrated because I was so tired… now I find myself holding my baby close, whispering thanks to God for this moment, for this gift.

Soaking in this beautiful but short season, even when it feels chaotic.

Because one day, I know I’ll miss this. And right now, I just want to be here for it.

One Day You’ll Look Back and Smile

Mama, I know firsthand how overwhelming and emotional that first week home with a newborn can be. I’ve done this five times now, and each time has been different, but one thing has stayed the same: those early days are tender, exhausting, and incredibly sacred all at once.

I hope these pieces of advice, along with the little things that helped me in the hospital and at home, give you a sense of comfort and remind you that you’re not alone in this.

Whether it’s giving yourself grace, asking for or accepting help, finding small ways to rest, or soaking in the tiniest moments, you’re doing such important, beautiful work.

This season won’t last forever (even if the days feel long), and one day you’ll look back and be so proud of how you loved and cared for your baby, and yourself, during this time.

You were made for this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

If you haven’t already, check out my Hospital Bag Checklist to make sure you have everything you need for those first few days with baby.

For more on motherhood, cozy recipes, homemaking tips, and seasonal inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

XoXo- Tandra