Having a baby is exciting! After waiting for so long, your baby is finally here. Let’s talk about what happens in those first days with your new little one.
The First Hour – Hello, World! 🌎
When your baby first arrives:
- Doctors will check your baby right away
- They count fingers and toes
- They make sure baby is breathing well
- You might get to hold baby on your chest for “skin-to-skin” time
Baby’s First Look 👀
Your new baby might surprise you!
- Many babies look a bit squished at first
- Their head might be a funny shape from being born
- Some have puffy eyes
- They might have fine hair on their shoulders and back
Don’t worry! This is all normal and will change soon.
Sleeping and Eating 💤🍼
Your baby will have two main jobs:
- Sleeping (up to 16-18 hours a day!)
- Eating (every 2-3 hours, day AND night)
Diapers, Diapers, Diapers! 💩
Get ready for diaper changes!
- Day 1: About 1-2 wet diapers
- Day 2-3: 3-4 wet diapers
- By day 4: 6+ wet diapers every day
The first poop (called “meconium”) looks like black tar. It’s normal! After a few days, the poop will change color.
Hospital Stay 🏥
Most moms and babies stay in the hospital for:
- 1-2 days after a vaginal birth
- 2-4 days after a C-section birth
During this time:
- Nurses will teach you baby care tips
- Doctors check that you and baby are healthy
- You can ask lots of questions!
Baby Tests and Checks 🩺
Your baby will have:
- A hearing test
- A tiny heel prick for important blood tests
- Daily check-ups by doctors or nurses
The American Academy of Pediatrics says these tests help make sure your baby starts life healthy.
Visitors or Rest? 🛌
You might want everyone to meet your baby right away! Or you might want quiet time. Both are OK!
- It’s fine to ask visitors to wait
- It’s also fine to have close family visit
- Your rest matters too!
Feelings Can Be Big 😊😢
Many new parents have big feelings:
- Happy tears
- Tired tears
- Worried tears
- All the tears!
Going Home Day! 🏠
Before going home:
- Make sure you have a safe car seat
- Know when to call the doctor
- Set up your first check-up (usually 3-5 days after birth)
Remember This! ❤️
The first days with your baby can feel like a lot! You are learning to be a parent, and your baby is learning to be in the world. Be kind to yourself.
As the saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Even when you’re tired, try to enjoy these special first days with your new little one!
