Taking Baby Home from the Hospital - What You Need to Know
Whether your baby comes home from hospital not long after being born, arrives a few days or weeks later perhaps after a stay in the neonatal unit or neonatal intensive care unit, or is through an adoption agency, the journey home with your new little one is always going to be an exciting, major event that you may have imagined many times before now. Here’s what you need to make sure that you are prepared for that first important journey as a new parent.
Leaving the hospital:
Many moms-to-be will pack some clothes and other items ready for the trip home before going to the hospital to give birth, or you might want to wait and see what the weather brings before asking your partner, relative or a friend to bring something for the new baby. In addition to warm, suitable clothing for your little one, pack some loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for yourself too. Bear in mind that babies are often overdressed for the trip home – dress your baby as you’d dress yourself for the weather; if it’s the middle of summer, they will probably not need a knitted hat and a cotton one will do just fine.
Before you leave, make sure that you have a conversation with your health care provider to determine when the baby’s first check-up should be scheduled for after leaving the hospital and get any further information you need. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be sent home with special equipment such as a monitor for checking breathing and heart rate if your baby was born prematurely.
The car trip:
For all new parents, the most important item that you can own is a proper child safety car seat. It is one of the best ways to protect your baby when traveling in the car and for this reason, all states require new parents to have one before leaving the hospital. You can find out more by reading this state regulations guide. Even if the trip home is only short, it’s never safe to hold your baby in your arms as you travel. Newborn babies should always be seated in a rear-facing car seat; you can choose to use either an infant seat or a convertible car seat, which you can change the position of as your child grows. Your baby should always be seated rear-facing in the rear seat of the car and never in the front.
Feelings and emotions:
Don’t be surprised if you are feeling mixed emotions as you bring your baby home, especially if you’ve just become a parent for the first time. It’s completely normal to be nervous and even terrified, whilst happy and excited at the same time. Make sure that you are prioritizing yourself and get support from family and friends if you need it. It’s not unusual for new moms to still feel tired, drained, and sore after the birth so go easy on yourself, go with the flow and make sure that you try and get some rest – even if that means napping when your baby does.
Do you have any advice for new parents bringing their baby home for the first time? We’d love to hear from you!