Your baby’s first night: Essential tips for new parents
Bringing your newborn home is exciting, but the first night can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Remember, your baby is still learning how to eat, breathe, recognize your voice, and make sense of their new surroundings - and crying is how your newborn knows how to communicate. Between feeding, diaper changes, and soothing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With a little preparation and a calm mindset, your baby’s first night at home can be a smoother, more manageable experience for both of you.
Preparing for the first night home with your newborn
A safe and comfortable sleep space is crucial. Whether you choose a crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper, setting it up before the baby arrives reduces stress. A Charlie Crane crib is an excellent choice, blending safety, comfort, and modern design to help your little one settle in. Keep the room at a cozy temperature between 68 and 72°F, dim the lights, and consider soft white noise to mimic the womb environment.
It also helps to have all first week essentials within arm’s reach - diapers, wipes, burp cloths, swaddle blankets, and a baby monitor. Most importantly, adjust your mindset: the first night rarely goes perfectly, and that’s completely normal. Flexibility and patience are your allies.
Feeding during the night
Feeding is often the longest part of the first nights, with many newborn babies feeding every 2-3 hours. Breastfeeding parents can focus on proper latch and positioning, and cluster feeding in the evening can sometimes help the baby sleep for longer stretches. For those bottle-feeding, having bottles prepped and formula ready can save valuable time. Remember to burp your baby after every feed!
Soothing and comforting your newborn baby
Every baby is unique, but a few strategies can help them feel secure. Swaddling or using a sleep sack often gives babies the sense of safety they need. Gentle rocking or patting can help them drift off to sleep, and soft white noise or lullabies can mimic the familiar sounds of the womb. If your baby continues to cry, check for gas, discomfort, or another underlying need, but respond calmly and patiently.
Diapering at night
Nighttime diaper changes don’t have to fully wake your baby. Change diapers only when necessary and keep lights dim and movements slow to signal that it’s still sleep time. Have all supplies nearby for quick, efficient changes so your baby can go back to sleep more easily.
Caring for yourself
Your well-being is just as important as your baby’s. Napping when your baby naps or taking shifts with a partner can help you get some rest. Managing anxiety is key - remind yourself that imperfect nights are normal, and small wins are worth celebrating. Accept help from family or friends if it’s offered, even if it’s just a short break to recharge. Balancing your body's needs with those of your child can feel challenging, but it's vital for your physical and mental health.
The first night with your newborn is a learning experience for both baby and parents as well as a complex and profound emotional experience, especially for new parents, marked by a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and fatigue. These feelings are normal and reflect the significance of this transitionary period.
Recognizing and validating your feelings is crucial so you can approach this next step in your life with gentleness toward yourself. Prioritize open communication with your partner or reach out to your community for support during this time. Celebrate small successes, whether it’s a full feed or a two-hour stretch of sleep. With a well-prepared sleep space, soothing routines, and tools like a Charlie Crane crib, the first night can be a positive start to your family’s journey. Patience, calm, and self-compassion are the keys to navigating these precious early hours.
Looking for more postpartum advice? Explore the Parenting Tips blog and check out Postpartum traditions around the world and The benefits and challenges of breastfeeding and formula feeding for helpful recovery methods and feeding tips!
At Doona, we’re committed to making parenting simple for every family. That's why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat and Stroller, transforming from car seat to a stroller in seconds; and Liki Trike, the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside your toddler from 10-36 months.
