GETTING STARTED
Find a local stockist
Enter a Postcode / Town to find the nearest store.
The wait is over, and it is time to bring your baby home from hospital. But remember that life will never be the same again, and you may need a little time to adjust to your new role – so be sure to make the most of any offers of help.
In some cultures it is the norm for women to spend a period of time in bed after birth, to allow their body to recuperate and to get to know their baby. To some this may seem like an impossible luxury, to others a nightmare, but the basic idea of getting lots of rest and concentrating on your new-born is a sound one.
Try not to worry about housework, even though you may be receiving lots of visitors. Better still, encourage your partner to take control in this area. Dad will want to feel an important part of your new family, and so should happily share nappy changing, bathing and other duties. Read our helpful tips for dads in the early days to discover more advice.
Visiting procedures may differ according to where you live, but generally you will receive at least two visits from a midwife, and then at least one from a health visitor. You can always telephone them between visits if you need to.
This need not be scary, but remember that new-borns lose heat quickly, so make sure the room is warm, towels are ready, and the bath lasts no longer than 10 minutes. You do not need to bath your new-born baby every day, tap water may dry your baby’s skin, so you may prefer to ‘top and tail’ for the first few days. Cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water for the face can reduce the risk of eye infections.
Make sure that you care for your baby's umbilical cord stump by making sure it is clean and dry at all times to promote healing. If you notice any smell, or the cord stump is sticky or bleeding, let your midwife or other health professional know, as this may indicate an infection. The stump should fall off after around a week.
Enjoy this time with baby!!
These first few weeks with your baby may be one of the only times in your life when you have an excuse not to get dressed, have all your meals prepared for you, and can rest as much as possible - so make the most of this special time with your new baby.
Don't forget to familiarise yourself with baby's first feed by reading our handy guide.
