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Bringing a baby home after giving birth can be both thrilling and tough for parents. Coming home with your baby after the maternity ward makes you feel odd since hospital organization is very different from life at home. Don’t forget to secure the car seat according to the guidelines, have what your baby needs ready and ensure the home feels warm and welcome for your baby. Here, we’ll show you everything you should consider to make your transition without any struggles. Whether you are starting your parenting journey or welcoming another child, our blog has you covered.
When to Bring the Baby Home From the Hospital
Usually, newborns can go home a day or two following a vaginal birth and about two to three days if a cesarean section is involved. However, the exact timing depends on several factors, including:
- The baby's health: Before you take your baby home, important health tests for hearing, jaundice, weight and more will be done.
- The mother's recovery: Managing pain, getting back on your feet and managing any related issues following childbirth affects the overall period.
- Feeding progress: Before sending you home, make sure your baby can feed well, be it with breastmilk or formula.
- Pediatrician approval: Your hospital’s pediatrician will assess your baby to make sure they are ready to go home.
If your baby is born early or there are complications, their health may need to be checked and treated for a longer period. Have the medical staff give you advice, and do not hesitate to ask questions about your baby leaving the hospital.
How to Prepare Before Bringing the Newborn Home
Having your baby come home is an exciting time, but having everything planned can help you remain calm. You can follow this checklist to prepare, choose the necessary gear and follow the useful steps:
- Set Up a Comfortable Way to Carry Baby
Once you get back home, use the Momcozy WeeSnug Newborn Baby Carrier to carry your baby and keep your hands free. You can easily carry your baby in comfort up to six months of age using this carrier.
- Safety & Monitoring
Install the Momcozy Smart Baby Monitor prior to the arrival of your baby. You can check what your baby is doing and say from a distance using the camera, giving you more peace of mind.
- Clothing for Your Newborn
It is necessary to use comfortable, breathable clothing for newborn babies. You should have 4–6 bodysuits or onesies, along with 2–4 pairs of footed sleepers and a good blanket, plus soft hats and mittens to help you dress your baby according to the weather. One way to help babies sleep more safely and quickly is by swaddling them. Always pre-wash baby clothes with a fragrance-free detergent before you use them.
- Install the Car Seat
A rear-facing infant car seat is required to leave the hospital. Install it at least a few weeks before your due date. Use the LATCH system or seatbelt per the manufacturer's instructions, and get it inspected at a local safety check station if available.
- Prepare a Safe Sleep Area
Pick a crib, bassinet or sleeping space and place it next to your bed, making sure the mattress is firm and the sheet you use is fitted. Take away all pillows, toys and loose blankets to avoid suffocating your child as she sleeps.
- Stock Up on Diapering Supplies
Gather plenty of newborn diapers, a good amount of unscented baby wipes, some diaper rash cream and a changing pad. Fill a small carrier or caddy with everything you need for diaper changes to keep it close and handy.
- Feeding Essentials
If you are nursing or using a formula, have at least one nursing pillow or bottle as well as burp cloths, bibs and, if necessary, a breast pump nearby. Make sure you can clean or dry your baby’s feeding tools every day, like in a sterilizer or drying rack.
- Bathing & Hygiene
Prepare the baby bathtub, buy gentle washing products, get soft towels and washcloths and they are ready for the bath. A small infant nail file or clippers can help you safely trim your baby’s nails.
How to Handle the Drive Home With Your Newborn
Making the trip home from the hospital after childbirth feels exciting, emotional and a little stressful. Let’s discuss how to make the move easy and secure for you and your family.
- Use a Properly Installed Car Seat
Install your infant’s rear-facing car seat in the back seat and, if possible, center it so that it is not near airbags. The harness needs to be snug, with the chest clip placed just above your child’s armpit.
- Dress Your Baby Appropriately
Avoid bulky clothing or thick coats. Dress your newborn in a soft onesie, and use a blanket over the harness if it’s cold. Overheating is a risk, so keep the car’s temperature comfortable.
- Secure the Carrier Correctly
Double-check the base is locked in place, and the car seat is level. Ensure the harness straps are snug and your baby’s head is well-supported to prevent slumping forward.
- Keep the Ride Calm and Quiet
Drive slowly and smoothly, especially around corners and overbumps. Keep music low and avoid sudden stops. It’s best to have another adult in the backseat with the baby if possible.
- Plan a Short Trip
Go directly home without unnecessary stops. If it’s a longer ride, make sure to take a break after 1–2 hours to check on your baby, following the "2-hour car seat rule" for newborns.
- Stay Focused and Calm
This may be your most cautious drive ever, and that’s okay. Give yourself plenty of time, drive defensively, and know that with preparation, you’ve got this.
What to Do When Arriving Home With Your Newborn
Having your baby in your home for the first time is an emotional occasion that signals the start of your new daily life. Here, we’ve listed the main steps to follow and useful products to have during your first hours at home.
- Settle In and Keep Baby Close
Once inside, keep your baby close to your body to provide comfort and regulate their body temperature. The Momcozy WeeSnug Newborn Baby Carrier is perfect for this. Designed for 0–6 months, it offers secure, hands-free bonding while you move around the house.
- Create a Safe Sleep Space
Ensure the bed for your child is prepared and safe for use. You should always use a fitted sheet and a firm, thick mattress with a crib, bassinet or co-sleeper. When your baby goes to sleep, always place them on their back and remove any blankets, toys, bumpers or pillows from the bed.
- Set Up and Use a Baby Monitor
To keep a watchful eye on your infant while they sleep, place the Momcozy Smart Baby Monitor on their bed. There’s no need for you to step outside and babysit your baby since you can hear and see everything in realtime.
- Feed Your Newborn
Whether day or night, feeding your newborn every 2-3 hours should become an ultimate must for you. Finding a peaceful place to feed your baby, whether you are in the home or elsewhere, is important. While feeding your baby, it is useful to have cleaning supplies, nursing pillows, bottles and a supply of formula ready nearby. Regularly recording feedings will help your baby develop habits and be ready for meals.
- Change Diapers Frequently
For the first few weeks, you should change the diaper about 8 to 12 times a day. You should keep unscented wipes, diapers, diaper creams and hand sanitizers in your change area. Always make sure to clean your hands both before and after changing your infant, and never leave your child alone on the changing table.
- Monitor Baby’s Temperature and Behavior
Observe your baby’s meals, how often they urinate or pass stools and how they behave. Watch for less pee in the diapers, yellowing of the skin, more sleep than usual or signs of the baby being agitated. Check your newborn’s temperature with a digital thermometer; call your doctor immediately if it rises above 100.4°F (38°C).
- Keep the Environment Calm
Make sure your house is clean, serene and pleasing. Keep your home quiet, don’t let anyone use strong perfumes, and try to keep the number of visitors to a minimum. You might try using sound to relax your baby, soften the lighting at bedtime and slowly let pets and siblings around your baby.
Family and Friends
Family and friends are often full of excitement and want to meet the baby and help out after a newborn is welcomed. While everything they provide is so important, paying attention to visits and rules from the start helps both parents and their children.
- Set Clear Boundaries
Tell other people in advance what kind of visits you would like. You should consider not having many or long visits for the first couple of weeks so you and your baby can heal properly.
- Prioritize Your and Baby’s Needs
Take this opportunity to get closer, unwind and create your daily routines. When you feel exhausted or stressed, it’s okay to ask to see people later or need some alone time.
- Encourage Help Beyond Visits
There are various ways your family and friends can support you aside from just greeting you. They might fix dinner, pick up needed items at stores, assist with chores or care for your children to help you relax.
- Practice Hygiene
Ask your guests not to come over if they are currently sick. It’s best to keep babies away from germs since their immune system is still weak and not yet protected by vaccines.
- Manage Gift Expectations
A present is a generous gesture, but you shouldn’t feel pressured to give one. In the initial stages, anything that helps change the baby’s diaper or feed them will be more useful than clothes or toys.
When Should You Call the Doctor After Bringing Your Baby Home?
It's completely normal to have questions and concerns in those first days at home with your newborn. While many things are part of normal adjustment, there are times when it’s best to call your pediatrician.
Reach out to your doctor if you notice:
- A fever(4°F / 38°C or higher, taken rectally)
- Poor feeding or refusing to eat for more than one or two feedings
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers a day after the first few days
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes(possible jaundice)
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking baby to feed
- Trouble breathing(fast, noisy, or labored breathing)
- Persistent crying or signs of discomfort that don't improve
- Umbilical cord issues, like redness, swelling, or pus
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, no tears, or a sunken soft spot
Also, don’t hesitate to call if something just doesn’t feel right. Trust your instincts — you're learning your baby better than anyone.
What Is the Hardest Week With a Newborn?
While the early weeks at home can be physically and emotionally intense, research shows that week 6 is often the hardest for most parents. Around this time, babies tend to reach their peak in crying and fussiness — a normal phase in newborn development. You’re likely running on very little sleep, adjusting to constant feedings and diaper changes, and trying to soothe a baby who may be harder to calm than before. It’s a lot, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
This phase is temporary. Most babies begin to settle down after week 6, with crying gradually decreasing by weeks 8 to 12.
FAQ
How to bring the baby home from the hospital without a car?
If you do not have a car, you can book a taxi firm that provides an approved car seat for your infant. Whenever you are out with the baby, make sure they are secured in the car seat, in line with hospital rules. If you are interested, many places in the community offer to move you or rent you a car seat for your newborn, so check ahead of time.
Can you leave the hospital after having a baby without a car seat?
The answer is no—some regulations in hospitals and from federal or state agencies may mean you have to use an infant car seat when you go home. It ensures that your baby is fully secured in your car on the way home. You may be required to prove that your car seat fits the guidelines before you are allowed to head home.
What is the newborn 2-hour rule?
It’s important to feed your baby every two or three hours by using the 2-hour rule, not just when they appear hungry. When babies are fed regularly, they stay healthy and learn the importance of good nutrition.
Conclusion
Although having your baby at home is something wonderful, it also means you need to look after them. Ensuring safe transport, comfortable beds, proper feeding, diapering and gentle surroundings is the most important task. Be sure that you and your baby are healthy and cared for. If you have the right support and make a good plan, you can make your first days at home comfortable, safe, and loving.
