Taking Baby Home From the Hospital

Bringing your little bundle of joy home from the hospital is a big event and can also be a little scary. But it is just a matter of being well prepared and then keeping alert to any signs that your newborn is having any problems. If any symptoms occur, call your doctor immediately.

Most new mothers fret about what baby will wear on the trip home but forget that they will also need to be prepared for the trip as well. Make sure you have a comfortable, loose fitting outfit as you aren't likely to be able to wear the clothes you wore before you were pregnant. Pants with an elastic waistband or drawstring are a good option. Bring some roomy shoes that will be loose as your feet may be swollen. Now that you are ready, make sure you do not overdress your baby for the trip home. In warm weather the baby will need a light blanket because they do not regulate their body temperature very well yet and they get cold or warm more easily. If is it quite warm clothing your baby wears could be a t-shirt with diaper or some other appropriate warm weather outfit. Remember, your newborn will wiggle a lot so make the outfit something you can put on him with ease. If the weather is cold, again dress in appropriate clothing and cover baby with a heavier blanket. The size needed is unknown before your baby is born; you can bring outfits in preemie sizes and zero to size three.

The car seat should be installed before you bring baby home. Follow the instructions and then get it checked out by a qualified technician. Check the padding on the sides of the car seat. It needs to be thick enough to support your newborn's head. You can use a muslin cloth to support the baby's head is necessary; roll it up and put on the side so his head doesn't droop too much, although some drooping is normal. Thick blankets should not be used as your baby could suffocate. You might like to ride in the backseat with your baby, but leave him in the car seat. Never drive yourself home from the hospital. Have your husband, a friend or a family member drive you. You may still be tried and lacking your normal strength. Maybe you didn't get a lot of sleep while in the hospital.

Get the baby's crib or bassinet ready before you go to the hospital. Wash the sheets and make up the baby bed. Have two sizes of diapers at home already. You don't want to expose your newborn to germs by taking him into a store to buy diapers. Make sure to have any important phone numbers posted or programmed into your phone before you get home with your baby. These include your pediatrician and the emergency room. If you will breast feed have your lactation support phone numbers handy too.

It is a good idea to ask a friend ahead of time to be prepared to go shopping for you in case you forgot any essentials you will need. If you can, have someone cook dinner for you for several nights after you arrive home. This way you'll eat better as you'll tire more easily at first. Otherwise, planning ahead having some meals made that you can pop out of the freezer, thaw and heat up is a great way to go.

With all this planning you can bring your new baby home with confidence and joy.