What to Do in the First Week With a Newborn — 15 Things Nobody Tells You About Those First Days

Bringing home a brand-new baby is one of the most beautiful moments of your life. It is also one of the most overwhelming. If you are wondering what to do in the first week with a newborn, please know that you are not alone.

Many moms spend months preparing for labor and delivery, only to realize that nobody really explains what those first few days at home will actually feel like. Your body is recovering, your emotions are all over the place, and suddenly you are responsible for a tiny human who seems to need something every few minutes.

The good news is that you do not need to be perfect. Your newborn does not need a perfect mom. Your baby simply needs you, your love, and your care. Let’s talk about the most important things to focus on during that first week.

1. Focus on Feeding Your Baby Often

One of the most important things to do during the first week is feed your baby regularly.

Newborns usually eat every 2 to 3 hours, and sometimes even more often. Whether you are breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding, frequent feeding helps your baby stay hydrated and supports healthy growth.

Many new moms worry they are doing something wrong because their baby seems hungry all the time. In reality, frequent feeding is completely normal during the newborn stage.

2. Learn Your Baby’s Hunger Cues

Crying is actually a late sign of hunger.

Watch for early cues such as:

• Sucking on hands
• Smacking lips
• Opening and closing the mouth
• Rooting toward your chest
• Becoming more alert

Responding to these signals early can make feeding time much calmer for both you and your baby.

3. Prioritize Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin time offers incredible benefits for newborns.

Holding your baby against your chest helps regulate body temperature, supports breastfeeding, promotes bonding, and can even help calm a fussy baby. It also releases hormones that help you feel more connected and confident as a new mom.

Even a few minutes several times a day can make a difference.

4. Sleep Whenever You Can

Nobody tells you how exhausting newborn sleep can be.

Your baby may sleep 16 to 18 hours per day, but those hours are usually broken into short stretches. That means you may only get small windows of rest.

Forget the laundry and dishes when possible. If your baby is sleeping and you are tired, rest too.

5. Keep Track of Diapers

Monitoring diapers helps you know if your baby is eating enough.

During the first week, healthcare providers often ask about:

• Wet diapers
• Dirty diapers
• Stool color changes
• Feeding frequency

A simple notebook or phone app can help you keep track without relying on sleep-deprived memory.

6. Attend All Newborn Checkups

Your baby’s first pediatrician appointment is very important.

Doctors check weight gain, feeding progress, jaundice, and overall health. These visits give you a chance to ask questions and get reassurance about anything that feels confusing.

Never feel embarrassed about asking what seems like a small question. Every new parent has them.

7. Learn Safe Sleep Basics

Safe sleep is one of the most important newborn care topics.

Always place your baby:

• On their back
• On a firm mattress
• In a safety-approved crib or bassinet
• Without blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals

These simple habits help reduce sleep-related risks and create a safer sleeping environment.

8. Accept Help Without Guilt

Many moms feel pressure to do everything themselves.

The truth is that recovering from birth while caring for a newborn is a huge job. If family or friends offer help, consider saying yes.

You can ask them to:

• Bring meals
• Fold laundry
• Watch older children
• Run errands
• Hold the baby while you shower

Accepting support is not weakness. It is smart motherhood.

9. Take Care of Your Recovery Too

Your body needs healing time.

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, recovery takes weeks. Rest, hydration, nutritious meals, and following your healthcare provider’s instructions can help support healing.

Many moms focus entirely on the baby and forget their own needs. You matter too.

10. Expect Emotional Ups and Downs

The first week can feel surprisingly emotional.

You may feel happy, grateful, nervous, exhausted, and overwhelmed all within the same hour. Hormone shifts, sleep deprivation, and the huge life adjustment of becoming a parent all play a role.

These feelings are common. Talk openly with someone you trust if you need support.