The first night: what to expect on the first night with your newborn

As a first-time parent, the prospect of leaving the supportive and safe bubble of the hospital and tackling the first night with your newborn can be overwhelming. You’ve researched labour and birth, even what to expect in the first few months, but what about the first 48 hours?

We understand this might be a completely new experience for you, and we're here to offer guidance and reassurance. The initial nights with your newborn blend amazement with a challenge, and it's normal not to have all the answers.

In this blog, we'll walk you through what to expect on that crucial first night at home and provide tips to ease the transition into parenthood.

Understanding the New Mother Experience

The first night at home can bring a wave of emotions, especially for new mothers. Pain, exhaustion, and feeling overwhelmed are common experiences.

Night sweats and breast milk leakage are also normal as your body undergoes hormonal changes. To help ease these discomforts, consider using lightweight sheets, sleeping on a towel, cooling your body down with a washcloth, and staying hydrated with cold water before bedtime.

Whether you're breastfeeding or not, night-feeds become a prominent part of the new mother experience. The stress on your body and brain from the lack of sleep can be substantial. It's important to remember that these moments of wakefulness are temporary and serve a vital purpose in nourishing and bonding with your newborn.

Try to nap during the day when your baby sleeps, enlist the help of a partner or support system, and create a soothing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help and prioritise self-care during this demanding but rewarding phase. Your well-being is crucial for both you and your baby. Embrace the journey and take things one step at a time.

Basic Principles for a Peaceful Night

Where your baby sleeps, what they sleep in, and the surrounding temperature all play a role in a peaceful night. There are also some other key factors you might find useful to know:

• Short sleep cycles. Understand that you may not get much sleep initially. Newborns don't follow a nighttime sleep pattern- they may sleep for up to 18–19 hours in short intervals throughout the day.
• Noisy sleepers. It's normal for babies to be noisy sleepers due to their short sleep cycles. However, be vigilant and seek medical attention if you notice any concerning signs such as rapid breathing, grunting noises, long pauses in breathing, skin discolouration, fever, or lethargy.
• Frequent feeding and nappy changes. Newborns wake up every couple of hours for feeding, and frequent nappy changes. Our sleepsuits with two-way zips (product link) are designed for speed and ease during changes, and we have also developed sleepsuits (product link) with a copper popper to guide you effortlessly after a long night.

Embracing the Challenge

While the first night at home may seem daunting, it's entirely normal to feel a mixture of emotions.

Share your worries with your partner or family members; they can provide reassurance and support. Even if you're breastfeeding, your partner or family can assist with nappy changes and other non-feeding tasks.

Remember, it takes time to adjust to this new way of life, and with each passing night, the challenges will become more manageable. Soon enough, nighttime will feel less like a hurdle and more like a cherished part of your parenting journey.