Everything You Need to Prepare for the First Night Home with Your Baby

The first night back home from the hospital is usually joyful but exhausting. You’ve spent at least a night in the hospital, and hopefully, your baby was relatively calm during that night. Your first night home, however, may be more eventful. Preparing can help. From having baby blankets ready for swaddling to having everything prepared for nighttime feedings, ensuring you are ready for your baby to come home before they are actually home can cut down stress during a highly stressful time. Here are the essentials for your baby’s first night home. 
Baby Blankets

A Bassinet for Safe Sleeping

Have somewhere for safe sleep already set up before you come home from the hospital. Many new parents opt for a stand-alone bassinet that they can keep close to the bed.

Baby Blankets for Swaddling

Have at least one receiving blanket ready to swaddle your little one. This not only keeps them warm but helps fight the Moro reflex, which can otherwise startle your baby awake. You may receive a swaddle from the hospital, but having extras will help in case it gets dirty, such as during feedings.

White Noise for Masking Sounds

A white noise machine can help mask other sounds in the house, such as you walking around for a drink of water in the middle of the night. It also helps mimic the sound of being in the womb, where everything was loud, creating a comforting sound.

Diapers and Wipes for Nighttime Changes

Have a designated place for diapers and wipes for nighttime changes. You may want to keep a portable changing pad in your room if the bassinet is in your bedroom. You can also set up a changing table, either in your bedroom or in the nursery.

Ointment for Protecting Skin

Having ointment to protect the skin can help between diaper changes overnight. It creates a protective, moisturizing barrier for the skin.

Bottles for Feeding

If you are using formula, make sure you have clean bottles and formula ready. It can be helpful to have a few different kinds of bottles, as each baby is different and will have different preferences. The same goes for formula—some babies react better to different brands and kinds of formula than others. If you are breastfeeding, you may want a pump, even for the first night, just in case or to help you build supply.

Burp Cloths for Nighttime Feeding

No matter how you are feeding, you will have to burp your baby. Keep a stack of burp cloths nearby to your chosen feeding spot. These will help keep both you and your baby dry and clean due to spit-up incidents.

About aden + anais

aden + anais’ signature super-soft cotton muslin products have been a favorite of parents since their 2006 debut. Their super-soft blankets, preferred by parents and gift-givers alike, are highly versatile. From swaddling a sleeping baby to providing shade in a stroller, or acting as an emergency burp cloth, they can do it all and were named as an essential baby item by readers of Parents Magazine. aden + anais provides both new and seasoned parents with cute, practical, and stylish baby necessities. Their product design focuses on safety, comfort, simplicity, and style. Their Insta-worthy, high-quality products include burp cloths, blankets, swaddles, and more.

Shop aden + anais for first night baby essentials at Adenandanais.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What Is Swaddling and Why Should You Do It?

The 7 Best Gifts for First-Time Parents

8 Things to Leave at Baby’s Grandparents’ House