Bringing Baby Home
A Parent’s Guide to a Happy Homecoming
As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, we know there's a mix of excitement and "What do I do now?!" feelings. Taking the time to set up your home and plan ahead can make the transition from hospital to home much smoother. Here are some tips on getting organized and feeling prepared for that precious first homecoming.
Top 3 Things To Prepare
Car Seat
Crib
Changing Area
Car Seat: The Most Important Purchase
A properly installed car seat is non-negotiable for your baby's first ride home. Don't wait until the last minute!
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Read the Manuals: Read both the car seat manual and your car's owner manual to ensure you understand the installation process
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Get It Checked: Many local fire stations, police departments, or hospitals offer free car seat safety checks. Schedule an appointment a few weeks before your due date to have a certified technician ensure it's installed correctly. It's a small step that provides huge peace of mind
JERSEY CITY RESIDENTS - Free Inspections by JCMC EMS
JCMC EMS Building
415 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Thursdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Harness Rules: The harness should be snug and positioned at or below the baby's shoulders. The chest clip should be at armpit level
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Expiration Date: Believe it or not, car seats expire! The plastic is only rated to last for so many years (typically 4-6) so check the packaging or the seat itself make sure yours was manufactured recently
The Nursery: Safety First, Style Second
You've probably spent countless hours dreaming up the perfect nursery, but the most important thing is a safe and functional space.
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Bare is Best: The safest sleep environment is a crib with only a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. Avoid bumpers, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals, as these can increase the risk of SIDS
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Location Matters: Place the crib away from windows, cords, and blinds. Make sure it's not near any furniture the baby could climb on as they grow
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Assembly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. Double-check that all screws and bolts are tight
The Darker, the Better: Your baby is used to the darkness of the womb so a very dark sleep environment helps them transition to the world
Want the Perfect Nursey?
Mike's Take
Learn from our co-founder's experience
Expired Car Seat ⁉️⁉️
"So we had our car seat installed four weeks before our due date and took it to get inspected. It's a good thing we did because ours was made in 2020 so it was only good for another year. Fortunately we were able to replace it on time."
⚠️ Avoid This! ⚠️
"I knew the (new) car seat was perfectly installed, but what I didn't know was that center buckle could be moved further out to accommodate a larger baby.
When we got our little girl strapped in for the first time and did the buckles, she started screaming. We thought it was because the car was totally new, but we only made it two blocks before we had to pull over.
We saw that the plastic buckles were digging into her little legs. After a frantic re-reading of the manual, we adjusted the buckles and got on the way - no more tears.
I recommend avoiding this experience. She was totally fine, but nothing shakes your confidence quite like seeing your child in pain the first time you're alone with them."
The Changing Area: Well-Stocked & Accessible
Ergonomics: Whether you use a changing table or a mat on the floor, make sure it's at a comfortable height for you. Your back will thank you!
Stock Up: Keep all your essentials within arm's reach but out of the baby's reach. This includes diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and a change of clothes. You never want to leave your baby unattended, even for a second, so having everything right there is key.
Storage: Consider a diaper caddy or rolling cart to easily move supplies to different areas of the house.
Not Sure If You Need Something or Don't Know What It Does?
Mike's Take
Learn from our co-founder's experience
Expired Car Seat ⁉️⁉️
"So we had our car seat installed four weeks before our due date and took it to get inspected. It's a good thing we did because ours was made in 2020 so it was only good for another year. Fortunately we were able to replace it on time."
⚠️ Avoid This! ⚠️
"I knew the (new) car seat was perfectly installed, but what I didn't know was that center buckle could be moved further out to accommodate a larger baby.
When we got our little girl strapped in for the first time and did the buckles, she started screaming. We thought it was because the car was totally new, but we only made it two blocks before we had to pull over.
We saw that the plastic buckles were digging into her little legs. After a frantic re-reading of the manual, we adjusted the buckles and got on the way - no more tears.
I recommend avoiding this experience. She was totally fine, but nothing shakes your confidence quite like seeing your child in pain the first time you're alone with them."
Tips for an Easier Adjustment
The first few weeks are a beautiful blur. Here's what you can do now to make that time less stressful.
Cook and freeze as many meals as possible: You won't have the energy to grocery shop or cook and having a hot meal ready to go is a lifesaver.
Set Up "Stations": Besides the changing area, think about creating other "stations" around your home. A feeding station with a comfortable chair, a water bottle, and snacks. A burp cloth station in every room. The fewer times you have to hunt for something while holding a newborn, the better.
Communicate: Talk with your partner about your expectations for the first few weeks. Who will handle what? How will you support each other? Having a plan helps you work as a team when you're both running on no sleep.
Practice Self-Care: Remember that you are adjusting, too. Don't be afraid to ask for help, say no to visitors, and prioritize rest. Your physical and mental well-being are just as important as your baby's.
Welcoming a baby into your home is an incredible journey. By taking a few steps now to prepare your space and mind, you can focus on what truly matters: connecting with your new family member.
We're here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about newborn care, sleep, or anything else, our expert coaches are ready to help you navigate this new chapter.
