As long as your baby is warm, loved and well-fed he will be happy!

If you’re a new mother or even if you’ve done it all before, bringing baby home can make you feel a bit anxious. The trick is to be prepared and to remember that mums all over the world have done it before.

Bonding
New mothers may have fears about handling babies. Babies are fragile, it’s true, but not quite as delicate as you might imagine. When picking them up, always be sure to support their necks. You also should avoid the soft spot on the tops of their heads. But don’t be afraid to hold them or carry them. You’ll do just fine if you’re careful.
Bonding with baby will most likely come naturally to you. After all, you’ve known your baby for the past nine months. Your partner might need a little extra help, though. It’s not uncommon for dads to feel a little left out in the beginning. Give your partner plenty of baby time and encourage him to touch and hold the baby. Physical skin-to-skin contact will create bonding and babies love and need to be touched.

Crying
Babies like to cry – a lot. They cry when they’re hungry, when they’re wet and in need of a change, when they’re tired, and often for absolutely no reason. Sometimes, no matter what you do, they continue to cry until you feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Remember, all mothers have moments like this. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – from your partner, your mother, your sister, your friends. Sometimes, just a few moments to yourself, in a hot bath or taking a quick nap, can help you feel calm and ready to take over again.
Learn the little tricks that will comfort your baby. Some babies love the feeling of motion; it’s something they were quite used to in your womb. A quick drive around the block in the car seat, a little time being rocked, or even a soothing stroll through the house on your shoulder, will put them right to sleep.

Soothing
Make your baby’s environment a soothing one: low lights, low noise, soft surroundings. Babies like to be talked to. Sing, hum, read poetry, tell him how beautiful he is. The sound of your voice will both soothe his spirit and stimulate his mind.

Sleeping
Pregnant women are often advised to cherish their sleep time, because when baby comes home, sleep is a precious commodity. Babies are on a different sleep schedule than mums and dads. For the first few months, at least, they will wake up every few hours, needing to be fed and comforted. You’ll feel exhausted often and will need to make up some sleep time during the day. Try to take a nap during the day when your baby naps. To get your baby on a more regular sleep schedule, try keeping the lights on when he naps during the day and making the room dim when he naps at night. It will take some time, but eventually that magic moment will come – you baby will finally sleep though the night.
Be sure, when you put your baby to bed that you always put him to sleep on his back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Also make sure you keep heavy blankets, pillows and stuffed animals away from him. Babies are unable to lift their heads to avoid suffocation.

Feeding
Breastfeeding is best for your baby: it provides the nutrients your baby needs and also gives you and your little one plenty of bonding time. Newborns generally need to eat every two hours and will let you know they’re hungry by crying, putting their fingers in their mouths, or making sucking noises.

Changing diapers
Newborns need a lot of diaper changes. In the beginning, they’ll probably need to be changed about ten times a day. New mothers have a lot of options when it comes to diapers: old-fashioned cloth diapers, disposable brands, and newer biodegradable ones that can even be flushed. Whatever you choose, be sure to have plenty and always pack extra when you leave the house.
Be sure to keep you baby’s bottom dry to avoid diaper rash. And most importantly never leave your child alone on a changing table for even a moment. When you least expect it, a baby can roll and fall. Have everything you need – diapers, wipes, extra clothes – where you can grab them easily.

Taking care of yourself
In the beginning, your baby will demand all your attention, night and day. It’s important to remember, though, that you need to give yourself a little attention too. You’ve just had a baby! You are physically exhausted, sleep-deprived, and perhaps recovering from a Caesarean or difficult birth. Take all the extra help you can. Don’t worry about a messy house – let people visit and let them help you out by cleaning, cooking, or watching your baby. Take naps with your baby. Be sure to eat well, for both you and your little one. Try to find some time for yourself, to read a book, relax in bed, or take a soothing bath. And remember, it will get easier.