When Baby and Mom come home from the hospital, the family has a new life to nurture. As the happy parents gaze down upon their sleeping infant they are overwhelmed with love and sometimes a little panic. After all, this tiny bundle is entirely their responsibility. Never fear – you will adjust to life with your infant. Some things will come naturally; many won’t. But as time passes, you will quickly pick up tips and tricks for caring for Baby.

Baby’s first year is filled with wonder. Relax and enjoy it. Before you know it all you’ll have to savor are the memories. During the first year of life, Baby will move through several stages. Each will be different and you will learn to cope with them all.

When Baby Arrives Home

The day you bring Baby home, reality will set in. It’s wonderful to be home, but friends and relatives have gathered and they’re all vying for a chance to hold Baby. Limit visits to twenty minutes the first day. Explain to everyone that you appreciate them dropping in but you need time to bond with Baby and to get some rest. Assure they you will invite them back soon for a visit with Baby.

Schedule Visits

Arrange a specific time for family and friends to drop by after the first week. Schedule visits individually, but spread them out over time. If everyone visits the same day, you will be exhausted and Baby will be upset from all the commotion.

Record Baby’s Homecoming

When you bring Baby home, walk through the house holding him and have Dad or someone else record the moment with a camcorder. If you don’t have a camcorder and don’t know anyone who does, be sure to take lots of snapshots.

Accept Help

If family members and friends offer to help, accept. They can do laundry, run errands, run the dishwasher, vacuum or prepare meals. This gives you more time to spend with Baby. If you have no family or friends close by, hire a cleaning service to help out. It will be the best money you’ve ever spent.