How to Bring a Baby Home From the Hospital
It doesn't take long for life to change completely. From the moment you drove up to the hospital to give birth to the moment you climb back into the car, a new world of worry and joy will have opened up inside you, and leaving the security of the hospital is understandably a bit harrowing, especially if your baby has any health complications. Remember that millions of new parents have gone through the same thing, and take heart in the knowledge that your parental instincts will serve you well.
Things You'll Need
- Clothing for baby
- Clothing for you
- Car seat
Instructions
Ask the nurses and doctors any final questions you have. If you need one more lesson in diapering or breastfeeding or a reminder of how to clean his umbilical stump, speak up -- and take notes if necessary. Talk to your doctor about scheduling your newborn's first checkup, and alert him if you're feeling sad, irritable or abnormally anxious since giving birth. Ask your doctor for a list of warning signs that indicate your child needs medical attention. This is especially important when bringing home a preemie or a baby born with complications, but it's helpful information even for a healthy newborn. Ask what to do if your baby won't eat or doesn't produce frequent dirty diapers once you get home, and ask what temperature warrants a call to the doctor. If your baby requires medications, ask for written instructions for administering them. Dress your baby in layers that would feel comfortable to you, suggests KidsHealth.org. In summer, he can wear a light cotton outfit or a simple onesie topped with a light blanket to protect him from sun exposure; if everyone else is wearing multiple layers, bundle him in warm clothes and a thick blanket. Complete any discharge paperwork. Pack up all your belongings and get dressed in loose clothing. Say good-bye to the staff who assisted you and enjoy being wheeled out of the hospital by a staff member. (Send your partner ahead to get the car if it's raining, snowing or extremely hot or cold.) Remove your baby's blanket or coat and gently set him in his rear-facing car seat. Snap the three- or five-point harness around your baby, adjusting the straps so they fit him snugly. According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, when the harness is fitted properly, the straps will be too taut to grab a pinch of material, and the top of the chest clip will be level with the infant's armpits. Tuck his blanket or coat across the front of his body once he's buckled, as it's unsafe for him to wear bulky layers of material under the harness. Drive home and carry baby inside. If you have pets, let your partner go in first to close them in another room for now. Remind older children to use quiet voices and not to pick the baby up or hold him without your permission. Make a point to show older children affection and celebrate their new "big sibling" roles. Let your baby set the schedule, unless his doctor has advised otherwise. Feed your baby on demand, says the Mayo Clinic, rather than trying to put him on a set schedule. Watch for lip movements and stirring, as these are early signs of hunger. Expect him to sleep much of the time when he's not eating.
