Before You Leave the Hospital
- Pack loose-fitting clothes with elastic or drawstrings—you likely won’t be in pre-pregnancy sizes yet.
- Dress your baby similarly to yourself. Layers are great, but skip hats or blankets if it’s too warm.
- Ask nurses, lactation consultants, and pediatric staff any last-minute questions before discharge.
- Confirm the date of your baby’s first doctor visit before heading home.
- If your baby needs special equipment (like a monitor for preemies), learn how to use it.
Discharge Timeline
Break the transition into phases so nothing gets missed in the excitement of going home.
24 Hours Before Discharge
- Confirm feeding is established (breast, formula, or combo) and ask for a lactation visit if needed.
- Request prescriptions for pain relief or baby medications early so the pharmacy has time.
- Wash baby’s going-home outfit and pack an extra in case of diaper blowouts.
Morning Of Discharge
- Time feeds so baby has a clean diaper and full belly before leaving.
- Have your partner bring the car seat upstairs so nurses can check fit.
- Schedule your own postpartum visit before walking out the door.
First 24 Hours at Home
- Keep baby in the same room for sleep to monitor breathing and temperature.
- Stick to skin-to-skin contact between feeds to calm everyone.
- Take vitals/ diaper notes for the pediatrician call-back if offered.
Car Seat Checklist
- Install a rear-facing infant-only seat or convertible seat before delivery and register it for recall notices.
- Visit a child passenger safety inspection station to ensure proper installation.
- Never place a rear-facing seat in the front seat—airbags can be deadly.
- Strap baby in snugly first, then place a blanket over the straps if it’s cold.
- Avoid used seats with unknown history, missing parts, or past crashes; check expiration dates.
Emotions & Expectations
What You Might Feel
- Mixed emotions are normal. Excitement, fear, or feeling overwhelmed can all happen in the same day.
- Your partner might feel sidelined—share roles so everyone feels included.
- If your labor was long or complicated, give yourself time to recover physically and emotionally.
- Sleeping when the baby sleeps and limiting commitments helps you adjust to unpredictable routines.
Support Strategies
- Normalize the Rollercoaster: Hormones, sleep deprivation, and new routines can trigger mood swings. Talk with your provider if feelings become intense.
- Lean on Support: Partners, friends, or relatives can help with meals, chores, or baby care so you can rest and heal.
- Stay Connected: Short check-ins with loved ones or support groups remind you that you’re not alone in the transition.
Setting Up the Home Front
- Introduce siblings with patience; consider “gifts from the baby” to ease jealousy.
- Let pets adjust slowly—bring home a blanket with baby’s scent before discharge and supervise interactions.
- Set visiting hours or ask your partner to limit guests so you can rest.
- Ask visitors to postpone if sick and wash hands before holding baby.
- Share baby updates via voicemail or email so you don’t repeat details all day.
Visitor Ground Rules
- Set expectations in advance: “We’re limiting visits to 30 minutes” or “Please call before stopping by.”
- Place hand sanitizer near the door and kindly ask guests to use it before holding baby.
- If the baby seems overstimulated, don’t hesitate to pause visits or ask guests to return another day.
Create Functional Zones
Feeding Station
- Water bottle and easy snacks for parents
- Burp cloths, nursing pillow, formula/ pumping supplies
- Nightlight and charging cords
Diaper HQ
- Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, hand sanitizer
- Portable caddy for changes in any room
- Laundry hamper or wet bag
Calm Corner
- Sound machine or fan for white noise
- Soft swaddles and extra pacifiers
- Comfortable chair or yoga ball for rocking
Questions for Your Pediatrician
- When should the first pediatric visit be scheduled?
- What symptoms warrant an immediate call vs. a routine question?
- Are there special instructions if I’m breastfeeding or using formula?
- How do I handle crying spells that last for hours?
- If my baby came from the NICU, what extra precautions should I follow?
Build Your Support Roster
Identify helpers before you need them. Share this list with your partner so everyone knows who to call.
People to Call
- Lactation consultant or doula for feeding questions
- Trusted friend for venting or pep talks
- Neighbor or family member for grocery runs
Tasks to Delegate
- Laundry cycles and dishwashing
- Pet care or school drop-offs for older kids
- Coordinating meal train deliveries
Check-In Schedule
- Daily partner “temperature check” on sleep, food, emotions
- Weekly pediatrician or nurse hotlines if offered
- Standing video call with faraway family to share updates once you feel ready
When to Call the Doctor
- Rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in babies younger than 2 months.
- Symptoms of dehydration (no tears when crying, sunken soft spot, no wet diapers in 6–8 hours).
- Difficult to wake baby or unusually limp.
- Rapid or labored breathing, especially with bluish lips (call 911 if severe).
- Repeated forceful vomiting, blood in vomit/stool, or more than eight diarrhea stools in 8 hours.
If your concern feels urgent, call your provider and head to the emergency room. Young infants can get sick quickly.
Track Baby’s Daily Patterns
Simple logs help you notice trends and answer pediatrician questions when you’re running on little sleep.
Diapers
- Track wet/dirty diapers on paper or in an app; most newborns have 6+ wet diapers by day 5.
- Note color/texture of stools to share with pediatrician.
Feeding
- Record which breast, ounces, or pump output to monitor supply.
- Log start/finish times to identify cluster-feeding patterns.
Sleep & Soothing
- Write down swaddle techniques or songs that worked, so tired brains remember later.
- Take short videos (if you want) to show your pediatrician unusual breathing sounds.
Check on Your Own Recovery
Your well-being matters. Use these guideposts to decide when to rest, call your provider, or ask for urgent help.
❤️🩹
Physical Recovery
- Heavy bleeding soaking more than one pad per hour after day 3
- Fever above 38°C, foul-smelling discharge, or incision redness
- Severe headaches with vision changes or swelling (possible preeclampsia)
🧠
Mental Health
- Intrusive thoughts, hopelessness, or panic that lasts beyond two weeks
- Difficulty bonding with baby or taking care of yourself
- Thoughts of harming yourself or baby—seek emergency help immediately
🛌
Rest & Resilience
- Not sleeping when you have the opportunity
- Skipping meals or water because you feel “too busy”
- Ignoring pain medication or physical therapy instructions
Key Takeaways
👜
Prep Before Discharge
Ask every question and confirm appointments before you leave.
🚗
Car Seat Ready
Practice installation and get it inspected for peace of mind.
🧡
Honor Emotions
Mixed feelings are normal—lean on support networks.
📞
Call When Unsure
Doctors expect questions; it’s better to call than worry.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This page provides educational information only. It does not replace personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow instructions from your obstetrician, pediatrician, or healthcare team.
Seek immediate care if you notice changes in breathing, color, feeding, or responsiveness. Trust your instincts—you know your baby best.