Bringing your baby home is a beautiful, emotional milestone and it's completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. From our family to yours, we’ve put together some little tips to help you feel more prepared, more supported and a little less overwhelmed.

Setting up baby’s space

Your little one’s sleep space should be safe, simple and snug. A firm, flat mattress in a cot or Moses basket is ideal. Avoid using swings or bouncers for naps, even if baby dozes off in them. Think clear space, not clutter.

Feeding your newborn

Newborns feed often — sometimes every couple of hours — and that’s completely normal. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, follow baby’s cues and try to make feeding moments calm and comfortable.

Navigating sleep

Newborn sleep can be a little unpredictable. Short sleep cycles, lots of waking and plenty of REM sleep (great for brain development) are all part of the early days. Go gently — your rhythm will come with time.

Day-to-day baby care

Baby care is all about those little, loving routines—whether it’s nappy changes, sponge baths, or taking care of the umbilical stump. Keep nappy areas clean and dry, use gentle wipes, and offer baby some nappy-free time when you can. Bathing doesn’t need to be daily — 'top and tail' freshen-ups are perfect at first.

Taking care of you

Your recovery is just as important. Take care of your well-being by staying hydrated and resting whenever you can. Rest will be your greatest ally as you recover from delivery. Avoid lifting heavy objects and start with gentle activities like walking. If you experience breast tightness or swelling, a warm or cold compress can help. Most importantly, be kind to yourself—remember, the team at LittleOak is always here to support you.

A simple checklist

Here’s some small suggestions that might help in those early days:

• Baby essentials: nappies, sleepsuits, muslins, wipes
• Feeding support: breast pads, bottles, formula, bibs
• For you: maternity pads, comfy clothes, nipple cream, snacks
• Set up your baby’s sleep space, car seat and a changing caddy in more than one room
• Prepare a few easy meals to have on hand

From our family to yours

Every journey into motherhood is unique. There’s no one right way to prepare, but knowing a few things in advance and giving yourself grace along the way can make all the difference. You’ve got this, and as always, we’re right here with you.