After having a baby, you will typically spend a day or two in the hospital. Not only does this give you time to recovery health-wise, but it also gives you a chance to ease yourself into caring for your newborn with the help of doctors and nurses. When you leave the hospital and go home, though, caring for your baby will fall entirely on your shoulders. It's important to take a deep breath, reassure yourself that you have the skills to go what is needed and follow the tips below.

Feed your baby often.

Some parents are in a rush to get their babies on a feeding schedule. Ultimately, this will be your goal. But it can wait. During your first few days with your baby at home, it's best to just feed them as often as they're willing to eat. This will prevent them from becoming too hungry and cranky, and if you are breastfeeding, it will keep you from becoming too uncomfortable. Feed every two hours around the clock, and remember that your baby does not yet have a sense of night and day, so they need to eat through the night, too.

Sleep when you can.

If you set your sights on getting a full night's sleep, you'll just end up tired and miserable! Instead, plan on sleeping when you can, throughout the day and night. An hour here and an hour there is better than forcing yourself to stay up all day, and then not getting any sleep at night, either. You'll be a better parent to your little one when you're better rested.

Keep your baby close to you.

During these first few days, spend as much time as possible with your baby resting on your chest or in your arms. This will help you bond with your baby, and it will also help keep your baby more relaxed and at-ease. A relaxed baby eats better, sleeps better, and is easier to care for overall.

Don't worry about bathing yet.

You don't actually have to bathe your baby right away. In fact, a lot of doctors advise that you wait until your baby is at least a couple of weeks old and their umbilical cord has fallen off in order to bathe them. If you feel your baby needs some cleaning during the first few days, wipe them off with a soft, warm, damp cloth rather than bathing them.

If you need more newborn care advice, reach out to your pediatrician. They'll be your go-to source for care during this phase of life