We're home. What now?

Make one useful corner

Put diapers, wipes, a clean outfit and a cloth within easy reach. Put your own water and snack nearby too. Leave the nursery finishing touches for another day.

For sleep, put baby on their back in a crib or bassinet, on a firm, flat, level mattress with only its fitted sheet. Keep pillows, blankets and toys out. Share these basics with everyone caring for baby. source Our sleep guide has the fuller explanation when you need it.

Keep the important things together

Choose one spot for the discharge papers, your care team's phone numbers and the next appointments. Check that you know when baby should be seen, when your own follow-up is, and how to reach someone after hours.

Write questions as they occur to you. Bring the things worrying you most to the start of the appointment. source The appointment sheet gives you somewhere to put them.

Give help an actual job

If someone offers, try a small, clear request: a meal dropped at the door, a grocery pickup, or washing the dishes. Those are useful ways for friends and family to give you time to rest. source

You can say, “We'd love food, but we're keeping visits short.” Use the help-us-out card if finding the words feels like another chore.

Choose what you need right now

Wondering about feeds, diapers or baby's first checkups? Start with the first-weeks guide. Worried about something you've noticed? Use when to get help, and contact your care team. Feeling worn down yourself? There's a place for you here too.

Choose one thing to take off your own list: ask another adult to arrange dinner, silence the group messages for a while, or leave the washing unfolded. Use the room you have today.

This is a starting point you can adapt. Today might have room for a quiet cuddle or a song. The thank-you messages can wait.