What You Actually Need During the First Week Home With a Newborn
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 28
A calm guide to the essentials that will help you settle into life with your new baby.
Perfect For: Expecting parents, first-time moms, and anyone preparing to bring home a newborn.
You'll Learn
• What you'll actually use during the first week home
• The essentials worth having nearby
• How to simplify those early days
• Products we genuinely recommend
A Note: At Pour Les Mères, every product we recommend is something we genuinely love, use, or would confidently suggest to a friend. Some links throughout this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no additional cost to yo
Bringing Baby Home
There are few moments more exciting—or more overwhelming—than bringing your baby home.
It's easy to feel like you need everything before they arrive. The truth is, those first few days aren't about having the perfect nursery or every baby gadget on the market. They're about slowing down, getting to know one another, and creating a space that feels calm, comfortable, and supportive.
While every family's journey looks a little different, we've found that it's often the simplest, most thoughtful essentials that make the biggest difference.
Whether you're preparing for your first baby or welcoming another little one into your family, these are the pieces we would reach for again and again during that very first week home.
1. Create One Comfortable Corner
During the first week, you'll likely spend more time in one spot than you expect.
Instead of trying to keep up with the entire house, create one comfortable space where everything you need is within reach.
Think of it as your little home base.
Fill a basket with diapers, wipes, burp cloths, nipple balm, snacks, a large water bottle, phone charger, and anything else you'll want nearby while feeding or cuddling your baby.
You'll thank yourself later.
2. Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself
New mothers spend so much time caring for everyone else that it's easy to forget their own needs.
Keep simple snacks nearby.
Stay hydrated.
Accept the help that's offered.
Recovery isn't something to rush—it's something to support. The little rituals, like changing into comfortable pajamas or taking a warm shower while someone else holds the baby, can make a world of difference.
Favorite snacks (check out our favorite protein ball recipe to make ahead)
Mini fridge (for future pumping at night)
3. Keep Sleep Simple
No one expects perfect sleep during the newborn stage.
Instead of chasing schedules, focus on creating a calm sleep environment.
Soft lighting. White noise. Comfortable swaddles. A safe place for baby to sleep beside you.
The routines will come later.
For now, give yourself permission to simply rest whenever you can.
4. Keep Baby Close
You'll probably discover that babies simply want to be near you.
A comfortable baby carrier can make those early days easier—whether you're making coffee, walking around the house, or simply wanting your hands free while keeping baby close.
It's one of those purchases many parents end up using every single day.
Baby carrier (another great option)
5. Let the House Wait
The dishes can wait.
The laundry can wait.
The thank-you texts can wait.
These first days pass more quickly than they feel.
Hold your baby.
Take the pictures.
Order takeout.
Accept help.
Rest whenever you can.
Nothing else matters quite as much.
A Few Things Worth Remembering
There is no perfect way to do the first week.
You'll learn together.
You'll find your rhythm.
Some days will feel long.
Others will pass in the blink of an eye.
Trust yourself.
You're doing better than you think.
These are the products we genuinely recommend for the first week home. Thoughtfully chosen for quality, simplicity, and everyday life.
The Basics You'll Need
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