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Practical ways to make the early weeks of the newborn phase feel more manageable, supported, and less overwhelming.
Preparing for a newborn often focuses on the nursery, tiny clothes, and baby gear—but one of the most helpful things you can do is prepare for life after the baby arrives. The newborn phase is beautiful, exhausting, unpredictable, and deeply transitional. A little planning ahead can reduce stress and help you feel more confident when the days and nights start blending together.
Here are ten practical ways to prepare for the postpartum and newborn stage.
Newborn sleep is often much different than parents expect. Rather than aiming for a perfect schedule, look at realistic newborn sleep patterns and talk through what support may actually look like. How will nights be shared? If one parent is up most of the night, who supports daytime rest? Consider your normal sleep habits and challenges, to calculate where flexibility may be needed. There are also support options for parents that can alleviate the load off their shoulders. Postpartum Doulas can be hired for day or night shifts, and provide opportunities for rest and recuperation as needed.
When you’re tired, even basic information can feel impossible to remember. Print and post easy-reference guides in baby care areas—things like newborn diaper output, newborn poop colors, jaundice signs to monitor, feeding reminders, or medication tracking sheets. Having information visible can reduce unnecessary stress.
Burp cloths quickly become one of the hardest-working newborn essentials. Keep extras in multiple rooms, diaper bags, and common feeding areas. A portable stain remover (my personal favourite is the tide-to-go stick) can also be surprisingly helpful for cleaning spit-up, milk leaks, and diaper mishaps before the stains set. Don’t forget that it’s still a chemical detergent and will need to be washed out after use.
A cleared spot on the floor, a portable bassinet, or another safe sleep-approved surface can make daily life easier. Having a designated place nearby to set the baby down safely, no matter where you are at home- gives you flexibility to use the bathroom, grab something, or take a quick reset when needed. I find these spots especially helpful for parents, in preventing having to hold the baby on the toilet out of desperation.
It’s easy to end up with adorable outfits that never get worn. When purchasing clothes, estimate your baby’s age during each season and prioritize comfort and practicality over quantity.
Emergency preparedness can bring peace of mind. Taking an infant CPR and first aid class before birth helps you feel more prepared and often reduces anxiety once the baby arrives. It’s especially helpful to learn before introducing solid foods later in infancy. For when they do start solids (around 6mo+), if you’re extra nervous consider getting a LifeVac or a BabyVac. We offer a parent-focused Infant CPR course, where emergency preparedness meets practical parenting. Book your class here!
Install and uninstall the car seat before delivery day. Practice folding the stroller, adjusting straps, and moving any bassinet or sleep equipment safely. Familiarity now means less frustration when you’re sleep-deprived later.
Spend time understanding current safe sleep recommendations and create a plan for nighttime care ahead of time. Safe sleep is a set of guidelines to protect against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other infant deaths such as suffocation (in crib). The essential recommendations are; baby ALWAYS placed down sleeping on back, smoke-free environment, firm flat surface with fitted sheet, no gaps between mattress and sides, and no loose items (blankets, toys, pillows, etc.) should be in/on their bed. Here is a link to a safe sleep baby brochure to learn more: click here.
Think through feeding, transfers, shifts between caregivers, and what supports safe rest for everyone in the household. Prepare yourself to work against exhaustion and fatigue by participating in rest effectively. Know that there are options out there to help you, for instance- postpartum doula overnight shifts. Book your free consultation with a postpartum doula here.
Stock essentials before you need them: infant acetaminophen (if recommended by your healthcare provider), a nasal aspirator, saline drops, a thermometer, and comfort supplies for common illnesses. Always check age guidelines and speak with your pediatric provider before using medications.
Whether breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or combination feeding, learning the basics ahead of time can make those first days feel less overwhelming. Understanding latch expectations, feeding frequency, and where to get support can make a meaningful difference. Knowing what you’re aiming for, especially if you are planning to chestfeed, understanding potential challenges as well as support resources can make all the difference. La Leche League specializes in teaching and training, lactation and infant feeding. Here is the link to a page to ask your local representative any questions you may have, as well as including information and resources on their website for any parents in need.
Preparing for the newborn phase isn’t about controlling the outcome, it’s about creating support systems that give you room to adapt and grow. The more you prepare for recovery, rest, and real life with a baby, the more space you create to enjoy those early moments together.
By: Rayne Millan, Postpartum Doula
Rayne has many years of experience working with infants and young children in both education and childcare settings, before becoming a Postpartum Doula in 2023. Besides doula work, Rayne has continued to seek additional qualifications in lactation support, first aid, and professional training in the culinary industry to cook for people with severe allergies!
Rayne is a passionate doula, always approaching their work with integrity, valuing communication, honesty, non-judgemental support, and inclusion of all identities, particularly as a genderqueer doula.