Setting up your environment for success
I was recently asked to share a list of OT suggestions related to setting up your home environment for success when welcoming baby home. The following list of suggestions are not in any particular order of importance. Hope you find them helpful!
• If keeping newborn in your room, put bassinet on partner’s side of room so they can pick up and change the baby before bringing baby to you for feeding (or feeding baby themselves).
• Ensure you have a safe space to put baby down for naps during the day in multiple locations around your home, such as having a bassinet on the main floor of your house to avoid having to go up and down stairs. This is especially important if you have a c-section.
• Setup multiple changing stations in your home, on each floor if living in a multi-level house.
• Each changing station should have diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, changes of clothes for baby, change of clothes for you. Optional: keep extra bibs, baby blankets, changing pads, and burp clothes in this location to keep everything in one place.
• Have your partner check and restock these stations every couple of days to ensure you have what you need during the day.
• Keep all items at waist/hip level to minimize reaching and bending when changing your baby.
• Avoid hunching over to change baby, pick up baby, or feed baby. Bend with your knees!
• Prevent De Quervain's tenosynovitis i.e. “mommy’s thumb” by keeping your thumbs next to your palms and support baby with one hand under their bottom and one hand on their neck/back. Do not make an “L” shape with your hands to scoop baby under their armpits, as this can cause strain on your wrists and thumbs.
• Keep multiple pillows and folding foot stools nearby for ergonomic support when feeding.
• Aim to keep your neck and shoulders in a neutral position. Avoid hiking up your shoulder toward your ear as you support baby in your arms.
• Your back should be supported by pillows/cushions, so you are sitting upright or leaning slightly back in a relaxed position and not hunched over.
• Keep your hips flexed and knees bent at 90 degrees, using a footstool if needed. Bring baby to you, do not lean forward to feed baby!
• Keep high protein snacks and a large water bottle with a straw near your feeding stations so you can eat and hydrate while baby does!
• Cue up tv shows, podcasts, or audiobooks to entertain you and help you relax. Limit scrolling the internet and social media as much as you can.
• Put down receiving blankets/baby blankets on every surface you put your baby down on.
• This will reduce your baby coming into contact with other allergens (body fluids, pet hair, dust, etc.)
• It will also protect your bedding/furniture/rugs from baby messes and make clean up much easier!
• Keep multiple changing pads/diaper bags ready by the door or in your stroller or car, so you’re not scrambling to get diapers & wipes as you leave the house.
• Put a changing pad, a pack of wipes, a few diapers, and a change of clothes in a wet bag by the door for easy grabbing!
