The Hospital Stay and Going Home: A Dad's Guide to the First 72 Hours

The baby is here. Now comes a short, intense stretch of tests, feeds, paperwork and very little sleep, followed by the strangest drive of your life. Here’s how to make the most of it.

The first hours

Right after birth, many hospitals encourage skin-to-skin contact between the baby and the birthing parent, and early feeding if she’s breastfeeding. Then come routine newborn care steps, often including a vitamin K shot and antibiotic eye ointment, which hospitals offer to prevent rare but serious problems. Ask the nurses to explain anything you’re unsure about.

If it’s possible, do skin-to-skin yourself too: baby in a diaper on your bare chest, a blanket over you both. It’s calming for both of you.

Newborn tests and checks

Before you go home, the baby usually gets:

• Newborn screening blood test: a heel prick that screens for a panel of rare but serious conditions. Results go to your pediatrician (AAP).
• Hearing screening: quick and painless, often while the baby sleeps (CDC).
• Pulse oximetry: a sensor checks oxygen levels to screen for critical heart defects.
• Jaundice check: bilirubin is measured before discharge (AAP).
• Weight checks: most babies lose some weight in the first days, then regain it.

Use the nurses

The hospital stay is a free crash course from experts. Ask them to:

• Watch you change a diaper and swaddle.
• Help with feeding, and request a lactation consultant if breastfeeding hurts or isn’t working.
• Show you how to take a temperature and clean the umbilical stump.
• Explain what’s normal: newborn breathing noises, sneezing, hiccups, peeling skin.

Write things down. You will not remember.

Your jobs during the stay

• Diapers, swaddles and burps: as many as you can take.
• The logbook: feeds and wet and dirty diapers. Nurses and pediatricians will ask.
• Protect her rest: close the door, limit visitors, handle the phone.
• Food: hospital food is fine; takeout is better. Feed her, then you.
• Paperwork: birth certificate forms and the Social Security number application are often done in the hospital. Have both of your details ready.
• Insurance: set a reminder to add the baby to your plan within the deadline (often 30 days).

Going home

The car seat

You’ll need a properly installed rear-facing car seat. The AAP recommends:

• Harness straps at or below the baby’s shoulders, snug enough that you can’t pinch a fold at the shoulder.
• Chest clip at armpit level.
• No bulky clothing or aftermarket inserts under the harness; tuck a blanket over the top if it’s cold.

Some hospitals have staff who can check the fit. Give yourself extra time; the first buckle-in always takes longer.

The drive

Drive like you have the most precious cargo in the world, because you do. One adult in the back next to the baby is a nice touch for the first ride.

The first night home

It will feel very different without the nurses. Keep it simple: feed, change, swaddle, back to sleep, on their back in the bassinet next to your bed. Take turns sleeping. Know the reasons to call the pediatrician, especially a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. See when to call the doctor, and book the first pediatrician visit (usually within a few days of discharge).