3 Simple Places to Put Your Newborn Baby

You’ve stepped into your home, cradling this tiny bundle of joy, and perhaps you’re wondering, 'Now what?' It’s a question so many new parents ask themselves. Where do you put this precious little one who has just entered your world?

Welcome to the wonderfully bewildering world of parenthood, where every decision feels monumental – especially when it comes to the comfort and care of your brand new baby.

In a market flooded with baby gear that promises to soothe, entertain, and nurture your newborn, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The aisles of stores are lined with an array of soft, gentle, and 'must-have' items, each claiming to be essential for your baby's development and your peace of mind. Before you know it, you could be spending hundreds, even thousands, on baby-holding devices that your little one may outgrow before they've even mastered sitting up!

But before you open your wallet, pause and take a breath. I’m here to offer a perspective that might just save you space, money, and stress.

If you’re a parent who's skeptical about the need for every baby gadget on the market, or if you’re looking to simplify your approach to newborn care, you’re in the right place. In this post, I'll reveal the only three places your baby truly needs in the early weeks of their life.

So, let's embark on this journey of simplicity and connection, discovering how less can indeed be more when it comes to nurturing your newborn.

1. Hold your newborn baby in your arms

The moment you hold your newborn in your arms is the start of your interactive relationship out in the world. And this isn’t just about cradling them. It’s about creating a bond that will see you through the years to come. In these early weeks, the best place for your baby isn’t found in a store; it’s the warmth and comfort of your loving arms. This simple yet profound act of holding your baby is where your parenting journey truly begins.

How to hold your baby:

Whether you instinctively know how to hold your baby just so or not, don’t be afraid to try new and different things. Babies crave comfort and also need novelty! So go ahead and hold your baby upright over your shoulder, against your chest, reclined in the crook of your arm, or in the tiger in the tree hold, a wonderful technique for soothing a fussy baby – it's worth looking up, especially for those colicky evenings. Or try my second baby’s favorite, the Beppe Chair (pictures and instructions are in the Quick Start Guide to Fussy Babies blog)

Why you should hold your baby:

Hold your baby because it is beneficial for you, the parent, and it’s great for all your baby’s senses. And as an added bonus, it usually calms your baby right down.

When you hold your newborn, you're doing so much more than simply keeping them close. You are providing a sanctuary of comfort, safety, and love. Your arms become a place where your baby learns the rhythm of your heartbeat, the rise and fall of your breathing, and the unique scent that is soothingly and unmistakably you. This closeness is not only reassuring for your baby but also stimulates their sensory development.

Holding your baby is also a two-way street of benefits. It’s a time when you, as a parent, learn your baby’s subtle cues. The gentle nuzzling, the soft coos, and even the tiny grasps – each is a language in itself, teaching you about your baby’s needs and personality. This close physical contact is known to enhance bonding, reduce stress for both you and your baby, and supports the healthy growth of their brain (yes, really!)

Additionally, when your baby is upright in your arms and is looking around, this technically counts as tummy time because they are using the same set of stabilizers as when they are on their bellies. So if your baby doesn’t love tummy time (so common!) hold your baby upright in your arms, or lay back on the sofa and hold them on your chest, and all the same benefits apply.

Now, it’s true that while you’re holding your baby in your arms, you don’t get much done around the house. But hopefully it gives you a good excuse to slow down and accept the help of your community for this season. And if you do need some hands-free time but want to keep your baby close, this is where the beauty of baby wearing comes into play.

Maybe you’ve got a specialty baby store nearby where you can try a few different kinds of baby carriers on. Take a look at an affordable stretchy wrap for the newborn stage (like Moby, Boba, or the super simple wrap-like carrier, the Baby K’tan), or else a buckle carrier like Tula’s free-to-grow which does not require a bulky infant insert, or a fancy ring sling - I especially love Oscha, but Wildbird and True North Slings make lovely ones too!

Any of these carriers mimic the closeness of being held and provide the same sense of security for your baby while giving you a bit more freedom to do what you want to do.

You’ve waited so long to meet this sweet little one, so don’t feel bad if you’d rather just hold them all the time for now. You are totally allowed! And it’s good for both of you! Remember, holding your newborn is not just about physical support; it's a foundational act of love and bonding. So, go ahead and cherish these moments of holding your baby close.

But where can you put your baby when your arms are done with baby holding and are needed for things like your long-delayed shower or eating some food that someone else made for you?

2. Put your newborn baby in their bed

In this section, we'll explore how to make your baby's bed a safe and comfy place to rest. While it might seem challenging to encourage your baby to embrace their crib, remember that it's about more than just a physical space. It's about establishing sleep times, ensuring comfort, and building familiarity, all of which are key to nurturing your baby’s relationship with their own special sleeping area.

How to prepare a baby’s bed:

The safest place to put your baby should be their bed. Use a crib, bassinet, Moses basket, pack and play, or a nifty baby box with a snug, firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. The baby should sleep in the same room with you for the first six months, and if they seem adaptable, allow them to nap near you so you can be responsive to their needs in your earliest weeks together.

How can you help your baby love their sleep place? This question is more nuanced than it seems. While it's tempting to fill the crib with cozy blankets, stuffed animals, bumpers, wedges, or popular nest-like pillows, it's crucial to avoid these for the entire first year. These items are not only suffocation hazards but also unnecessary for your baby's comfort and safety. However, it's important to understand that if your baby cries when placed in their bed, it may not be due to the bed itself.

Often, the key to helping your baby settle in their crib lies in getting the timing right. Ensuring your baby's sleeps are well-timed is vital; overtired or under-tired babies struggle more to fall asleep. Making sure they are well-fed, comfortably dressed, and in a clean diaper will also make a significant difference.

Lastly, remember that creating a positive sleep association with the crib is a gradual process. It involves consistent practice, patience, and responding to your baby's needs thoughtfully. The more familiar and comfortable your baby becomes with their bed through consistent routine and a calming sleep environment, the more likely they are to embrace it as a safe and restful space.

How to prepare a baby for sleep:

The simplest and most effective things you can add to your baby’s sleep place are black-out shades or curtains and a white noise machine. Blackout shades help create a dim, restful environment, signaling to your baby that it's time for sleep. Meanwhile, a consistent backdrop of white noise works wonders in soothing your little one and masking disruptive sounds from inside and outside your home.

When it comes to swaddling, trust your instincts and your baby's cues. If your baby seems comforted by swaddling, it can be a useful tool for sleep. However, it's perfectly fine if your baby prefers more freedom, in which case, transitioning to a sleep sack around 8 to 10 weeks can be beneficial. The sleep sack allows your baby to move more freely while still feeling warm and secure.

Encouraging your baby to sleep in their own bed for at least half of their sleep times can establish a predictable and repeatable sleep routine. You may find this is easiest for morning naps and the first part of the night. Every baby is different, so watch and learn and adapt to what works best for your little one.

Finally, timing is crucial in developing a successful sleep pattern that matches your baby’s needs. Aim to offer your baby the opportunity to sleep about an hour after waking up for the first 6 weeks, and at least every 75 minutes up to 10 or 12 weeks. It's a common misconception that keeping a baby awake longer will result in longer sleep periods. In reality, an overtired baby often struggles to fall asleep because of elevated adrenaline levels. By tuning into your baby's natural sleep cues and rhythms, (and avoiding schedules and routines that stress you out) you'll be well on your way to fostering healthy sleep habits for both you and your baby.

Get sleep help for you and your baby

As you work your way through this process, remember that every family’s needs are unique. If you find yourself needing more tailored advice or support, consider booking in for a Day with a Doula together. In this personalized session, we can brainstorm together to find the best sleep solutions specifically for your baby and your family.

And if you need support and strategies as you shift your baby’s sleep to a more sustainable rhythm, we could spend a focused week together through my Virtual Sleep Support package. I know how exhausting these early months can be but you haven’t done anything wrong or set yourself up with any bad habits - you were doing what was working, and if now it’s not working anymore, we can change it. It really is that simple.

Remember, you know your baby best, and your intuition is a powerful guide in this journey.

So there you have the top two places to put your newborn baby - your arms, and their beds. One more to go! This is a great one if you’re not looking to get more baby things they’ll outgrow in six months to crowd your house with.

3. Put your newborn baby on the floor

Yes, the floor! Consider this the simplest and most accessible way to foster your baby's development from the very beginning. The floor isn't just a space in your home; it's a playground of possibilities for your baby. While it might seem unconventional at first, placing your baby on the floor offers them a whole new perspective on the world – one where they're free to stretch, wriggle, and discover at their own pace.

Why Floor Time is Fantastic

Get my Bare Minimum Baby Gear Guide if you’re wanting to get through these early weeks with just the essentials, please and thank you!

Floor time isn't just about giving your baby a new spot to hang out. It's about providing them with the opportunity to develop physically and mentally. Laying your baby on their back lets them wiggle, kick, and reach – all essential movements for their motor development. And when they're rocking from side to side, they're laying the groundwork for future milestones like rolling, sitting, and eventually crawling.

Create a safe and stimulating environment by spreading out a soft blanket or a not-too-fluffy towel, and watch as your baby starts to get familiar with your household rhythm and gradually learns to control and coordinate their little body. Think of this as their first gym session – no membership required! See if you can suspend some visually stimulating toys just out of reach. This encourages your baby to reach out and interact, sparking their curiosity and stretching their physical skills. If your house is mostly hardwood, a yoga mat can provide a softer surface. Remember, the goal is to create an environment that is safe, comfortable, and engaging for your baby.

A Break from Baby Gear

It's easy to get swept up in the world of bouncy seats, swings, and loungers. While they have their moments, these devices don't offer the same freedom of movement that the floor does. So embrace a more minimalist approach! Give your baby the gift of unrestricted movement and sensory experience during their alert awake times, and watch as they thrive with what you already have.

And the best part is that floor time can be bonding time too! Lie down next to your baby, make funny faces, sing songs, or simply talk to them. Watching your baby's reactions and participating in their discovery of the world is your privilege as their parent so enjoy it!

As you can see, the floor is more than just a surface in your home – it's a foundation for your baby's growth and a playground for endless exploration and bonding. So, keep things simple and just roll out that mat and get down on the floor with your baby.

Bouncy seats, swings, reclined loungers, and other baby holding devices might be useful for fussy awake time (or even tempting for sleep time when nothing else is working), but if you’re aiming to get through these early months without the baby gear taking over your whole house, just stick to the floor for awake time, the bed for sleep time, and your arms for fussy times. 

The case for simplicity

In this transformative journey of parenting, it can feel like a revelation to embrace simplicity and realize that the most essential needs of your newborn are already within your reach. Your arms for holding, their bed for safe sleeping, and a spot on the floor for exploration are the fundamental spaces where your baby will thrive. And it’s not just about reducing clutter, your environmental impact, or expense. It's about cherishing the moments of connection and growth with your little one.

If you're navigating questions about baby care or looking for a little more guidance in mindful parenting, I'm here to help. Reach out for personalized support or sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll send you encouragements and support for your baby and spark conversations for a mindful approach to parenting. Together, let's celebrate the joy of parenting, grounded in the simplicity and love that truly makes a difference in your baby's life.

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