Newborn 101: Essential Tips For the First Six Weeks
Welcoming a newborn into the world is one of life’s most beautiful (and overwhelming!) transitions. From sleep deprivation and feeding challenges to shifting relationships and mental load, those early weeks can feel like a whirlwind.
With over 16 years of experience as a Child and Family Health Nurse and firsthand experience as a mum, Clarinda offers a unique blend of professional expertise and personal insight. She’s passionate about helping parents feel confident and supported from day one.
In this guide, Clarinda shares her most essential newborn care tips, including how to navigate sleep, protect your mental health, and create a strong foundation for parenting with your partner.
Newborn Survival Tips for the First Six Weeks
1. Prioritise Rest (For Real)
“Your job is recovery and bonding,” Clarinda says. And yes — that means rest. Consider asking for practical support: gift voucher to have a doula, a cleaner or education about what to expect in the postpartum period and beyond. “There’s nothing wrong with asking for help when stepping into parenthood,” she reassures. “That’s what makes things a little easier.”
2. Communicate Before Baby Arrives
Talk to your partner ahead of time about expectations. Clarinda suggests discussing the following:
- What do you envision for the postpartum period, and how can your partner support you during this time?
- How much time will your partner have off, and is there potential to extend it if necessary?
- What boundaries do you want to set with visitors (e.g., no visitors, no kissing the baby, vaccination requirements)?
"Being on the same page before the baby arrives decreases that tension and has you guys working as a team".
3. Accept Help Early and Often
"Say yes when people offer to cook, clean, or cuddle the baby so you can shower or sleep".
4. Learn Baby Cues & Postpartum Education
Understanding your baby’s signals can save hours of second-guessing. " Knowing what to expect and having strategies in your tool belt if a challenge may arise puts you ahead of the game". I can teach you what to expect, how to set up positive sleep foundations, strategies to calm your baby, understanding cues and feeding tips.
5. Look After Your Mental Health
“Baby blues are common, but if you feel consistently low or anxious, reach out for support early,” Clarinda advises. Knowing what’s normal and when to ask for help is key — and part of what she teaches new parents. “Support or prevention is better than cure.”
Here are some free resources:
PANDA (Post and Antenatal Depression Association Inc.) provides free telephone support, counselling and information on antenatal and postnatal depression on 1300 726 306
Tresillian Parent's Help Line supports parents with sleep, feeding, settling, and mental health through in-person and online services on 1300 272 736
Lifeline offer free and confidential one-to-one crisis support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping on 1300 11 14
6. Prep Your Space (and Yourself)
Create caddies stocked with nappies, snacks, water bottles, and other essentials. “Preparation is key,” Clarinda shares. “Don’t forget about your needs too. Hydration, nourishment, and access to things easily can make a big difference in how you feel.”
Parenting in the early weeks is a big adjustment — but you don’t have to do it alone. Clarinda’s advice blends clinical expertise with real-life parenting, offering simple, supportive tips to help you feel more confident every step of the way.
Want to go deeper? Clarinda offers two great options to help you prepare for birth, postpartum, and beyond:
A modern-day village for today’s parents — this online membership gives you access to Clarinda’s expert support, plus sleep help, feeding tips, emotional regulation tools, live Q&As, and webinars with trusted professionals.
💬 Ask Clarinda anything, anytime.
🌱 No lock-in contracts.
💛 For parents who want real-time support and community.
It’s your modern-day village and every parent deserves one.
👉 Stay tuned for our next post, where we explore developmental milestones and baby play. Want to be notified when it comes? Be sure to join our mailing list at the bottom of this page and receive 10% off your first order!