Practical tips for the first night with your newborn: Spending the first night with your newborn can be an overwhelming experience. You may be full of joy, but also a little nervous about how best to care for your baby. Make sure you create a comfortable and calm environment where both you and your baby can relax. Keep everything you need within reach, such as diapers, a muslin cloth, and extra clothes. Try to develop a routine; this can help give your baby a sense of security. Don't forget to take good care of yourself as well, so that you are able to care for your little one. Take the time to enjoy this special moment, because this first night is the start of a beautiful adventure together.

Safe sleep advice contributes to learning to sleep independently. Remember that sleeping is a learning process, also known as learned behavior. You can start teaching your child to sleep through the night between 4 and 6 months. When your baby is just born, they regularly ask for at least two awake moments during the night, especially during the first 6 weeks. The times vary from child to child.

So, the tips for now aren't immediately something your baby can do yet, but you are going to help your baby start sleeping this way.

•  Always lay your baby on their back to sleep, both during the day and at night.
• Let your baby sleep in their own bed or cradle in the parents' room, preferably for the first 6 months. It is better not to let the baby sleep in the parents' bed.
• Make the bed up short: the feet lie against the foot end and the bedding does not come higher than the shoulders.
• Use a well-fitting fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a blanket, or a suitable sleeping bag. Do not use a duvet.
• Ensure the baby is not too warm. Preferably keep the bedroom between 16 and 18 °C and adjust the clothing to the temperature.
• Do not use a canopy, bed bumper, loose protective covers, or other soft materials in or on the crib.
• Do not place stuffed animals, pillows, strings, loose blankets, or toys in the crib.
• Do not use a baby nest, nursing pillow, or other soft materials in the crib, as these can obstruct breathing.
• Do not use a plastic sheet directly under the baby. If a mattress protector is necessary, use only a breathable, suitable mattress protector.
• Ensure a smoke-free environment during pregnancy and after the birth. Never smoke in the room where the baby sleeps.
• If a baby is temporarily unable to sleep on their back due to medical reasons, follow the advice of the midwife, maternity nurse, or doctor. As soon as it is possible, the baby will sleep on their back again.

A preheated crib can help your baby fall asleep. How do you do this?

Prepare the jug as described below;

Start by adding one cup of cold water to the hot water bottle; this protects the bottom. Then, fill the bottle further with boiling water (for safety, place the bottle in the sink or washbasin) until it is completely full, so that a small bulb of water forms on top. Next, tighten the cap securely. Note: the bottle is hot, so use a cloth to hold it. Dry the bottle and roll it over the counter to check for leaks. Finally, place the bottle in a hot water bottle bag.

Place the hot water bottle on your baby's sleeping spot when your baby is not lying in it. The moment you are going to let the baby sleep in it, remove the hot water bottle. Then let your baby sleep in the warm spot. Do make sure that the spot is not too hot.

Wrap the hot water bottle in a thick towel or in a cellulose mat from your maternity pack. This way, the hot water bottle stays nice and warm.

You can also put a clean diaper for the baby around it. Then it will be nice and warm for the next change.