The Newborn Trenches: Hacks That Actually Helped

If you’re currently navigating the chaotic, sleep-deprived, yet miraculously wonderful world of a newborn, congratulations – and welcome to the trenches!

As a first-time mum who’s been through it (from dealing with severe reflux and sleepless days/nights to dealing with a cows milk allergy and projectile vomiting), let me be the first to tell you: what works for one baby might not work for another. But after months of trial and error, here are the non-negotiable hacks that helped my partner and me survive the early days.

Sleep & Sanity Savers

The name of the game is maximising sleep and minimising stress.​

1. Tag team if you can!

If you have a partner, use them. Tag-teaming is the only way to survive when you’re overwhelmed. Take turns, communicate, and allow one person to fully switch off (earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones help!).​ My partner and I took 4 hour shifts while dealing with severe reflux, it was the only way to ensure we each got some rest!

2. Warm the crib for an easier transfer

Is your baby a human alarm that goes off the second you set them down? Try this: Warm the crib / bassinet mattress with a low-setting heating pad or hot water bottle for a few minutes before the transfer (REMOVE THE PAD BEFORE PUTTING BABY IN!). It eliminates the cold shock that often wakes them.​ If you are currently nap trapped reading this, you can also place the mattress behind your back for a few minutes to warm with your body heat.

3. Go for a drive to give your arms a break

When all else fails and they just won’t settle, put them in the car seat and go for a drive (only if you’re not tired yourself!). The motion often works magic.​ I use this method often when my baby is overtired and I have no energy to carry her, I go to a drive thru for coffee or food and park up somewhere when I know shes asleep and relax with my kindle – sometimes it’s the only way to get some downtime.

4. Rest whenever you can!!

Forget the laundry and the dishes. I absolutely hate when people say ‘sleep when the baby sleeps,’ when dealing with a difficult newborn this is just impossible most of the time. Basically my best advice is to do the BARE MINIMUM housework. By this I mean clean clothes if you are all out, wash bottles if there are none and prioritise eating! The house will look clean and tidy again one day, I promise.​ My new moto is ‘the only thing I can’t do while she’s awake is rest’ and I remind myself each time she falls asleep.

5. Use a sling or carrier to extend naps

When your baby only wants short catnaps, grab a carrier or wrap and baby wear to extend nap times. The warmth and motion of your body often buys you an extra 30 minutes of peace—and you get your hands back for a snack or a chore!

6. Find Your Distraction

You’ll be spending long hours sitting up. Find a good series to binge or a favourite YouTube channel for those endless night shifts. Keep some headphones handy at all times, an audiobook or music can be great at helping you to relax while baby sleeps on you.

Streamlining Your Setup

You need to make your life as easy as humanly possible. No unnecessary walking!

7. Keep a basket handy for dirty laundry

Save yourself time and energy by keeping a laundry basket in the living room or whichever room you use most. Throw used muslins/clothes straight in – you don’t have time for neat piles.

8. Prep Stations are Key

Set up a nappy caddy in all main rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen). Keep a full change of clothes and a pile of muslins upstairs and downstairs. You never want to be stuck on another floor with a nappy explosion and no supplies.​ I also keep a drink and emergency snacks on each floor.

9. Keep a room thermometer handy

Have a thermometer upstairs and downstairs. It saves you a trip and keeps you quickly on top of room temperature and fever checks. It takes the stress out of wondering if the baby is warm enough or too warm, trust me you’ll ask this question 5 times a day. I use the Tommee Tippee Groegg and room light in our bedroom as it glows when the baby might be too cold / hot.

Tech & Tools That Help

Lean on technology to simplify the repetitive tasks.​

10. Download a Baby Tracking App

Use an app to track feeds, nappies, and sleep. When you’re running on two hours of sleep, you won’t remember which side you last fed on or when the last wet nappy was. The app is your outsourced memory.​ I use one called BabyDaybook and I pay for the premium feature which analyses sleep patterns and predicts naps – handy to know when naps are due without feeling like a NASA scientist.

11. Embrace white noise

Make the most of white noise, shushing, or heartbeat sounds. I’ve had products gifted to us but the only thing that seems to worn is playing rain noises either on YouTube or the Yoto player. Try not to keep the house too quiet — you want the baby to be able to sleep through normal household sounds like the TV or even the vacuum cleaner. My new go-to in month 3 is pushing her up and down the hallway in her pram with the white noise – it is a game changer!

12. Get a Rapid Bottle Cooler for on the go or night feeds

If you’re formula feeding, a device like the Nuby Rapid Cool bottle maker saves you the agonising wait for a hot bottle to cool down. It’s a game-changer for speed. They come in handy during night feeds and on the go.

Mental Health & Perspective

These are the most important hacks of all.​

14. Be Kind to Yourself (and Each Other)

This is the hardest job you’ll ever do. Lower the bar for what success looks like right now.​ If the only thing you achieve today is brushing your teeth, that’s okay! Do things that make you feel good, even if thats just going to the McDonald’s drive thru.

15. Take a shower, you will feel brand new

Seriously. Take a shower and get yourself dressed. Things seem a little less… well, shit, when you feel a bit more like a normal human being.​ But if you absolutely don’t have the energy, try to just wash your face and brush your hair.

16. It’s okay to leave the room

If the crying is getting too much, it is 100% okay to put the baby down safely in the crib and walk away for a couple of minutes. You need a break. They will be okay.​ I found even just turning the tap on for 20 seconds and breathing in and out helped regulate my nervous system.

17. Trust your instincts and do what you think is best

You will hear conflicting advice from everyone – healthcare visitors, midwives, doctors, family, and friends. Take what people say with a pinch of salt and do what you think is best. You are their parent, and your instincts matter most.​

​18. You DO NOT need to be ‘present’

You don’t need to be ‘present’ or savor every single moment right now like TikTok mums will tell you. If you need to doom scroll on your phone, watch TV, or just stare into space to survive the 2 AM feed, that’s okay. You’re still loving and caring for your baby. You are doing enough and don’t let social media make you feel otherwise!

You’ve got this.

You are doing a wonderful job!