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Together time

Provisions

Before the birth, stock up on nutritious drinks (particularly if you're breastfeeding), clothes, cotton wool, nappies and sanitary towels.

Nurturing

You and your partner will nurture your baby, and your partner will nurture you - those are the rules!

Bonding

Enjoy getting to know your baby.

Nesting

Make your bed the centre of your household.

Visitors

Don't feel obliged to play hostess, they can always come back later.

Callers

Turn on your answerphone.

Starting a routine

Don't expect any kind of routine for the first three to six weeks. It will take at least that long for your baby to settle into an established pattern of feeding and sleeping. As they're so portable at first, it may be wise to take advantage of this by carrying them with you when you go out. You can also help create a routine for your baby by creating one for yourself - believe us, you'll be glad in the long run if they learn to sleep and eat at regular times.

Crying

This may sound obvious but, at first, the only way your baby can communicate in any meaningful way is by crying. It could mean that they're hungry, upset, tired, bored or feeling lonely. Or they could sense that you or your partner is feeling stressed. You won't know why they're crying half the time, you'll just have to try different approaches and see what works. And don't worry - all babies cry and it doesn't mean you're a bad parent if you can't always make them stop.