Bringing home your new bundle of joy is an amazing, one of a kind experience. While congratulations are in order for the new parents, your bundle may also cause a lot of unexpected stress. Here are some tips to make your first few weeks at home with your new baby more manageable.

First, get dad involved. It is easy to assume that caring for a newborn is a moms job, when in reality, it takes two. When a new mother is nursing her baby, dad can step in and help. Have him grab a nursing pillow, burp the baby and change the diaper, or even bottle feed the baby for mom a few times a day. It may not sound like much, but helping mom get some extra hours of sleep will make a huge difference.

Take shifts caring for the baby. If mom has been up all night, let the new dad handle caring for the baby in the morning. This can also be a great way for them to bond. Whether it involves letting the baby rock in a swing, or playing on an activity mat, dad can make this bonding time fun, while mom gets some much-needed rest.

Put the new dad in charge of stocking the diaper bag, making sure the baby clothes get washed, and the house gets cleaned. Babies are exhausting, especially for a new mom. Until the baby is on a schedule, dad can take on extra household responsibilities. Let the new dad be the cook, and relax while you recover.

Having a baby is the first step into a whole new world, but it is very stressful for a first time mom. An important part of recovery is to rest, and reduce the amount of stress a mom is under. Allowing dad to step in and not only get to know your little one, but take over some household duties will ensure a smoother transition.