What Is the 5-5-5 Rule for Newborns? (And Why Every New Mom Should Know It)
If you’re a new parent or preparing for postpartum life, you’ve probably come across a lot of advice. But one simple, powerful guideline stands out in the sea of checklists and survival tips: the 5-5-5 rule for newborns. But what is it—and how can it actually help you recover and bond during the most important weeks of your baby’s life?
Let’s break it down.
What Is the 5-5-5 Rule?
The 5-5-5 rule is a postpartum recovery guideline that encourages birthing parents to rest intentionally during the first 15 days after giving birth.
It looks like this:
5 days in the bed
5 days on the bed
5 days near the bed
This simple rule is a reminder to slow down, prioritize healing, and reduce physical strain in the crucial early weeks postpartum.
Why the 5-5-5 Rule Matters
Many new parents feel pressure to “bounce back” or get back to normal life quickly—but the body and mind need time to heal. Here’s what each stage helps support:
▸ First 5 Days: In the Bed
Stay in bed as much as possible. This is your time to:
Focus on skin-to-skin bonding
Initiate breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Allow your body to rest, recover from bleeding, and reduce swelling
Limit walking, housework, or entertaining visitors
▸ Next 5 Days: On the Bed
You’re still mostly resting, but may:
Sit up more
Move to the couch occasionally
Take short, slow walks around the room
Still avoid cooking, cleaning, or lifting anything heavier than your baby
▸ Final 5 Days: Near the Bed
You might feel more like yourself, but recovery isn’t done.
Take short walks or light movement
Begin gentle baby care routines
Still prioritize rest—your core, pelvic floor, and uterus are still healing
It’s Not Just Physical—It’s Emotional Too
The 5-5-5 rule helps reduce the risk of:
Postpartum bleeding complications
Pelvic organ prolapse
Emotional burnout and anxiety
Breastfeeding challenges due to stress or over stimulation
In these first 15 days, your hormones are shifting dramatically, and your baby is learning to adjust to the outside world. Staying close, resting, and letting go of expectations can create a smoother postpartum experience for both of you.
What If You Can’t Fully Follow the 5-5-5 Rule?
Not everyone has help at home or the ability to fully rest—and that’s okay. Here are a few tips to adapt it:
Set up a nesting station near your bed with snacks, diapers, and feeding supplies
Ask friends or family for specific help—meals, laundry, or holding baby while you nap
Consider hiring a postpartum support professional to assist with recovery, newborn care, and mental health
Final Thoughts: Postpartum Healing Is Not a Luxury
The 5-5-5 rule isn’t about being strict—it’s about being gentle with yourself. Your body just performed a miracle. Your only job right now is to heal and bond.
As a postpartum nurse who has supported hundreds of families in the Bay Area and beyond, I know how hard it is to slow down. But I also know how much easier the journey becomes with the right support.
Ready for Real Postpartum Support?
If you’re planning your postpartum recovery (or you’re already in it and feeling overwhelmed), I’m here to help.
Contact me now to schedule a free discovery call today to learn how in-home postpartum care can support your healing, ease newborn care, and help you feel more like you again—without doing it all alone.
