Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting time, but whew chile, it can also be exhausting. Newborns typically sleep for short periods of time and wake frequently for feedings, leaving many new moms (and dads) feeling sleep-deprived and overwhelmed. Yall told me I would be tired, but tired was an understatement. I don’t know if there is a word strong enough to describe the type of exhaustion I endured. Here, I will share some tips and tricks that other parents shared with me. These may help both you and your newborn get the sleep you need. I cannot guarantee you 8 hours of blissful sleep, but I mean, you may as well give em a shot. What do you have to lose?
Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps
Okay, so let’s get this one out of the way. This was probably the most frequent advice I received. Many people will tell you that one of the best ways to combat sleep deprivation is to take naps whenever your baby does. This sounds wonderful, but let me tell ya it is easier said that done. When my baby napped, I did everything but nap. I watched him sleep (and smelled him cause that’s what we do), caught up on a TV show or two, returned phone calls, washed the dishes, straightened up the house, folded clothes, scrolled Instagram, etc. By the time I actually sat down to maybe take a nap, guess who was awake and ready to eat. So yes, I’ll be the one millionth person to tell you this. When your baby is sleeping, try to rest as well, even if it’s just for a short period of time. Don’t worry about the household chores or work tasks – they can wait. Your sleep and rest are just as important as everything else. If you can successfully do this, you’re the real MVP.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Creating a bedtime routine for your baby can help signal that it’s time for sleep. A warm bath, soothing music, a bedtime story, and dim lights are all great ways to help your baby wind down for the night. Be consistent with your routine every night, and your baby will learn to associate these activities with sleep.
Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
A comfortable sleeping environment can also help your baby sleep better. Make sure the room is dark (blackout curtains aren’t just for Vegas), cool, and either quiet or has a nice smooth uninterrupted sound (we absolutely love this sound machine). Invest in a comfortable crib mattress and quality bedding (and by bedding, I mean the one little fitted sheet it’s recommended for them to have) that is safe for your baby. Swaddling is also a great way to create a secure and cozy sleeping environment for your little one. We cracked the cheat code when we finally tried a weighted sleep sack. Be careful when choosing one though (there have been some recalls), but this one made our nights so much better.
Have a Feeding Schedule
So ummm, yeah. Babies eat when they want, mmmk. I feel like my kid had a longer than usual cluster feeding phase and it wore me out. Newborns need frequent feedings, and it’s important to establish a feeding schedule that works for both you and your baby. Feeding your baby before they get too hungry may help prevent fussiness and make it easier for them to fall asleep. In addition, breastfeeding releases hormones that can help both you and your baby feel relaxed and sleepy. If breastfeeding is your weapon of choice, check out this post. Again, if you can master this, you need to teach a class, but at minimum, I hope you will have better luck than me.
Get Help When You Need It
I had a hard time with this one. I’m not one to ask for help, but I quickly learned I’m not who I used to be anymore. Mama needs help and once I realized there is strength in acknowledging this, I got on board with asking for help when I needed it. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, family members, or friends to help with household chores, errands, or even with watching the baby while you take a nap. Having support can make all the difference when it comes to getting the sleep you need.
Takeaway
While it’s true that sleep can be a challenge for new moms and newborns, there are several things you can do to help ensure you both get the rest you need. Establishing a bedtime routine, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, having a feeding schedule, and asking for help when needed are all great ways to help promote healthy sleep habits for you and your baby. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one. Sweet Dreams!
That’s It. That’s All Yall.
J. Bai
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I’m just sharing my thoughts and experiences. As always, if you need medical advice, please consult your doctor.
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