All new parents are thrilled to take care of their new baby. But, one of the downsides of new parenting is the lack of sleep. But, there are ways new parents can still sleep, at least enough to function. Of course, with a baby you will never get an over abundance of sleep, but these tips will help you at least get enough sleep to keep your sanity.
Try taking turns.
When the baby starts crying both parents generally wake up, even if only one attends to the baby. However, in the first couple of months both parents might get up each time the baby cries. Neither of them will get any sleep this way. Having a plan and a schedule determining who will get up is going to be helpful to all. Generally, taking turns is really the best option and will help everyone get just a little more sleep.
Nap With Baby
There is little reason for you to remain awake when baby sleeps. This will allow you to get some much needed sleep. So, whether the baby naps in the morning, afternoon, or early evening you should also get a little rest because you never know when the baby might wake up.
Don't turn down help.
Frequently when you have a new baby there are plenty of people willing to help from parents, siblings, friends, and other family members. So, you absolutely have no reason to turn down help if someone offers to look after baby and you are tired. Letting your mom take care of the baby for a little while can make a wonderful difference and allow you to get some needed rest.
Baby should stay in the nursery.
It is always best for baby to sleep in the nursery. While it is easy to get into the habit of letting baby sleep with the parents, it is not good to do so. So, put the baby to sleep in his crib in the nursery. Then, when the baby cries one parent can easily go attend to the baby without disturbing the other parent. This allows both parents to sleep more.
Feed Baby Before You Sleep
If your baby has been asleep for several hours and it is around 11 pm and you are getting ready for bed simply wake baby for a feeding. Sometimes babies wake up at night simply because they are hungry, so if you take the time to feed them before you go to bed, they might stay asleep until early morning, giving you a good 6 or 7 hours. This will allow you to get some continuous sleep, even if it is not as much as you want.
Try taking turns.
When the baby starts crying both parents generally wake up, even if only one attends to the baby. However, in the first couple of months both parents might get up each time the baby cries. Neither of them will get any sleep this way. Having a plan and a schedule determining who will get up is going to be helpful to all. Generally, taking turns is really the best option and will help everyone get just a little more sleep.
Nap With Baby
There is little reason for you to remain awake when baby sleeps. This will allow you to get some much needed sleep. So, whether the baby naps in the morning, afternoon, or early evening you should also get a little rest because you never know when the baby might wake up.
Don't turn down help.
Frequently when you have a new baby there are plenty of people willing to help from parents, siblings, friends, and other family members. So, you absolutely have no reason to turn down help if someone offers to look after baby and you are tired. Letting your mom take care of the baby for a little while can make a wonderful difference and allow you to get some needed rest.
Baby should stay in the nursery.
It is always best for baby to sleep in the nursery. While it is easy to get into the habit of letting baby sleep with the parents, it is not good to do so. So, put the baby to sleep in his crib in the nursery. Then, when the baby cries one parent can easily go attend to the baby without disturbing the other parent. This allows both parents to sleep more.
Feed Baby Before You Sleep
If your baby has been asleep for several hours and it is around 11 pm and you are getting ready for bed simply wake baby for a feeding. Sometimes babies wake up at night simply because they are hungry, so if you take the time to feed them before you go to bed, they might stay asleep until early morning, giving you a good 6 or 7 hours. This will allow you to get some continuous sleep, even if it is not as much as you want.
About the Author:
Join HRU for programs that focus on emergency nursing management. An HRU seminar is a great educational investment for your nursing staff.
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