Finding time to sleep is a bit tricky when you’re a new mom. There’s so much going on between feedings, diaper changes and everyday life that the last thing you feel like you have time for is sleep. Babies are the cutest thing in the world, but they need so much when they’re this young. Sleep needs to remain one of your top priorities so you can take care of both you and your baby. So how do you find time to sleep when you have a newborn? See some of our helpful sleep habits to find out how.
Get sleep when your baby does
Now that you have a newborn, you can’t depend on getting the same amount of sleep at night that you used to before they were born. The solution? Sleep when your baby sleeps. Newborns sleep frequently – anywhere from 2-4 hours a time up to 16-18 hours a day. That’s a lot of napping! If your baby is snoozing, now’s the time to ignore the laundry, dirty dishes and other things you’ve been meaning to catch up on, and get caught up on sleep instead.
Ask for help
Moms are superhero’s, but even superhero’s need help sometimes. Ask for help from friends and family with babysitting or chores and errands you haven’t had a chance to get to. That’s right, you don’t have to do it all. They’ll be willing to help in any way they can in a heartbeat, especially if it means spending quality time with the baby. Any free time that you can get should be used for a quick nap to recharge. And at night, alternate baby duties with your partner to help cut down on interrupted sleep.
Keep the crib next to you
Put their crib or bassinet in your room next to or near your bed. If you need to get up to take care of them in the middle of the night, it will be so much easier than going from room to room. Once their ready to be put back down to sleep, all you have to do is swing your feet back into bed and you’ll be out like a light in no time.
Practice sleep hygiene
Yes, sleep hygiene is a thing. Sleep hygiene refers to good sleeping habits. They include being consistent about when you go to bed and wake up, avoiding electronics, large meals and caffeine before bed, creating a relaxing bedroom space, and getting plenty of exercise during the day.
It’s important, especially as a new mom, to get the rest you need. Not only are good sleeping habits important to your well-being, but you’ll be well rested enough to take care of all your mommy duties. With these strategies, you should be able to get more sleep during the day and at night.
Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medications or treatment. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Resources:
New Parents: Tips for Quality Rest. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/new-parents-tips-for-quality-rest
Sleep Tips for New Parents. (2020, July 28). Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/new-baby-no-sleep-tips-ease-transition
The Best Sleep Advice for New Parents-How to Handle Sleep Deprivation. (2020, January 23). Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://www.sleep.org/new-parents-guide-getting-sleep/
How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
CDC - Sleep Hygiene Tips - Sleep and Sleep Disorders. (2016, July 15). Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html
