When you’re waiting for the much-anticipated arrival of a new baby, it’s likely that you’re going to be hounded with a lot of advice from all angles. A lot of this advice may be related to the subject matter of sleep, which can seem overwhelming. You realize that having a baby is going to have an impact on your sleep routine and the rest of your lives, so why do people try to scare you? They may not be trying to intentionally make you feel anxious; they could simply be preparing you for what’s to come.
Newborns have incredibly unpredictable sleep patterns so it’s important to be aware of what your day to day may look like when they finally arrive. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier to maintain your energy levels, or you’re doing your research on safe sleep with a new baby, there are so many different things you can do to prepare. Unpredictable sleep and newborns go hand in hand, and there is often no way of avoiding it. However, you will soon feel more in control with regards to sleeping patterns and your beautiful newborn baby as long as you do your research now.
Decide on a Nighttime Routine
Getting your new baby into a gentle and enjoyable nighttime routine early on will be a huge helping hand when you start settling them into their own bedrooms when they’re a little bit older. Babies thrive on a nighttime routine, as it can give them reassurance that they are well taken care of when they drift off to sleep each evening. You may want to give your baby a lukewarm bath, short massage and read a story to them before you settle them down to sleep. This calming sleep association will help you for many years to come.
Understand Safe Sleep for Newborns
Making sure your newborn is in a safe sleep space is hugely important, especially when they are so tiny. When you put your newborn down to sleep it’s important to put them flat on their back without any excess sheets or covers. Using a sleep sack can help your baby to stay cozy and comfortable without putting them at any risk. Reading up on the latest crib safety tips will give you peace of mind that your little one is always safe and sound when you put them down in their cot. Putting your newborn down to sleep can be worrying enough as a new parent, so when their sleep environment is safe it can put your mind at ease instantly.
Stock Up on Bedside Snacks for the Night Feeds
At this stage of parenthood, sometimes you just need to face the fact that your sleep pattern is going to be all over the place. Doing the night feeds can be extremely draining so make sure you stock up on plenty of snacks to help you get through it. Opt for wholesome and energizing foods such as granola bars, nuts and popcorn as this will help you to get through those long and tiring nights when feeding the baby.
Share the Load With a Partner
Having a good stretch of sleep as a new parent can be quite a rarity, but if you’re lucky enough to have a partner to share the load with you, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get some sleep. Doing different shifts as a partnership will not only give you the chance to re-energize yourself, but it will also help to bring you closer together when family life can feel a little stressful.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily Throughout the Day
Hydration and healthy eating can have a huge impact on the way you sleep and are able to rest throughout the day. If you’re constantly topping yourself up with sugary snacks and drinks, you will soon experience an energy crash that won’t allow you to function well throughout the day. If you want to get high quality sleep whenever you get the chance you need to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Grab Any Sleep Whilst You Can
If someone offers to hold the baby for you and you have the opportunity to go up to bed, you need to take on the offer. Grabbing any sleep you can will help you to catch up on some much-needed rest, and get back on top of your day to day routine with your new baby.
Let the Household Chores Wait
When you have just had a baby your entire household may feel as though it has been taken over by a small tornado; this is completely normal. As much as you want to get up from your comfy spot and re-organize your house, now is not the time to undertake strenuous household chores that are going to tire you out even more. Now would be the right time to give yourself time to relax, get some shut eye and re-energize ready for the next feed.
Hopefully, these ideas will give you an idea of what it might be like when your newborn baby is welcomed into your family. Remember, everything is temporary, especially when it comes to sleep and a newborn. You are going to go through so many different phases with your baby, so try not to get too comfortable too quickly. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, so enjoy each moment whilst you can. Even if you’re laying in bed with only a couple of hours sleep under your belt, you will soon miss this feeling one day when your son or daughter is grown up.
Focus on all of the positives that go hand in hand with welcoming a beautiful new addition to your family, rather than thinking about the lack of sleep you and your partner are going to get! Once you have settled into a regime that works for you, you can soak in all of the amazing moments with your new little bundle of joy!
