Every new parent struggle with sleep deprivation their baby’s first few months. Here are some tips for getting enough sleep with a newborn.
Nap When Your Baby Naps
Newborns require a lot of sleep, so if you are still on maternity or paternity leave—nap when your baby naps during the day. You might be tempted to get a few things done while the baby naps, but getting a bit more sleep will increase your productivity. If you are already back to work utilize this strategy on the weekends and if you can, take power naps during the day.
Take Turns
Switch off who gets up with the baby every other night. The baby will still wake you so, keep earplugs nearby so that you can head back to sleep quickly when it’s not your night to get up. Since we are all groggy when we wake up, keep the baby monitor on your side of the bed when it’s your turn. That way when you are half asleep you will know if it’s you that must get up.
Prioritize Your Health
You are already drained, so don’t do anything else that will drain you more. So, drink plenty of water and unsweetened herbal tea, eat a diet low in sugars and processed foods, and exercise at least 4 days a week.
In a few months your baby will be sleeping through the night, or at least in longer chunks of time.
