Newborns need a lot of sleep. However, many parents don’t get enough sleep themselves and don’t have the time to get enough sleep for their babies. This can lead to problems like crying and trouble sleeping.
As a new mom, you likely know all the tips and tricks to get your newborn sleeping through the night. But did you know that sleep deprivation is common in newborns? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five babies experiences sleep deprivation during their first two months.
Newborns are naturally sleepy and need about 14 hours of sleep per day. If your baby is not getting enough rest, she may become cranky and irritable and have trouble regulating her temperature. Sleep deprivation can also lead to problems like weight gain and poor vision. If you notice any of these signs in your baby, getting her some extra shut-eye is essential!
How To Survive Newborn Sleep Deprivation?
Manage your expectations
When a woman becomes pregnant, she knows that her body will change. She may experience mood swings, weight gain, and even morning sickness. But one change no woman expects is the sudden sleep deprivation in early pregnancy. Newborns need anywhere from 14 to 17 hours of sleep each day, but as many as one-third of mothers feel they only get nine or 10 hours each night. This lack of sleep can cause newborns to be irritable and restless, leading to problems such as crying and sleeping poorly during the day. To ensure your newborn gets enough rest, try to stick to the recommended amount of sleep for new mothers and manage your expectations about how much sleep you’ll get.
Take shifts
If you’re a new parent, one of the most challenging things is getting your baby to sleep through the night. And unfortunately, sleep deprivation is common in newborns. That’s why taking shifts is essential so one parent can get some rest. Here are some tips on how to survive newborn sleep deprivation:
1. Make sure you have enough sleep yourself. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and feel free to take a break occasionally. When you’re fatigued, your baby will be too.
2. Try out different strategies for getting your baby to fall asleep. Some babies fall asleep quickly when in bed, while others need more time in a co-sleeper or bassinet before falling asleep.
Go binge-watching
Newborns need a lot of sleep. Some babies will do fine on as little as 12 hours, but most need 16–18 hours daily. But with the new baby coming and all of the excitement and newness, it can be hard to get that much sleep. Here are some tips to help you survive newborn sleep deprivation:
Set realistic expectations for yourself and your new baby. Don’t expect to be able to take care of both of you simultaneously while getting enough sleep.
-Try going for short naps if you’re struggling to get through the day without any sleep. A 20-minute nap will give you enough energy to take care of your baby for an hour or two.
-If breastfeeding, ensure to pump during the day to have enough milk for your baby at night.
– enlist help from family and friends.
Bath everyday
Bathing can be a refreshing experience and help you stay healthy. Here are some tips for bathing regularly:
– Start by washing your face and hands.
– Warm water is best for bathing. Avoid using hot water if you have a fever or an infection.
– Be sure to soap all your body parts, including your hair, carefully.
– Rinse off all the soap before getting out of the shower.
– Towel dry yourself thoroughly before getting dressed.
Sleep when you can
When it comes to sleep, more is only sometimes better. Some experts say that you can get by with less sleep than you think. “You don’t need eight hours of sleep a night; you need enough to feel energized and refreshed,” says Elizabeth Koppelman, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Chicago. Here are four ways to get the sleep your body and brain desperately crave:
Use baby sleeping products.
If you are planning to become pregnant or have a baby, you know that one of the many things you need to take care of is ensuring your baby is getting quality sleep. One way to achieve this is by using safe baby sleeping products. Here are some of the best options:
1. Buy organic cotton diapers because they do not release toxic chemicals into the environment when disposed of.
2. Invest in a monitor that emits sound only if your baby is making noise. This will help you determine whether or not your baby is awake and content.
3. Consider using a safe sleep training method with your children, such as cosleeping or bed-sharing. Both of these options are beneficial for both infants and mothers/fathers!
Sleep at night with your baby
Sleep at night with your baby is essential to both of you. You will have a better relationship and be more productive during the day.
If you are breastfeeding, try to breastfeed while you sleep. This will help establish a good nursing relationship and make it easier when your baby is older and wants to nurse at night.
When you wake up in the middle of the night, try not to get too anxious about what is happening. It is natural for babies to wake up frequently at first and may need some soothing back to sleep.
Try to avoid overexerting yourself during the day too. Take a break every hour or so to rest and regain your energy.
Make sure your bedroom is comfortable for both of you, including a comfortable bed, a good nightlight, and plenty of privacy.
Find ways to help babies sleep longer.
As a new parent, one of the most important things you’ll need to do is get your baby to sleep. But even if you follow all the advice and tricks out there, your baby will likely wake up frequently in the early weeks and months. Here are some tips on how to help them survive newborn bay:
– Make sure your room is dark and quiet. A quiet room will help your baby fall asleep more quickly, while a dark environment can help preserve their sleep patterns.
– Keep your baby in an upright position when they’re sleeping. This will keep their head cool and reduce their chances of waking up due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
– Avoid feeding your baby right before they go to sleep.
Start a routine
When you become a new parent, your world is turned upside down. You’re suddenly responsible for another life and all the questions that come with it. One of the most common concerns is how to care for your newborn baby. Here are some tips to help you start a routine and survive newborn bay:
1. Make a plan. When bringing your baby home, create a schedule for feeding, sleeping, and playing. This will help you establish a routine and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Get organized. If you can set up some basic rules in your home before your baby arrives, it will make life easier.
Try formula feeding
Newborn bay is a condition that can become serious in premature infants. The budding bay bacteria cause a red, swollen, and painful eye. If left untreated, the newborn baby can lead to blindness. There are several things you can do to help your premature baby survive this condition and prevent blindness:
- Try formula feeding instead of breastfeeding if possible. Formula feeding protects the baby’s eyes from infection and makes it easier for the doctor to treat any bacterial infection.
- Ensure your premature baby is always kept warm and dry. This will help prevent the formation of new Bay bacteria and keep their skin healthy.
- Vaccinate your baby against common childhood diseases such as Hib, whooping cough, and measles.
Co-sleep
Cosleeping is incredibly beneficial for both the baby and the parent. For many parents, cosleeping with their newborn is a lifesaver. Here are just some of the benefits:
1) It can help develop a close bond between parent and baby.
2) It can reduce the likelihood of your baby crying excessively during the night.
3) It can help you get more restful sleep.
4) It helps babies build brain function and learn how to self-soothe.
5) It reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Learn various hacks
There’s no need to feel overwhelmed when your baby first arrives, and newborn bay can be a great place to start. Here are a few hacks to help you survive this new chapter in your life.
1. Get organized: An organized room is vital when caring for a newborn. Try placing all the baby’s clothes in one spot, and store diapers and formula near the changing station. This will help keep everything clean and easy to access.
2. Get creative: There are plenty of ways to entertain your newborn without spending a fortune on toys or supplies. Try making homemade food items, singing lullabies, or playing soft music together. All of these activities will help keep your little one occupied and happy!
3. Stay connected: Keeping in touch with loved ones is essential during this period.
Start sleep training
Starting sleep training can be daunting, but with the right tips, it can be easier than you think. Here are some tips to help you survive newborn bay:
1. Start by establishing a routine. Baby will learn better if there is a consistent schedule for both parents and baby. This includes sleeping and feeding times.
2. Use props to help keep the baby calm and asleep. Some helpful props include white noise machines, mobiles with lullabies, or weighted blankets.
3. Use safe sleep techniques when your baby is awake. These techniques include keeping Baby confined to a safe space (like their crib), avoiding loud noises, and using a pacifier during nap or bedtime.
4. Offer plenty of breastfeeding support throughout the first few weeks postpartum.
Take pics and videos of your baby
If you’re expecting a baby, chances are you’re thinking about taking pictures and videos of your little one from the moment they’re born. But what if something goes wrong? Here are some tips to help you survive newborn bay:
1. Take pictures and videos of your baby when they first arrive. The more documentation you have, the better chance you have of proving what happened in the event of a dispute or lawsuit.
2. If your baby has trouble breathing, don’t hesitate to call for help. You can document the incident by taking pictures and videos as paramedics work on your baby.
3. If something goes wrong during labor or delivery, take pictures and videos as soon as possible to document what happened. This will be valuable evidence if there’s a dispute later on about who was responsible for the injury or death of your child.
Document the newborn phase
In the early weeks and months of a newborn’s life, they rely on their parents for everything. The newborn phase is a time of significant vulnerability for both baby and parent, so parents must document their child’s every move. There are plenty of ways to do this without removing the special bond between parent and child. Here are some tips:
One way to document your newborn’s activities is by using a baby journal. This will allow you to keep track of what your baby is up to and note any changes or developments over time. You can also use photo albums or video recordings to capture your little one in action.
Another great way to document your newborn’s progress is through photos taken every two hours during the first five days after birth.
Conclusion
Newborn sleep deprivation can have long-term consequences for the child’s health and development. If your baby is not getting enough rest, try to get them some shut-eye as soon as possible. If you struggle to get your newborn to sleep, talk to your doctor about options such as sleep training or using a noise machine. Finally, keep track of your baby’s sleep habits so you can identify any problems early on.
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