How To Get More Sleep With A Newborn

I find it so ironic that growing up we fight taking naps and going to bed early, and yet as soon as we become adults it is the exact opposite. We say, "if only I could teach my child to sleep now." Well, there's a way!

I'm not saying I'm a pro at this, but I have learned a few techniques that I would like to share both for newborns and new mamas.

Photo byFrankieonUnsplash

For Newborns:

Light vs. Dark

As soon as your baby is born, you can start this. Have light during the day like normal. But as soon as you want your child to sleep, whether it be 8 pm or 10 pm, make sure it is dark.

Babies can recognize light and dark so it is an indication to them when it is time to sleep and when it is not.

We did this right from the start, and it amazed me how easy it was for my baby to recognize that is was nighttime.

Quiet vs. Loud

Similar technique as the previous one, make sure it is quiet at night. Some people tiptoe when their child is finally asleep during the day. I don't. If it is loud, it does not matter, that is if it is during the day.

As soon as night comes around, you bet I will be tiptoeing around the house. This is another simple yet effective technique to help your child sleep during the night.

Night Time Routine

This is viral. I got my baby into a nighttime routine straight away. It can be different for every baby.

For us, when she gets a little cranky, we know it's time. So I get her pacifier and put it in her mouth. She usually resists so I gently hold her cheek and the pacifier in her mouth.

We then turn off the lights and start walking in a slow circle around the house. I start singing her a song or two. With each step, I get quieter and quieter and slower and slower.

And that's it! It takes us five minutes and she is out cold. We usually don't even finish our song! She has learned to recognize that routine. She knows it's time to sleep when I do that.

Lavender Oil!

I saved the best for last, lavender oil! This has saved me so much sleep! My baby was waking up every two hours, so sleep was almost nonexistent for me for a while.

I started massaging her feet right before putting her to sleep and she now sleeps 6-10 hours! Some people also diffuse lavender or use a linen spray that has lavender in it.

Have you already tried lavender and it didn't work? You'll need to check if your oil is pure.

For Mamas:

Sleep when baby naps

I had such a hard time with this, so I really struggled in the beginning. But it is so important to get that sleep you are missing at night during each feeding.

I thought I needed to get things done while she sleeps so I would never nap. You do not have to sleep every single time the baby sleeps. Or you can, whatever works best for you.

Just remember that you NEED to take care of yourself for your baby. If you do not sleep enough, there are severe damaging effects on your body, which can hurt your baby. One way to catch up on sleep is to nap when your baby does.

Prepare for sleep

It is so important to sleep when you can actually sleep. But most often, in this day and age, we don't. We either grab our phones and get lost in social media or are using technology before we sleep. Either way, it has a damaging effect on your sleep.

It's usually recommended to put away electronics 2 hours before you have to sleep. That way your brain is more relaxed and your eyes are not so sore.

It may seem weird, but it does play a part in our sleep habits. It will help you to go to sleep faster and have more meaningful sleep.

Be comfortable

Get comfy girl! Even if it means spending a little more on a good mattress or pillow I say go for it. Your sleep is important, you cannot live without it.

You'll have to sleep on a bed and pillow anyway. Might as well make sure you are completely comfortable. When you are more comfortable you are more relaxed. More relaxed equals deeper sleep.

If you are too hot invest in a fan or lighter clothes and blankets. If you are too cold, get a warm blanket or even a small heater by your bed.

If it sounds like I'm repeating myself I am. I cannot stress to you enough the importance of sleep. When you get enough sleep, you are more patient with your baby and yourself. You are happier. You can think better.

I hope these ideas help you out. Let me know if you have some that work wonders on your baby! Share below your strategies in the comments and let's help each other out!

For everyone: try out Earthley's Sleepy Time!