Getting enough rest is always a challenge with a newborn baby in the family. Newborns need to nurse or take a bottle every few hours, making it difficult for new parents to get ample rest between feedings.
While a full night’s uninterrupted sleep may be out of reach for some time, there are some simple, easy ways to maximize your sleep opportunities as parents.
Consider the following five tips to help you get the best sleep possible.
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Sleep when your baby does. The time when baby is asleep can be more valuable than gold, which is why many new parents treasure every second. Rather than spending it all on work and chores, invest some of this time in taking a nap of your own. Being well-rested can help you feel energized and be more productive when awake.
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Don’t overload on caffeine. It may be tempting to make up for lost sleep by downing coffee, but this choice may hurt you more than it helps you. If the unexpected opportunity to snag a nap comes up, it could be tough to make the most of it with a lingering caffeine buzz.
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Limit your time with bright screens. Many new moms and dads wind down for the night by getting on the computer, watching TV, or killing time on their phone. Unfortunately, the brightness of these screens can hinder sleepiness and prevent you from getting some much-needed rest. Instead, find ways to relax without a screen, such as reading a physical book or listening to soothing music.
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Make your bed a restful place. Nothing kills an opportunity to sleep like feeling uncomfortable. Transform your bedroom into a quiet, comfy sanctuary where you can relax. Hang light-blocking curtains in the windows, consider getting a white noise machine to drown out loud sounds, and make sure your mattress is in good shape. A lumpy or distressed mattress can reduce the quality of your sleep. If you’re sleeping poorly or having trouble falling asleep, it may be time for a new mattress.
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Keep the baby near you. Although sleeping with your baby is never recommended out of concern for suffocation should you unknowingly roll over on them, you can still keep your little one close by using a bassinet attached to or near the bed. This clever design will allow you to feed the baby in the middle of the night without getting out of bed yourself, often making it easier to fall back to sleep afterward.
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Getting enough rest as the parent of a newborn may be tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You’ll have to plan ahead more than you did before the baby came; but, even if you struggle, remember that the challenges do not last forever. Most babies start sleeping for longer stretches overnight by the time they’re three to six months old.
In the meantime, carve out a little bit of quiet time for yourself when the baby sleeps and make the most of it with a comfortable place to rest. Visit Mattress360 to browse a selection of comfortable mattresses that will help you get the best sleep possible!
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