Tips for navigating sleep deprivation when adjusting to having a new baby

Mums Tips

Baby & Toddlers

Published on Friday, 25 October 2019 11:10

Last Updated on 10 December 2020

MarcShipman

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When you have a new-born at home, whether it’s your first or not, it’s normal for you to keep waking up every night. It does take some time to adjust to the sleepless nights and having to constantly be aware of another. Experts from a health & wellbeing brand have put together a variety of tips that parents can use to their advantage to help them navigate sleepless nights…

If you have the chance to sleep, sleep

Easier said than done, yes, but if somebody has offered to help you out with your newborn, take them up on it. They are not asking you just because they feel guilty; they probably really want to lend a hand. Use this time to bag a few extra hours of sleep yourself, that way when you return back to your newborn you will feel far more fresh and alert – ready to conquer whatever the newborn decides to throw your way. It’s the same for when your baby is sleeping, you should try to nap as well. Everything else can wait; it’s better to wake up feeling a bit more revived and ready then to be running on coffee and fumes.

Give essential oils a try

The benefits of essential oils have been known for over 6,000 years. They’re not a new thing, but it’s something that many are only just opening up to. Lavender, for example, helps to relax and sooth the body and mind, red mandarin supports restful sleep and frankincense promotes a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Whether you’re using the ‘Sleep’ GO2 essential oil inhaler stick, or are buying essential oils as aromatherapy oils or in food or drink form, different ingredients can do different things, and these three ingredients for starters can help parents get a better night’s sleep, ensuring they’re up and feeling their best for the new day.

Lay off the caffeine and opt for natural drinks

You really shouldn’t be consuming caffeine after 2pm. The stimulant itself will not only keep you awake but it will also stop your body from naturally beginning to rest when it comes to the evening.

The more you become immune to consuming caffeine with a newborn, the harder it will be to break the cycle. Start with drinking one less coffee a day and slowly start to pull back the amount you consume; energy drinks aren’t better either. Opting for water throughout the day or drinking herbal teas will make you feel hydrated and restored.

Say ‘no’ if it means it gives you time to recharge

Life as a new parent might be hard, and you might find yourselves wanting to stay busy and active so as not to lose friends or to ensure you’ve got help, but it will do more harm than good if you are constantly planning social activities with the newborn. As noted above, try and sleep whenever your new baby sleeps. It’s nice for you to go out and be social with friends, but when your baby is sleeping and you’re out, that means you are both working on opposite ends – a problem that will definitely feel later at night. In contrast, a brisk walk with the pushchair could do you the world of good. Either way, don’t be afraid to say no to plans if that means you will feel better because you’ve had that extra sleep or had a little time to yourself.

Set the mood for bedtime

Get your baby familiar with sounds and sights when it’s time to start winding down. Play some soothing music and dim the lights. When it comes to a routine, the earlier you can adapt the better and the sooner your new-born will follow. Slowly but surely you will see an improvement and you will start to gain all those lost hours of sleep back.