The Key to Getting Sleep with a New Baby

Your hair looks like a bird has nested in it, you have developed dark circles under your eyes and you are floating through your day like you are in a dream like state. These are all key signs that your new baby is keeping you up at night. Before it gets to the point where the word sleep becomes foreign to you, something must be done. While sleeping through the night is pretty much impossible with a infant in the house, getting a good amount of sleep is not. Figuring out when to grab a few extra Zzzz's in a day is essential to your health both mentally and physically.

Forget the Schedule
Trying to stick to a timed schedule when you have a new infant is a sure fire way of losing your precious sleep. Don't be afraid to go to bed a little earlier if you can and sleep a little later if possible. If you are still on maternity leave or you are staying home this should be especially easy for you. However, if you are already back at work and must get up at a certain time you may not be able to sleep in. If this is the case for you, try minimizing your morning routine. Have as much done or prepared before you go to bed as you can. Lay out your work clothes, pack the diaper bag and leave everything you need to take other than perishables by the door ready to go. Cutting out as much as possible from your morning routine will allow you to sleep longer and get ready at a more relaxed pace.

Things Can Wait
Don't feel as if your home must look perfect at all times. You have kids now and the sooner you let that notion go the better. If your baby is taking a nap, put down the basket of laundry and take a nap yourself. Don't get me wrong I am not suggesting you sleep all day. Nor am I saying you should live in filth. Just knowing when to let things go for a bit and take care of yourself is important. Save as many chores as you can for the weekend or your day off. Additionally, don't be afraid to delegate some of those chores to your husband or other children if you have them. Also, make dinner easy for awhile, don't plan on cooking anything elaborate. Freeing up some of your time by taking these shortcuts will give you more time to rest and relax.

Every new parent needs time to adjust, because every baby is different. Some will sleep through the night quickly and others take an entire year to do so. Learning how to set your limitations and take time for self preservation is key to your health. Remember, a healthy happy mother equals a healthy happy baby.