Top Ten Homemade and Cheap Sleeping Tips for New Parents

What is the number one issue after a child is born for new parents? Sleep. Hopefully, this guide will give you the basics of regaining your well deserved sleep.

1. Co-sleeping - Some parents opt to have their baby sleep with them. Just as there are some benefits, (closer family bond, more sleep for you) co-sleeping should be done very carefully. Refrain from having pillows and fuzzy blankets around your baby, and be sure that there is enough room for everyone, especially if you or your spouse is overweight. In addition, be sure that your mattress is flush against the head and foot board.

2. Use lavender - Lavender is known for its calming effect on babies and adults alike. There are many ways to use lavender. One of the most popular ways to use lavender is in baby body washes that contain lavender. You can purchase these baby washes at your local grocery store or Wal-Mart chain.

For home use, Lavender essential oils will set the sleepy mood. For example, Bath and Body works sells Lavender oil for use in oil warmers. The fragrance will soothe baby and before you know it, you and baby will be ready to sleep. Just be sure to blow out the candle in the oil warmer before you go to sleep. I have used lavender to help all my babies sleep, and it works especially after a warm bath and a bottle feeding. To see an example of the lavender oil, visit Bath and Body Works

3.Rocking - Rocking is a natural motion the baby is use to. I rocked all my children, and yes, they do grow out of it. There are many ways to rock your baby. Sitting in a rocking chair, or buying a cradle that swings. There are even cribs that you can turn on and it rocks the baby for you. After you give baby a warm bath, swaddle him or her in a receiving blanket and rock them in the manner you choose.

4. Original slumber bear - This stuffed animal has an audio box that has the sounds that the baby is use to in the womb. In addition, the original slumber bear goes great in combination with rocking the baby. The bear is fairly inexpensive at around $24. Click here to compare prices: Slumber Bear

5. Lullaby music - Soothing music not only calms adults, but it works on babies too. You can buy great lullaby music at any department store, or online. Try to find some with intra-uterine sounds mixed in and begin playing it as a new born if possible.

6. Sleep-feeding schedule - Making sure your baby is established on a sleep-feeding schedule as soon as he or she is born will make adjustments that much easier. Babies seem to settle faster when a predictable schedule is followed. Note your baby's sleep-feeding cues and write them down for 48 hours. You hopefully will see a pattern form. Now, with the data written down, does your baby have more eating and awake patterns during the night or day? To switch these patterns around, this is what I did; Have your baby outside during the daytime but be sure to protect your baby from direct sunlight. Babies start learning that bright means awake and eating time. Opposite of that, when the sun sets, make the room dim, give the baby a warm bath, diaper and feed your baby, and get into some sort of routine for the preparation of sleep.

7. Provide white noise - If all other attempts fail, white noise such as a vacuum cleaner or a humidifier works.

8. Chamomile - Just like lavender, Chamomile is a great way to help a fussy baby get to sleep. If the fuss is due to gas in the tummy, Chamomile is a great natural way to soothe your baby.

9. Natural organic drops - Lusa Organics has natural organic drops that can help a restless baby go to sleep. I recommend the Sleepy baby essential oil blend. I used it for my Abby, because she was colicky, and it worked almost every time. The drops contain a few key ingredients that assist a baby off to sleep. Lusa Organics

10. Swaddling - Last but not least, make sure your baby is swaddled tightly in a receiving blanket. Newborns love the secure feeling of a warm tight blanket because it mimics the tight quarters of the womb.

If you use these tips together, or try each one by one, you should find something that works for you and your baby.