This is a sponsored guest post.
Tiny babies often have big personalities and no rhyme or reason to how well they’ll sleep. While some babies sleep really well from the get-go, it’s more likely that they’ll be awake multiple times a night and have trouble sleeping.
For a new mom, it can be hard to get enough sleep, and the impacts of sleep deprivation are real. Here are some helpful tips for getting better rest as a new mom.
Make Your Bed Your Refuge
One of the best ways to get better sleep is to create a private escape in your bedroom that promotes quality rest and rejuvenation. Consider investing in a new mattress before your baby arrives, particularly if you haven’t upgraded in some time. Reverie mattresses are customizable, so you can find the perfect balance between the sleeping needs of you and your partner.
Look at how you can optimize your bedroom for better sleep, no matter what time of day or night. Keeping the room cool while layering blankets will ensure you don’t get overheated and restless during the night. If your baby is sleeping in your room, opt for a cozy sleeper to keep them warm in the cool air. Invest in black-out curtains and a noise cancellation machine or fan to block out disruptions from the outside world.
Track Your Sleep
With the randomness of your baby’s sleep patterns, it may be hard to tell how much sleep you’re actually getting. By tracking when you rest by manually recording it on paper or using a Fitbit, you’ll be able to get a better idea of how much rest you’re lacking and set a naptime goal for yourself to catch up.
Don’t let the data you capture go to waste. Ask for help if you need it and have someone cover for you while you nap.
Rethink Your Priorities
You may have been told that you should sleep when the baby sleeps, but how can you when there’s so much to do? Schedule some time to speed clean while the baby is awake, using a carrier if you need to. The laundry doesn’t need to get folded, and the dishes can drip dry until they get used again. Meals don’t have to be elaborate; cook in bulk using a crockpot and become friends with leftovers.
In other words, cut yourself some slack about your various responsibilities and do your best to take a couple of naps when your baby is napping. If you have young children, find quiet activities that they can do while you doze on the couch.
Use a Monitor
It’s common for moms to feel anxious about not hearing their baby cry, even if they’re in the next room. You don’t need a costly monitor with video and heart rate capabilities; there are plenty available at an affordable price.
Using a monitor turned on low can relieve anxiety so you can get some quality rest. If you feel as though one of the more elaborate baby monitors will help you sleep better, invest in one.
Monitor Your Caffeine Intake
A nice cup of coffee in the morning can help you unwind and shake off some of the exhaustion. However, having too much caffeine can impact your ability to nap throughout the day when the baby is sleeping or could delay your ability to fall asleep at night.
Try and limit your caffeine intake to two cups of coffee per day, finishing before lunchtime. Look out for hidden sources of caffeine in your diet, such as chocolate or soda.
Focus on the End Game
Remember that this challenging period is temporary and that someday your sleep deprivation will seem like a distant memory. Rest when you can, accept help when you need it, and remember to cut yourself some slack.
