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Helpful Hints on Grabbing Sleep with a New Baby
Most new parents quickly learn that with the new addition of their bundle of joy, comes a great deal less sleep
than they are used to. New parents quickly start to feel like a walking zombie through the day, having gotten
hardly any sleep the night before. Even if your baby only wakes every few hours to be fed, your still getting far
less sleep then your body requires. If your baby is a very fussy sleeper, or is ill, you may be even getting less
sleep then that.
Before you start pulling your hair out at the prospect of another year or two with no sleep, take a deep breath and
relax. With just a few minor adjustments to your lifestyle, you can get more sleep and start to feel more human and
less zombie again. Sleep is very important, so the more of these tips that you can follow the better it will be for
you and your baby.
The one thing a new parent will hear more often than anything is "Sleep when the baby sleeps." This of course, is
definitely excellent advice, if you have that ability. The two most important things at this stage are you and your
baby’s health. You must remain healthy so that you can properly take care of your baby. It is essential to the both
of you, that you get a good amount of rest.
Newborns sleep a great deal, generally around 15-16 hours a day. They wake frequently however, usually every 3-4
hours or so, to be fed and changed. If your baby is sleeping 15 hours a day, that is more than enough time for you
to catch a few winks as well. Don't feel ashamed to take a few naps during the day with your baby. If that is the
only time that you can get some sleep, then you need to do it. The laundry and dishes can wait.
If this is not your only child, it may be difficult for you to grab naps throughout the day if your other children
are young and require constant supervision. This is the time when you need to call in the cavalry. Ask friends and
relatives that you trust to help out so that you can get some extra sleep. Again, this is nothing to be ashamed of.
They understand that you need help. If they can come over just a few hours a day, or even take the kids out of the
house for a little while, you can get some much needed rest.
This is also the time however, to make it clear that you do need help from your friends and family, but are not
looking for social hour with everyone. Make them aware of the fact that if they come to visit, the visits may need
to be cut short if the baby goes to sleep, because that is your sleep time as well. Another idea would be to get
your guests to watch the baby while you catch a little sleep. This of course, is only an option if you truly trust
the people and are not breast-feeding the baby.
Sleep is one of the most important things that a new parent needs. You should never be afraid or embarrassed to ask
for a little help. Most people have been where you are and totally understand what you are going through. They will
be more than happy to help out. By getting more rest you will be a happier, healthier person and will be more able
to properly function to take care of your entire family.
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