by Suzanne Bertrand

Created on: December 24, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2010

When you take your baby home for the first time, all of your previous priorities will be thrown up into the air. You will still catch some of your old priorities, but your arms will be holding the most important priority of all. Your baby. Take a deep breath because this is the essence of being a parent. Eventually you will catch more and more of the little priorities you had before, but give yourself time. How many times have you watched a television show where a baby was placed in her crib and fell fast asleep? The glowing faces of the parents demonstrated that of restfulness and satisfaction. Parents rarely tell the real deal to expecting parents. It is true that each experience is different, but chances are taking a new baby home will cause a lack of sleep for 2 and possibly 3 adults upon arrival.

Here is information that can ease the transition when you take your baby home for the first time and help maximize your potential for being rested.

*Sleep when your baby sleeps

This seems as if it would be an easy solution. There will most likely be dishes in the sink, laundry waiting and phone calls beckoning you. Sleep is now your biggest priority after caring for your newborn. A lot of us resist this notion. You can go on adrenalin ( and coffee) for a long time. Being rested is a number one priority especially in the early months after taking your baby home. Your baby won't be on schedule at first. Take naps with your baby or sleep after putting your baby in her crib. Being on the schedule your baby is on at first will enable you to get sleep. Once your baby is able to take longer feedings then your baby will sleep longer stretches without waking. At this time your baby will eventually get her circadian rhythms in sync with the household. In the meantime, allow yourself to get sleep when your baby does by letting everything else wait until you are rested.

*Hydration and Nutrition

Eating healthy food will give you energy for baby care. Take time to eat all food groups and allow snacking throughout the day as meals may get interrupted sometimes. Keeping a water bottle handy will also help to make sure you stay hydrated.

*Accept help

Family and friends may offer meals, housekeeping or other assistance. You may have never accepted help from anyone before, but this time it is essential to accept help. Conserving energy is the name of the game. Consider this time to be a crisis time if you have a newborn in the house.You have a new person in your life to adjust to and the more support you receive the better.

*Have your comfort items nearby

How much time did you spend nurturing yourself while you were pregnant or simply before kids entered the home? Your health and well being is still important while caring for your baby. Have a basket of items nearby that contain a special treat, lipstick, lotion, and other comfort items. Anything small that you can do to make yourself feel special during this time will help you to feel as rested as possible.

*Be flexible

Getting into a routine is important, but it takes some time. Allow yourself time to change your routines and let them fall into place naturally for a while. Go easy on yourself during this time as you go through this adjustment period. This will allow you to relax more and enjoy your baby and your new journey.

These solutions help to ease the transition into feeling as rested and relaxed as possible during an exciting time. The gift of a new baby in the home is wonderful and exhausting. While time is allowed for rest it ensures the ability to truly enjoy the sweet arrival of your baby.

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