by misswriter

Created on: April 05, 2010   Last Updated: April 06, 2010

Bringing a new baby home for the first time is exhilarating to say the least and it can be difficult to get adequate rest due to all of the excitement of the new mom experience. It’s vital however to ensure you do get enough rest but how do you go about doing so when your gorgeous wide eyed baby refuses to sleep when all you need is a few zzz’s to prevent you from becoming a raving sleep deprived zombie?

Sure some baby's are the exception to the rule and offer mom a good night's sleep from early on, but as this is the exception and not the golden rule of infantile sleep habits; those that are new to motherhood may find these great 5 new mom sleep saving tips a sure fire must have survival plan if you are to endure those sleepless nights!

1) First of all establish a baby bedtime or sleep routine early on which includes a massage, soothing bath, lullaby or even just simply dimming the lights and giving your baby a pacifier to encourage settling down peacefully. Likewise a few familiar soft toys at the end of baby's crib will soon become a regular part of bedtime.

2) Placing your baby into a crib rather than establishing a routine of falling asleep in your arms or in your bed is useful as then baby becomes familiar with better sleep patterns early on. This way your baby learns quickly that the crib or his/her own bed is a safe place. The earlier this type of bedtime routine is established the sooner your little one will learn to fall asleep on his/her own accord. For difficult to settle babies; a rocking crib is a good investment as the gentle rocking motion soothes and therefore encourages sleep.

3) By shortening the lengths of afternoon and early evening feed(s) but also ensuring that your baby is well fed during the latest feed, your little one is less likely to wake up during the night except perhaps for a little comfort. A pacifier works well as babies like to suckle and learning to take a pacifier may be the thing to encourage better sleep habits. Keep in mind that it is the wake up feeds which you are trying to limit and eventually cut out completely.       

4) Learn to utilize power naps by resting while your little one naps as this is a great way of reclaiming some respite and relaxation back into your life. Never underestimate how much better and revitalized just a short break can make you feel.

5) Finally every new mom should have some help around the house during the early weeks at home with a new baby, as this eliminates moms using baby's nap time to clean and do chores rather than resting. Going for a short leisurely walk in the fresh air, adhering to a healthy eating plan and doing something specifically just for yourself are all important pieces of the puzzle when there is a new baby to care for. For those times that see you sleep deprived; why not let dad, another relative or friend help with your baby so that you can catch up on some much needed rest and sleep? Loved ones and friends are always more than happy to help.

Keep in mind that only 50% of babies sleep through the night by age one! What about the rest? Coaching your baby to self-sooth is the best method unless you are prepared to bide your time until your little one is a bit older. Hopefully these five great tips will help those parents with night owls that reject sleeping when the rest of the world chooses to! Rest assured though that sooner or later your baby will sleep through the night.

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