When you’re a new parent, whether it’s your first or your fourth child, but especially your first, you are prepared for a certain amount of sleep deprivation. After all, besides the wonders of parenthood, the infamous sleepless nights is one of the main warnings that new parents will get from other parents. However, just because it’s a universal symptom of having a newborn, sleepless nights shouldn’t be a rite of passage for parents. All parents, new or seasoned, should do their best to fight sleep problems, not only for their sanity but the safety of themselves and their new baby.
When you have a newborn, the myriad of emotions that you feel, often at the same time, prevents many parents from getting enough sleep. The combination of pure love, nervousness, anxiety, and elation that you get from having a baby will make your whole body buzz, making it almost impossible to settle down and fall asleep. Although parents are told to sleep when the baby sleeps, that is often easier said than done. Plus, a sleeping baby means you finally have time to post baby photos and videos on social media! However, all parents need to take bigger steps to make sure they are still getting the recommended amount of sleep, if for no other reason than a good night’s sleep will make you more alert and attentive, allowing you to fully experience all the joys of parenthood. If you’re walking around in a sleep-deprived fog, you might miss out on all the little ways your baby is changing, growing, and developing every day.
When you have a newborn, it’s more important than ever to be sharp, both mentally and physically. Sleep deprivation will make you more likely to make dangerous mistakes, or be slow to react. Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of sleep-deprived parents is their diminished driving capacity. Drowsy drivers are dangerous drivers, so don’t get in the car with your baby (or anyone) if you are sleep-deprived.
You need to be proactive in getting the right amount of sleep. That means that even if you aren’t tired, you need to lay down and prepare to fall asleep anyway. The worst thing you can do is to sit down in front of the computer because the light from a computer will do the opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish. Facebook can wait; you need to focus on getting a good night’s sleep.
Both parents need to get enough sleep, so figuring out a nighttime feeding schedule where you switch off can make a world of difference. You can also have your baby sleeping close by, in the same room, so that it is easier and less disturbing to your rest than having to get up and go to another room for nighttime feedings. Having your baby close can help you fall asleep more quickly after the baby is done.
Naturally induced sleep is the best kind of sleep, especially for new mothers. The Dreampad Music Pillow has been approved by Mothering as one of the hottest gifts for new parents. The Dreampad is just the extra help parents need to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. The best part is that the Dreampad stimulates a natural relaxation response, so you get the best sleep possible.
Get your Dreampad and get the sleep you and your baby deserve!