Guide to Newborn Sleeping
Tired? In the middle of the night, "newborn sleeping" sounds like an oxymoron (like "a little pregnant").
It's my theory that God uses all of those frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night during pregnancy to condition "Mom" for the "real thing". After the baby arrives, the frequent trips are to tend the little one, and it interferes with sleep even more.
Sleep-deprived parents need to remember that this is a stage that your baby will eventually grow out of (like everything... sigh). While this part of having a newborn is difficult, try to appreciate all the wonderful things about this stage. Soon these will also be past, and you may realize that you were too tired to appreciate them like you would have if you had been better rested.
There are loads of products on the market that are targeted for newborn sleeping. Some are cultural (like "a baby MUST sleep in a crib"), some logical (baby bedding and "wearable blankets"), some for comfort (pacifiers and other baby sleep aids) and some just plain old fun (such as a Moses Basket).
A Place for Baby to Sleep
It's logical that your newborn baby will need a place to sleep. What will you choose?- Cribs -Quite possibly there is a crib is in your future (there are some really cool and functional ones out there), but your baby won't care too much about the location right now. It is good to have a somewhat consistent place that your newborn will become accustomed to, especially at night when you want her to sleep a loooong time. A crib is especially good when your baby is a little bigger and starts rolling around. If you don't have, or choose not to have a crib yet, there are several other options available when your baby is small.
- Moses Basket - Beautiful sleeping baskets that can be moved to whatever room you'd like make monitoring easier.
- Bassinet - Taking up less space than a crib and usually used for babies who do not yet roll over, these baby beds are available in many styles with breathtaking bedding.
- Co-sleeper - A newer, safer twist on an old idea, the co-sleeper is a three-sided baby bed that securely attaches on the fourth side to the parent's bed. This allows the baby to always be within arm's reach (wonderful for the mom recovering from a c-section) while out of danger of being accidentally smothered.
Whichever type of bed you choose, check out these crib safety tips to be sure that your newborn is safe.
Baby Bedding
Whatever sleeping accommodations you provide for your baby, you will want a few changes of bedding for it. Today's unique baby bedding options are much more diverse than when you and I were born. Today's parents can choose from distinctly girl, distinctly boy, trendy, organic, flannel, or traditional bedding. Each of these apply to sheets, blankets, bumper pads, and coordinating nursery decor. So many choices and only one nursery (for most of you)!
Newborn Baby Sleepwear
Remembering that "leakage" is a big problem with many newborn babies, you'll want to have several infant sleepwear options available in each size. My favorite newborn pajamas are the ones that come with foot coverings, since keeping socks on those scrawny little feet is almost a joke!My other favorite newborn sleeping accessory is the wearable blanket or sleep sack. These are terrific for keeping a squirmy infant covered up, yet they keep the blanket from restricting air flow near the face (a SIDS prevention must).
Baby Monitor
I can't imagine living with a newborn baby without a baby monitor. Freedom to be "out of ear-shot" and yet have peace of mind that I will hear everything has been a "necessity" to me. There are even baby video monitors that allow you to hear AND see what your baby is doing.Unfortunately, baby monitors tend to have problems with static, interference, and eavesdropping. Check out this article to help you in your search for the best baby monitor.
Pacifiers
Newborn babies are born with an overwhelming urge to suck...and that is a very good thing! I've found that my babies who loved their pacifiers were my best sleepers, but I don't necessarily recommend all babies should use one. Read more about offering your newborn a pacifier by jumping to this article.All of the equipment and supplies in the world won't make a difference in improving newborn sleeping patterns if your baby isn't having all of his needs met. See the
Tips for Newborn Sleeping
for some great ideas on how to get your baby to sleep better and longer.
Of course, you'll need to get your newborn baby to sleep before she will stay that way. Check out this page on Swaddling Babies to understand why swaddling is my favorite way for soothing babies.
See Related Articles
Tips for Better Newborn Baby Sleep
SIDS Prevention
Getting a Newborn to Sleep
Swaddling Babies - the Whys and Hows
Newborn Baby Checklist
In Search of the Best Baby Monitor
Crib Safety Tips
Recognizing the Signs of Postpartum Depression
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