Top tips to help a new mum sleep

Nothing can quite prepare you for having a baby, especially if it’s your first. People tell you how tiring it is but, but it doesn’t make those sleepless nights, worrying and emotional fatigue feel any better.

New mums and dads can find themselves in an unfamiliar cycle of waking up multiple times a night, unsure how to deal with the dramatic shift in their lives. Needless to say, getting enough rest and quality sleep is extremely important at this time but that’s easier said than done.

Here are a few tips to help new parents catch some much-needed shut eye, leaving you calm, refreshed and ready to take on any challenges your little one throws at you.

Cut down on your caffeine  

Whilst this may seem counterintuitive when you’ve been up all night and the only thing that can get you through the day is gallons of strong coffee, drinking too much of the stuff can impact your sleep. This can lead to a vicious cycle where you can’t sleep but, come the morning, you need your fix again to get through the day.

As caffeine can interfere with sleep cycles and circadian rhythms, it’s best to avoid consuming large amounts. Plus, caffeine can be passed through the breastmilk to your baby, giving you another good reason to reach for the decaf instead.

Make your bedroom relaxing

Although this can be difficult when you have a little one in the same room as you, there are small changes you can make to create a comfortable sleeping environment.

Use a black-out blind and ensure there are no noise disturbances to keep you or your baby awake. Keeping it clean and tidy will also help de-clutter your mind when you’re nodding off. It goes without saying, but make sure your bed and pillows are comfortable too.

Try not to use your bedroom for watching TV, scrolling on your phone or doing work-related activities, especially close to bedtime.

Make sure the baby is comfortable

If your baby’s settled, then you have more chance of getting a good night’s sleep too. Make sure they are a comfortable temperature by using a baby swaddle bag instead of blankets. This will also mean they can’t kick their covers off repeatedly during the night.

It’s never too early to start a relaxing bedtime routine. Try giving your baby a bath, read a book, make sure they’re fed and changed and create a calm atmosphere.

Whilst these tips can’t necessarily guarantee a good night’s sleep when you have a new baby, they’ll help you relax, stay calm and possibly result in a little more quality shut-eye, leaving you ready to take on the next day.

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