Why sleep is so important for new parents
As every new mom or dad knows, getting enough sleep with a newborn baby can seem like asking for the impossible. Between regular feeding, diaper changes, and trying to soothe your crying baby, sleepless nights can start to feel like the only option – but according to experts, making sure you also get enough sleep is crucial.
When you’re well-rested, you are much more able to take care of your new responsibilities. Beyond boosting patience, peace-of-mind and general happiness, getting enough sleep can help stave off postpartum depression. You’ll also minimise the risk of accidents brought about by a tired and inattentive mind.
With all this in mind, let’s look at some tips and tricks to ensure you get the right amount of sleep to take care of your baby.
Sleep while your baby sleeps (not only at night)
Newborns tend to take naps often, lasting between 2 and 4 hours for a total of 16 to 18 hours of sleep each day. If you’re trying to force yourself to maintain a full day of being awake, you’re likely to become sleep deprived. Even if you only manage a short nap, try to rest whenever your baby is sleeping.
Ignore the chores
There’s really no need to try and keep a perfect home with a new baby – so don’t. If you’re tired, skip the chores for a nap instead. Anyone who visits is not coming to see your neat-as-a-pin house, they’re coming to see your baby, and won’t mind a bit of mess.
Share or alternate night-time duties
If you have a partner with you during the first few months, take turns at sleeping and staying alert for the baby. A solid night of sleep every other night will work wonders, and breastfeeding moms can pump so their partners can do some nocturnal feeding.
Practice general good sleep habits
Whether you’re a new parent or not, there are some basic strategies to encourage a healthy night’s sleep. These include avoiding caffeine, avoiding screens before bed, and trying your best to stick to a regular sleep schedule.
Protect your mattress for a hygienic & comfortable sleeping environment
With your new hectic schedule of feeding, nappy changes and grabbing a few hours’ sleep when you can, accidents are bound to happen. Whether it’s mommy-brain spills while drinking tea in bed, or an unexpected urination during a midnight nappy change, your bed is at risk from stains and mess – something that is easily avoided with a mattress protector that is 100% waterproof while remaining 100% breathable.
The Protect-A-Bed range of mattress and pillow protectors are made with Miracle Membrane® technology, giving you the peace of mind you need while guarding against spills, stains and incontinence – particularly useful when your baby spends the night with mom and dad. Not only will this keep your sleeping space clean and hygienic, you’ll be able to protect your mattress’s warranty, which is usually voided by any stains.
Create the perfect sleeping environment with Protect-A-Bed mattress and pillow protectors today, and get the sleep you need to give your baby the best care you can!
Click here to browse all Protect-A-Bed products and to buy yours today.