Tips to help you get more sleep
If you can work out some kind of routine where you put your baby down for a nap at regular times during the day and get the chance to rest yourself, this will overcome a big hurdle.
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Pick a time that works best for you both – perhaps after their midday feed – and schedule in a ‘sleep session’ or quiet-time and value it! Don’t hesitate to go as far as putting a note on the front door “Mum and baby sleeping, please call back”.
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When they finally do lie down to rest, lots of mums find it hard to switch their mind off thinking about the little tasks they need to do, so a good tip is to write things down to move them out of your mind before you go for a nap.
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A soothing, regular
bedtime routine for your baby is essential and can work wonders for you to meet your own needs for sleep. Try and quieten the mood at least an hour before it's time for your baby to go to bed. A bedtime routine means that you’ll have time for yourself to rest and relax, knowing your baby is happily and safely tucked in.
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Whenever your baby cries for you in the night, keeping the room darkened will make it easier for you to go back to sleep after you’ve gone back to bed.
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If you have a partner, take it in turns to look after your baby on weekend mornings. One of you can have a lie in on Saturday and then the other can catch up on sleep on Sunday morning. Hopefully you’re both sharing the night-shift to some extent anyway!
Tips to help overcome tiredness
Staying active during the day
Whilst it’s important that your baby has regular naps you also both need to be active during the day. Any regular exercise you can do – even just 10 minutes at a time - will mean you have more energy and also make it easier for you to sleep at night or grab a power nap during the day.
Getting exercise doesn’t mean you have to join a gym – simply getting out for a walk in the fresh air will do you good. You can also visit friends or go out for a longer walk with the pram - both of which will help tire out your baby for the evening. And if you really need to perk yourself up, try a cool shower, or using aromatherapy oils or scented candles to change the fragrance in your home.
Eating for energy
Remember, eat well and stick to fibre filled, slow-release energy foods like wholemeal bread, pasta or fruit that won’t give you too much of a rush too quickly and plunge you into a lethargic dip afterwards. And of course, drink plenty of water!
Stay positive
Lastly, if you are feeling tired and as though you’re at the bottom of the heap, just remind yourself that this isn't going to last forever. Give your baby a cuddle, tell them you love them and remember how much they’re worth it.