Did you know that newborns sleep up to 16-17 hours per day? With their naps generally taking anywhere from three to four hours on average, it can be difficult for you as a mother to take care of your baby while also ensuring you get enough rest. If you struggle to get rest while caring for your child, you’re not alone. However, there are ways that you can monitor your baby’s sleep without losing out on your own.
We’ll explore some of the best tips for monitoring your baby’s sleep without losing your own. From choosing the right baby monitor to creating the best sleep environment to practicing self-care, you’ll have plenty of guidance to ensure you and your baby get as much quality rest as possible. Let’s start with the first tip: finding the right baby monitor.
Tip #1: Choose the Right Baby Monitor
When it comes to baby monitors, you have to have the right tools to make sure you’re watching over your baby. Unless you’re in the same room the entire time, you’ll need a device to help you keep an eye on your little one. The best baby monitors should have audio and video capabilities, and you may even be inclined to choose a smart monitor that has sleep-tracking features. These have become more popular in recent years, and despite the fact that there is no proof that they are always accurate, they can give you an indication of your baby’s rest and if you need to go to them (Source: PubMed).
While smart monitors might not be as accurate, you can still find a baby monitor that has a wide range to ensure you can freely move about the house and complete other tasks. Additionally, you also want to make sure it has excellent sound and video quality, as well as a long battery life. In some cases, you might even find one that has temperature monitoring. Make sure your baby monitor is secure, as data privacy is of vital importance to you and your baby. Other than that, as long as the baby monitor fits what you need, it is a great tool to have so you can get more rest and feel more at ease while your little one rests.
Tip #2: Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
For both you and your bundle of joy, having a consistent sleep schedule is a must! This can help you get enough rest while also keeping your baby fairly regular to ensure that they are growing and healthy. Before you put your baby to bed, you can stick to a routine, including giving them a bath, feeding them, reading them a book, or even playing or singing some lullabies. This can help both you and your baby relax and wind down. Giving your baby a bath before bed can affect their core body temperature and improve their sleep (Source: PubMed).
As your baby grows, you can change your sleep schedule with them. This might mean having later feedings to ensure they sleep through the night or even putting them down to nap at different times as they need less sleep in the future. Regardless, as long as you stick to a consistent nighttime routine, your baby and soon-to-be toddler will benefit in terms of quicker sleep onset and sleep continuity, and it will even help you feel more at ease!
Tip #3: Create an Environment that Promotes Sleep
Ensuring that you and your baby have the right sleep environment will make it easier for both of you to rest. For your space, you should keep the temperature cool, as this can help to facilitate better sleep.
You should also dim the lights and make your bedroom cozy, decluttered, and prepped for a relaxing evening (Source: PubMed). A dark sleep environment is positively associated with longer sleep duration for infants, so you’ll want to limit light exposure during nap time.
You may even want to share a room with your infant to promote better rest for you both, as this can help them with enjoying better sleep. Similarly, you will want to avoid smoking or exposing your baby to nicotine, which can lead to SIDS, as shown in studies across North America and Europe. Finally, to promote a positive sleep environment for your child, your baby will need a firm, flat, and level sleep surface.
Loose blankets are not recommended for babies when they are young, but as they get older, you can give them bedding to help them stay cozy. If you follow these tips, you and your baby will sleep soundly, and you won’t miss out on any rest.
Tip #4: Practice Self-Care to Ensure Both Parents Rest
If you are married or living with a partner, practicing self-care is one of the best ways to ensure you get enough rest and feel your best. That means sharing the responsibilities at bedtime, whether that’s feeding your baby or going through the nighttime routine. Additionally, it might even include monitoring your baby overnight to ensure you wake up when they need you.
Another great form of self-care is timing your self-care around your baby’s schedule. If you know that your baby needs to nap during the afternoon, try to get a short nap. It might not be the best way to proceed long-term, but until your baby gets older, it’s an excellent way for you to continue to get enough rest. If you feel too exhausted or stressed, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
As long as you’re living a healthy lifestyle, complete with exercise and mindfulness practices that ground you, you and your baby will continue to rest well every night.
Take Steps to Promote Ample Rest for You and Your Baby
The infant stage is an exciting time, but ensuring you’re getting enough rest can become difficult. As long as you have the right tools, you can take steps to promote restful naps and nights for you and your family. What will you do to help your baby and you enjoy better rest and recovery?
