Dealing with sleepless nights
One common grouse that all new parents will have is the total lack of sleep that baby care entails. Having one full night’s rest and that too uninterrupted will be wishful thinking for the first year or so.
Sleepless nights are an inherent and unavoidable part of parenting. There may be days when you will be up all night. On some other, you may go to sleep in the hope of an hour’s rest, only to be woken up each time you manage to doze off. Till your baby begins semi-solid food, and perhaps a little later, you will also constantly be up for night feeds. Now if you have a helpful partner, you can take turns doing this. But there are times, when you will have to cope with it all on your own. Here are some tips on how you can manage.
Through all the grogginess that you will feel, try and make note of the times that you are woken up. More often than not you will notice a schedule in your baby’s waking times. If your baby is on formula, make sure that you keep your hot water and sterilized bottles ready. The use of feed containers with multiple compartments that allow you to store a measured feed will also be of great help. This will make it easier for you to save precious seconds and thereby feeding your baby before she is fully awake with hunger.
Always try and ensure that you and your partner take turns so that you are not exhausted when the next day begins
Sleepless nights in the initial months of a child’s life are inevitable. You will have to steel yourself for the process. You could this by establishing a pattern of sorts with your partner. If by nature you are a day person, then take on baby care during the day. Leave the night shift to your partner. This way, you both get your rest, at times that are not so alien to you after all. If both of you need your rest at night, alternate with who gets to wake up during the night.
Children can have sleepless nights for a huge number of reasons, ranging from hunger to bad dreams, flatulence, soiled diapers and plain, old playfulness. Colic is also a huge cause for sleepless nights. No matter how many times you hear your child cry, always try and understand the reason.
As time goes by you will be able to understand every cry your child makes and will be able to deal with the situation accordingly.
