You probably didn’t sleep very well already towards the end of your pregnancy due to your big belly and your baby’s movements. Rest assured, once your baby is born, you will definitely know what sleep deprivation is… We hope to provide some help along the way with these sleep tips for young parents.
Once you become a father or mother, your nighttime rest will never be the same again.
Perhaps you belong to the group of fortunate parents whose babies already manage to sleep through the night after a few weeks. But even if your baby learns to sleep through the night very quickly, that is not a guarantee that it will stay that way. Sick babies are also likely to wake up at night, and toddlers will often want to get out of bed as soon as light shines through the curtains.
We hope that these tips will help you get a good rest to make it through the day.
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol make it harder for you to fall asleep. So, avoid drinking coffee or other drinks that contain caffeine, such as cola or black tea, in the evening. While you will often fall asleep like a log after a few drinks of alcohol, your sleep will be more restless.
Agreeable temperature
Make sure your bedroom has a pleasant temperature. Most people sleep better in a cool bedroom. So turn off the heater and open a window for some fresh air.
Afternoon nap
Does your baby still take a nap in the afternoon? Great! This is also your opportunity to lie down and take a power nap. But remember to only do so if it doesn’t make it more difficult for you to fall asleep at night or if you cannot sleep through the night.
Relax and unwind
Avoid doing anything strenuous at least one hour before going to bed. Are you still at your desk doing a bit of work? Stop doing this, as it may make it more difficult for you to fall asleep. Rather take some to relax, e.g. in a bath with relaxing lavender oil, drink a cup of herbal tea or warm milk, and read a book or a magazine.
