Parenting Tips: Easy and effective ways to deal with lack of sleep

Lack of sleep is a big challenge for new parents. Learn effective parenting tips that will help you improve your sleep and relieve fatigue

Parenting Tips: Easy and effective ways to deal with lack of sleep

Lack of sleep is the biggest challenge for parents of a newborn. Waking up all night, paying attention to the baby waking up again and again, and then feeling tired throughout the day - this situation can be difficult for any parent.

In this article, we will tell you 10 practical tips to deal with lack of sleep, by adopting which you can get better sleep and take care of your own health along with parenting.

1. Why does sleep deprivation happen with a newborn?

- The baby's sleep cycle is different: Newborns wake up after sleeping for 2-3 hours because they are hungry.

- Night feeding: Newborns have to be fed every 2-3 hours, which breaks the sleep of the parents.

- Changing diapers: The baby cries due to wet diapers, which disturbs sleep.

What to do?

Make a sleeping schedule for the baby – gradually make him get used to sleeping for a long time at night.

Make him do more activities during the day – this will make the child sleep well at night.

2. Tips for better sleep for parents

Tip 1: Sleep in shifts

- One of the husband or wife should sleep in the first half (9PM-2AM), while the other takes care of the child.

- The other parent should sleep in the second half (2AM-7AM).

Tip 2: Take a power nap

- When the child sleeps during the day, take a nap of 20-30 minutes.

- This short nap will restore your energy.

Tip 3: Make a bedtime routine

- Switch off the mobile and TV by 10 pm.

- Drink warm milk or herbal tea and sleep.

3. Ways to put the baby to sleep quickly

1. Use of white noise machine

- White noise (like the sound of a fan) helps put the baby to sleep quickly.

- Apps: White Noise Baby, Sound Sleeper

2. Swaddling

- Put the newborn to sleep by wrapping him lightly in a cloth, this will make him feel safe.

3. Bathe and put him to sleep

- Bathe the baby with lukewarm water before sleeping at night, this helps the baby sleep well.

4. Diet tips for parents

To fight sleep deprivation, your diet should include these things:

- Banana: Rich in magnesium, reduces stress.

- Almond: Increases melatonin hormone, which helps in inducing sleep.

- Herbal tea (chamomile/ashwagandha): Calms the nervous system.

5. Mental health tips for parents

- Do meditation: 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation every day will reduce stress.

- Talk to friends/family: Sharing your problems provides mental relief.

- Take professional help: If lack of sleep is causing depression, consult a doctor.

6. Will these tips work?

| Tips = Sleeping in shifts       | Benefit = Both parents will get rest |

| Tips = White noise machine | Benefit = Baby will sleep quickly |

| Tips = Power nap                  | Benefit = Will remain energetic throughout the day |

If you follow these tips, then gradually your sleep pattern will improve.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1. Should a newborn baby be given medicine to put him to sleep?

 Absolutely not! Do not use any sleeping medicine without consulting a doctor.

Q2. Why does the baby wake up at night?

 Hunger, wet diapers or feeling uncomfortable are the main reasons.

Q3. Will parents' sleep ever be normal?

Yes! As the baby grows, he will start sleeping longer at night.

Follow these tips today and get better sleep!