Being a mum is brilliant – but, the sleep deprivation is particularly tough. And whilst you can’t get away from it – you can try to get your little one into a good routine from the outset, so at some point you will see light at the end of your very sleepless tunnel.
And before we go any further, there is no guarantee your little one will accommodate your wonderful plans, so be patient, and on the days your best laid plans go to pot, let it slide. Stay in your jammies, and ask for help. It’s a marathon, not a race.
So ... where to start?
Know the signs
Recognising the signs that your little one is tired will allow you to settle them in good time so as to avoid letting them get over tired and cranky. This will also help to guide you when creating your sleep schedule. Signs to look out for include yawning, rubbing, eyes or being easily irritated.
Baby should sleep in their cot
Ideally, try to avoid letting baby sleep in your arms – it’s such a lovely feeling to be holding your baby in your arms as they fall asleep - they look all sweet and innocent. But you are simply setting yourself up for months of sleepless nights. The earlier your baby learns to fall asleep without your assistance the better. This means waiting until your little one is drowsy before popping them into their cot while they are still awake.
Try not to take baby into your own bed
It’s 3am, your little one is crying, everyone is exhausted and you feel like crying too. It feels like the easiest solution is to take them into bed beside you and soothe them to sleep. However, just like letting them get used to falling asleep in your arms, this is a habit that will take a lot of time and energy to break. Once they get into your bed they will still be doing it in five, six years time. That’s NOT a routine you want to get in to. So, even though it feels like it’s impossible, get up, feed baby and pop them back into their own crib.
Keeping baby dry at night
You want to make sure baby is dry at night. You also want to make sure you’re preventing any possible poonami events (yes, it’s a thing!!) so using a good nappy is key. And getting the right nappy for bedtime is so important – you need to consider the size and fit. Babies come in all different shapes and sizes, so nappies will fit each baby differently. The Pampers range takes those considerations into account, and their range means a good fit. You’ll know you have the right fit when:
· The waist is snug with the nappy sitting just under the belly button.
· The leg cuffs wrap neatly around baby's legs and bottom. Once the nappy is on, run your fingers around the edges to make sure the cuffs are pulled out. Cuffs being tucked inside can often lead to leakage.
· Stretch: The tapes should be fastened symmetrically on the coloured waistband on the front of the nappy. Pampers nappies have flexible sides which adapt to the baby's shape and movement and help you create a custom fit.
Pampers® Baby-Dry™ Nappy Pants with the brand new Stop & Protect pocket is an excellent option for night-time and are available from size 4 to size 6 . The Stop & Protect pocket catches pee and liquid poo, preventing leaks travelling up babies back and beyond. YIKES!
Pampers® Baby-Dry™ Nappy Pants are dermatologically tested, and are Pampers' most absorbent pants, providing extra protection or a peaceful night's sleep thanks to its strengthened core that absorbs more liquid instantly for up to 12 hours of dryness. They have a 360˚ fit that adapts to baby's body to help prevent leaks and double safety leg cuffs for better fit and leakage protection. And if you don’t love their most absorbent pants, you can get your money back.
Be consistent
Above all else the most important way to establish a good sleep pattern for your baby is to be consistent. Babies thrive off consistency and it helps them to feel secure. Unfortunately this means that even on the nights that you are too tired to put your little one back to bed, you need to. Or get your partner to ;)
