When you're a brand new parent, for the first time, the sleepless nights aren't that bad, for a bit. After...
When you're a brand new parent, for the first time, the sleepless nights aren't that bad, for a bit. After a few weeks of constant newborn care, those late night cuddles and feedings start to build up, and you feel exhausted. At this point you may start thinking, "When will this baby sleep through the night!"
Sadly, it won't be for a while. Some babies do start to sleep through the night around four-five months. Other babies won't sleep through the night for much longer; some taking up to a year or more to really sleep well through the night. If you're tired, here are some ideas: Don't let your baby cry it out. Some people say you should; that it's the only way to train a baby to sleep through the night. Not true. I didn't let my son cry it out, and he was sleeping through the night by six months. Crying is your baby's only means of communication early on, and ignoring him is encouraging less physical contact, and feeding, than your baby may need. Most babies will fall asleep quicker if you pick them up for a cuddle, than if you let them cry and cry. Sleep during the day when your baby does. Although he isn't sleeping through the night, he is taking naps. Take advantage of those naps. Pump some milk before you go to bed, and let your partner take care of at least one nighttime feeding. Co-sleep. I co-slept with my son and it saved my life. I was soooo tired, but with co-sleeping, I didn't have to get up to feed or change him, or cuddle him. I basically learned to breastfeed in my sleep. I think I got about 50% (at least) more sleep by co-sleeping than if I hadn't. If you don't want to co-sleep, at least
go with a bassinet next to your bed.
To learn more about getting some shut eye, take a look at:
