Newborn Sleep Options

Babies are a lot of work.

Why do they call it "sleeping like a baby"?

For just a second, let's put aside your immediate reaction (you know you had it): that babies are wonderful and fantastic and you love being a mom just soooo much and you'd never ever think your baby was a lot of work. We all know they're wonderful and fantastic - we're in this business for a reason! Babies are incredible little bundles of joy and oxytocin that make us love them for their sweet smell even as we're still learning their personality! 

This is more like it - hold that baby!

Let's face it though - it's sometimes a LOT of work! Babies need constant nurturing. They're built to be with mama 24-7, just like when they were in her belly. We, however, have a lot more demands on our time than just the newborn... and it can be completely exhausting. Especially at 2am. Or 3am. Or 4am. Or the hundredth time your baby wakes up at night. 

Sleep, baby, sleep!

Now, clearly, an exhausted mama is not the best mama she can be. But do you have to listen to your baby cry just to get a decent night's sleep? No! You do have options!

Why do toddlers sleep in really uncomfortable looking positions?

First, it is normal for babies to not sleep through the night. Yes. You read that right. Normal baby sleep includes frequent wakings! Why? Kellymom has a few answers. Kathy Dettwyler has some anthropological answers. And every new mom has anecdotal answers - but honestly, all you really need to know to get through this is that it's normal for babies not to sleep through the night. So... what are your options? There are a lot! Here are a few:

* Bed-share

* Co-sleep

* Wear baby (some evidence shows babies who are worn sleep better at night, even if they sleep in their carrier)

* Help baby sleep through the night gently

* Help baby sleep through the night with schedules or controlled crying/gradual extinction

* Hire a night nurse to watch the baby so you can sleep
* Get a personalized plan from an online sleep site to help get your baby to sleep.

* Trade off with your significant other so you each get some sleep (I know some mamas whose SO watches the baby on weekends, some who trade off times of the night they're "on duty", etc.)

* Hire a housekeeper or other help to do some of your other duties

* Hire a "sleep consultant" who can help you learn to get your baby to sleep more

* Sleep when the baby sleeps, if you can!

* Baby-proof a room so you can rest while baby plays, even if you're not sleeping.

They're so cute when they sleep!

There are many more options than this, and you can think outside the box, too! Also, remember this won't last forever, even when it feels like it. So, get some rest, mama!

*Note: We haven't tried everything in the links - this is a sample of what's available.