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. 

Baby Carriers & Slings

You probably know something about babywearing, but unless you're an experienced babywearing parent, it can be hard to know how to go about it! Aren't they hard to use? What are the benefits? Aren't they dangerous? Are they comfortable? What is the right carrier? Which carrier should you use at which age?

At Daisy Baby, we love babywearing. It can make a big difference to a new mom, or an experienced mom - if you have a fussy baby, wear him. If you are chasing an older child, wear the newborn. If you need both hands free, wear the baby! It can help with breastfeeding, and help baby regulate his temperature - along with giving a boost to bonding and providing the closeness baby craves. It makes babies and parents happier, so what's not to like?

There are many, many types of carriers. Let's stick with a few basics to simplify. Soft wraps include carriers like the Moby, and the Baby K'tan. Pouch and ring slings are also traditional soft carriers. Soft structured carriers include traditional carriers like the mei tai, and more modern carriers like the Ergo and the Boba. We carry the Baby K'tan, which is good for those first few newborn months (it's soft, it's easy to use, and it keeps baby snuggled on your chest), as well as the Boba, which is good from newborn all the way through the toddler years.

We love the Baby K'tan for its ease and versatility. There is no wrapping, no buckling, and it can be used in multiple positions (you can even breastfeed in it!) It's two simple loops of soft cotton, sized just to you and your baby - and it's great for the first few months when you really want baby snuggled up close and soft. It's great for walks around town, light household chores, and everything between. It's a good transition for both of you from baby in the womb to baby in your arms!

Baby K'tan in the black Breeze (sports fabric to keep you cool!)

We love the Boba 3G carrier for its practicality - this carrier has it all. It will adjust to work for a newborn with no inserts, no added contraptions. It will work for a toddler until you can no longer comfortably carry him on your back (for me, that was about age 3.5). It has little foot straps to keep your toddler from kicking things (like his sister). Most importantly, it's a one-size-fits most deal - it fits my husband at 6'5" and me at 5'7", and has also been worn by the kids' sitter - and we've used it for our kids from about 3 weeks up to age 4. It's comfortable for long hikes, but convenient for quick trips to the grocery store. It's a good long-term, all-purpose carrier.

Boba 3G carrier in Soho

Here's a little info about babywearing safety from Babywearing International. (Hint: yes, it's safe!)

You may be wondering why I'm not trying to sell you the popular forward-facing carriers. That's because it's come to our attention that it's probably not very good for baby's back and hips. Below is a graphic from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute that shows just the difference in hip placement - baby's knees should be level with or above his hips. Think about how your baby snuggles you when you hold him, like a little froggy - that's how he should be when he's snuggled on you in a carrier!

I hope this has been helpful - we've chosen these carriers particularly because we love them, and feel they're safe, practical, helpful and fun. We hope you will too!