“Wear the baby out”, they said, “Baby will sleep better”, they said 😴

As moms, we’ve been there too! 😅 It can be exhausting coping with a baby who doesn’t seem to want to sleep and we will try (literally) anything.

 

But, don’t be so quick to take this advice and “tire baby out” because, research suggests that the more tired a baby is, the worse a baby will sleep and the worse a baby sleeps, the worse mom sleeps too 🤦‍♀️🥴

 

When a baby is overtired, he has a hard time falling asleep, enjoys a good cat nap, can be a fussy eater and wakes up often during the night. On the other hand, a well-rested baby goes down easier, takes longer naps and wakes less frequently at night.

 

So, if you’re, more often than not, an overtired mama with a seemingly overtired baby and you are reading this, thinking, “Hey! That sounds like my baby”, 🤭 try these 4 top tips towards getting some much needed (and deserved) ZZZs:

 

1. Adjust baby’s nap time:

Try moving nap time earlier so that baby can catch up on some sleep 👶🏽Remember that the total hours a baby needs to sleep during a 24 hour period can be spread out over nap times as well. Think: a happy napper, is a happy night-time sleeper.

 

2. Move baby’s bedtime:

If naps didn’t go well during the day, move baby’s bedtime up by 30 minutes ⏰ We often wrongly assume that if we put them down earlier, then, they will wake up earlier, so we must keep them awake. However, if we put them down before they get too tired, it will avoid baby getting into the no-return frantic state of overtiredness that often leads to tears and fights 😅

 

3. Develop a pre-bedtime routine:

This is when a baby has time before the pressure of falling asleep to calm down and settle 👩🏻‍🍼This can be as simple as a bedtime story, a lullaby, and a cuddle in a low-lit room. Don’t be scared to try different things and to get Dad involved too. This can be a great bonding time with your babe ❤️❤️

 

4. Don’t compare yourself to others:

I know, I know. It’s easier said than done, especially when Karen seems to have nap times down with a baby who sleeps through the night at 6 weeks 🙄But, remember, that what works for Karen might not work for you because every baby is different ❤️

 

You do you and always trust your innate mama bear instincts. You’ve got this 🐻🙌

 

Love,

Tobbie & Co