Before I became a parent, the concept of sleep training seemed utterly perplexing. The expression “sleeping like a baby” must have come from somewhere, so why would infants need any form of sleep training?
I suspect that the phrase might have originated from a tired couple eons ago, and it has since misled countless generations of parents. When I brought my little one, Mia, home from the hospital, I quickly realized that newborns are far from peaceful sleepers. They grunt, wiggle, cry, eat, and yes, even smile during the 16-18 hours they spend resting each day. Initially, I thought something was terribly wrong with Mia and sought advice from our pediatrician, only to hear that she was perfectly fine. This was simply her way of being a typical newborn.
As I prepared to head home, feeling overwhelmed, a nurse entered the room. After taking in my tear-streaked face, she shared, “All four of my kids were noisy sleepers, too.” In that moment, I recognized her wisdom; she had been through it all before. Instead of offering solutions, she comforted me with a gentle pat on the hand and encouraged me to stay strong.
It was at that point that I realized I had been misled: my sweet little girl was actually a tiny sleep disruptor! Judging by the knowing look in that nurse’s eyes, I understood that this situation wasn’t going to improve overnight.
Upon returning home, I combed through all the materials I received from the hospital, flipping through parenting guides and my extensive birthing class binder. Surely, there had to be some insight on newborn sleep hidden in there? I mean, with how much emphasis is placed on pregnancy education, it’s hard to believe there wouldn’t be a manual for handling a newborn’s sleep habits.
And then it hit me—if they shared the unfiltered truth, who would choose to have children? So, what are the realities of newborn sleep?
- Newborns are Loud Sleepers: Forget about peaceful slumber; babies can be noisier than your uncle after a holiday feast. They grunt, squeal, and toss about in their cribs. You may find yourself checking on them frequently, only to wake them up and start the cycle all over again.
- Eyes Wide Open, Even When Sleeping: Babies often sleep with their eyes partially open, staring at you as if they’re plotting something. At times, they might let their eyelids droop, giving off a look that could rival the creepiest horror movie. You’ll get used to it over time, but it never quite loses its strangeness.
- If Your Baby Sleeps Well, Keep It to Yourself: If you’re one of the fortunate few whose baby sleeps through the night from day one, please don’t boast about it. It’s a sensitive topic for those of us who are running on fumes. Just enjoy that little victory in silence!
- Swaddling? Yes, I’ve Tried Everything: The question “Have you tried swaddling?” is one I’ve heard too often. Believe me, I’ve explored every swaddling technique available. It’s like a game to my clever baby, who quickly figured out how to kick free and keep me awake.
- Desperate Measures: I’ve stocked up on white noise machines and tried every pacifier under the sun. One night, I even considered creating a silicone mold of my breast to see if that would help lull my baby to sleep. Although I’ve found some temporary solutions, restful nights are now a distant memory.
- Understanding Colic: The term “colic” is often used to describe a baby that cries excessively and doesn’t sleep well, leaving parents feeling helpless. The truth is, there’s really no cure—time is the only remedy.
- White Noise is Tricky: Don’t be fooled into thinking white noise will cover up all sounds. Opening a soda can at 3 a.m. will sound like an explosion, and if you need to sneak away to the bathroom, good luck—your baby will hear even the slightest creak.
- Don’t Hesitate to Accept Help: If your family offers to watch your baby overnight, take them up on it without guilt. Hand over your little one and make a beeline for your bed. Resist the urge to check your phone; focus on catching up on sleep instead.
- Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps: This advice can be tricky, especially if your baby only dozes off while you’re driving. Sometimes you just want to take a shower or grab a bite to eat; in those cases, refer back to my tip about remaining still!
- If You Find a Solution, Stick with It: When you discover something that works, make the most of it until it stops. A friend of mine with three kids reassured me that while none of her children ever slept longer than three hours at a time, as they grow older, you can at least threaten them to stay in bed.
In conclusion, parenting can feel like a comedic tragedy when it comes to sleep. But remember, you’re not alone in this journey. If you want to delve deeper into related topics, check out this excellent resource on in vitro fertilisation and consider the at-home insemination kit for additional avenues in your parenting journey.
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Summary: Newborn sleep can be chaotic and noisy, leaving new parents feeling overwhelmed. From the truth about swaddling to the acceptance of well-meaning help from family, understanding the nuances of newborn sleep can make the experience more manageable.