Nappig is a major help, but often difficult if one parent is working and the other parent is at home alone with the child, as is the case with me and my wife. What I’ve been experiencing personally is the inability to wind down when the baby finally does fall asleep at night and capitalize on a few hours of crying-free sleep time. My wife feels like she needs to get other things done so doesn’t always sleep when the baby does during the day.

I’ve been trying to take steps to better prepare myself for the time when the infant finally does conk off, because napping is out of the question for me during the day. I moderating my activities so that any vigorous tasks that might stress or wake me more are finished at least an hour and a half before bedtime.

Listening to classical music in place of television also helps calm me and relax me to the point where my mind is ready to sleep. Along the same lines as reducing TV watching is making sure I turn off the computer well in advance of my anticipated bed time.

I’ve been drinking plenty of water and makings sure I’m eating a healthy diet, which helps me feel better in general. An ounce or two of red wine with dinner helps put me out as well, but I’m so tired it feels like my baby is eating my brain.

Baby Center has a list of sleep aids for new parents, but I would LOVE to hear any suggestions that you may have for sleeping better with an infant.

Post from: Blisstree

Sleep deprivation and new parenthood

Lifehacker has a great list of 7 basic ways to help you and your child enjoy time at home.  I find number one on the list especially helpful in getting me settled and reducing stress in my own life.

Establish routine. Whether it’s about heading off to school or bed-time, routine is key for all families. Keep to a set schedule of events and your children will reap the benefits. Their comfort zone is dependent, to a large part, in your routines. Routines also give children a sense of “how my family does things” or in other words, family culture.

Give them space and respect the quiet are also points on the list, just solid ways to aid in the chase for the ever elusive quiet time at home.

Post from: Blisstree

7 Tips to help your kids enjoy time at home