1. Swaddle your Baby
Swaddling is an age-old strategy that has been used for babies for over 2000 years. It's a funny word, but it basically just means to wrap your baby very tightly in a thin blanket. Think of a baby burrito, and you'll have an idea of what I'm talking about. Swaddling works because it gives babies a feeling similar to being wrapped in someone's arms, and suppresses their startle response while their nervous system is still developing. I've found that swaddled babies tend to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep a little bit longer.2. Prep your Supplies
Before you even think about heading to bed, you need to get an area set up for middle-of-the-night baby care. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but you need to have an area where all of your supplies are gathered and ready to go. If you bottle feed, get your bottles and formula or pumped milk ready to go. If you breastfeed, get your nursing pillow, breast pads, and nipple cream together. Set up your changing area as well. Fold your diapers, prep your inserts, get your covers lined up, and make sure your diaper pail is within throwing distance. Also, don't forget to prepare a few treats for yourself. Set up a music playlist (with headphones) or a movie, or pick out a book to read, and grab something to snack on and a bottle of water.3. Borrow Gadgets First
Babies are all born with their own little personalities, and I've found out the hard way that what works for one may not work for another. For instance, my second baby absolutely loved to sleep in a baby swing, and wouldn't fall asleep anywhere else. I was ready to declare baby swings as the number-one must-have gadget that every new parent should buy ... until baby number three came along and totally blew my theory out of the water. She hated being in a swing and would scream at the top of her lungs whenever she was in it. So if you're in a position to borrow a baby gadget from a friend or family member, it might save you the frustration of spending big bucks for something that simply doesn't help your family.4. Consider Room Sharing
I will fully admit that room sharing is not for everyone. For some people, hearing every tiny sound that your baby makes in the middle of the night is a sure-fire way to get absolutely no sleep at all. But for many people, room sharing can make middle-of-the-night baby care so much easier. No stumbling through the house at 2am, running back and forth whenever you hear a sniffle, having to sit in a dark room feeding the baby when all you want is to be in your own bed. I really like keeping the baby in a bassinet or crib right next to my bed, within arm's reach. When the inevitable middle-of-the-night feeding time rolls around, I can pick up my baby, change the diaper, and feed her without ever getting out of my bed. This means that I can avoid the shock of lights and cold floors and I generally fall asleep faster and more deeply than if I had to run across the house.5. Don't Set an Alarm
Unless you have someplace that you need to be first thing in the morning, I would leave the alarm clock off. Having your sleep interrupted several times during the night means that your sleep is less restful. Going to bed a little early, or sleeping in in the morning, are ways that you can help your body to compensate. Of course, you may not be able to sleep in if you have a job or if other children need your attention. But don't just get up at 6am because it's your normal time to get up. Your body will tell you how much sleep it needs, and I promise that the chores and errands will still be there when you are rested enough to do them properly.6. Daytime Naps
It may feel a little bit strange if you are not used to sleeping during the day, but taking a nap can be a great way to re-energize and get over the afternoon slump. Most babies will nap at least a couple of times a day, and while you are still establishing a routine, you should definitely take advantage and get a bit of sleep yourself. Blackout curtains or a sleep mask can help with this. Put on some restful music, put your cell phone on silent, and take some time to recharge. Even 20 minutes can make a huge difference.7. Bring in Some Help
Many new parents can feel a little burnt out as they try to take care of a new baby. Being on call 24/7 can be very emotionally draining. It's helpful to pool your resources and find someone that can lend an extra hand now and again to give you a break. Your significant other can take turns getting up with the baby, or give you some time to yourself once a day to shower, drink something hot, or take a walk by yourself. A friend may be able to come over once or twice a week to give the baby some cuddles and give your arms a break. Be sure to reach out to whoever you have available and let them know specific ways that they can help you.Taking good care of yourself is the only way that you will be able to take care of your baby. But every family is different, and some of these suggestions may need to be modified, depending on your situation. Just do your best to rest when you can, whatever you need to to maintain your sanity. The newborn stage will not last forever, and before you know it, your sweet little cherub will be sleeping through the night.
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