Shopping for Two Blog

I may not know much, but I do know about sleepless nights. I wish that I could fill you up on blog post after blog post on how to get your baby to sleep through the night, really I do. But I was never one for having babies who slept well, so I’ve become very good at functioning after months upon months of interrupted nights. It took both of my boys about a year and a half until they were reliably sleeping through the night, so that gives me at least three solid years of experience to which I can write these tips for you. These 10 tips of how to function after a nearly sleepless night will help you get through your days relatively smoothly. If you have a tip you’d like to add, please leave me a comment.

1. Get yourself out of bed and into a shower. A shower will wake you up a bit and get the sleepy feeling off of you. Place your baby in a nearby bouncy chair or in a crib with a few safe toys while you take this little 5-10 minute break.
2. Switch to a peppermint soap or shampoo. The fragrance and tingling feel of peppermint on the skin is great at waking up the senses. I like Dr. Bronners Peppermint Soap.
3. Put on a cute, but comfortable outfit a bit of makeup and earrings. You don’t need to get yourself to made up, but putting yourself together helps you to feel more energetic. Staying in your pjs will only make you feel like a tired, frumpy new mom.
4. Eat a filling breakfast with protein. If you are too out of energy to cook an egg, try a piece of toast with peanut butter on top and maybe a little yogurt with fruit. This first meal will give you the calories and boost that you need to get through your day.
5. Drink coffee, but only one small cup. I know there is some controversy about drinking coffee when tired and especially while breastfeeding. But I found one small cup or half a cup helped to revive me. Any more would be harmful for my milk supply and made me feel sluggish.
6. Breath some fresh air. Take your baby on a short stroll around the block. The purpose of this isn’t for exercise, just to get your blood flowing and to get some fresh air in your lungs. It will do you a world of good, trust me.
7. Talk to a good friend. Give a good friend or family member a call for a few moments. Even a short talk can remind you that you are not alone in the world and will put a smile on your face.
8. Know that you can’t get everything done today. Realize that this is going to be a slow day and you won’t get everything done. And that is okay. The reality of having a baby is that things need to get thrown on the back burner from time to time. you are raising a child, that along with keeping yourself happy are what’s most important.
9. Snuggle with your baby. Give your baby extra cuddle time today. Remind yourself how much you love him and why a few sleepless nights (or three years worth!) are worth it.
10. Sleep when your baby sleeps. There is a reason everyone says this, because it works. Now stop reading and go take your nap, mama!