Ways How to Get Through Sleep Deprivation with a Newborn

Ah, the joys of parenthood! The sleepless nights, the endless diaper changes, and the rock-paper-scissors of who gets to catch a few precious winks. As a new dad, I found myself in countless debates with my partner over who is more tired.

It’s easy to fall into the blame game, which can fuel ill feelings and resentment. Fighting sleep deprivation and, at times, frayed nerves and tempers, is hard enough without fighting each other. But, fear not, fellow dads, for in this article, we shall embark on a quest to end the disagreements about sleep and learn how to survive sleep deprivation with a newborn! Let’s dive in, shall we?

Embrace the Power of Empathy

The first step in resolving the sleep dispute is to recognize that both parents are undoubtedly exhausted. Sleep deprivation can leave us feeling like zombies, struggling to string coherent sentences together. So, let’s start with a little empathy. Understand that your partner’s sleep struggles are as real as your own, and together, you can survive this parenting marathon.

Team Up: Divide and Conquer!

Parenting is a team sport, and in the battle against sleep deprivation, teamwork is key! Instead of engaging in a who-is-more-tired contest, divide the responsibilities strategically. Perhaps one parent takes on the nighttime feeding while the other handles nappy duty. Switch roles every other night so both of you get a taste of each other’s challenges. This way, you’ll understand the sacrifices you each make.

Nap Time is Not Just for Baby

Ah, the elusive nap time! Once your newborn drifts off to dreamland, you might feel tempted to tackle the never-ending to-do list. But hold on! This is a golden opportunity for both parents to grab some shut-eye too. Forget the laundry for now – prioritize rest, and you’ll be surprised how rejuvenated you’ll feel.

Embrace the Power of Coffee (or Tea)

In the realm of sleep-deprived parents, caffeine reigns supreme. While it won’t replace a good night’s sleep, a well-timed cup of coffee (or tea for the non-coffee enthusiasts) can provide a temporary energy boost. Just be sure not to go overboard, as too much caffeine can lead to a jittery experience, and it’s probably not too healthy either!

Seek Help and Support

Repeat after me: “It’s okay to ask for help!” Reach out to your network of friends and family. You might be surprised that most of them will be willing to give you both a well-deserved break – even if it’s only for an hour or two. Trust me, having an extra pair of hands can work wonders in alleviating fatigue and rekindling your sanity.

Naptime Ninja Skills

As parents, we often find ourselves wearing multiple hats. So, why not unleash your inner naptime ninja? Master the art of taking power naps whenever the opportunity arises. Whether it’s during a car journey – obviously when you’re not behind the wheel – or when the baby’s down for a short snooze, use those moments to catch some Z’s.                                             

Establish a Bedtime Routine     

Babies thrive on routines, and guess what? Parents do too! Establishing a consistent bedtime routine not only helps your little one sleep better but also provides you with some predictability in your own sleep schedule. Dim the lights, play soothing music, and let the Sandman work his magic on both you and the baby.

Congratulations, dear sleep-deprived parents, for making it this far! Raising a newborn is indeed challenging, but it’s also filled with love, laughter, and some unforgettable moments. Embrace the power of empathy, divide and conquer as a team, and never underestimate the rejuvenating abilities of a well-timed nap or a cup of coffee. Remember, it really is okay to reach out for some help.

So, let’s put an end to the sleep deprivation monster and fight it with humour, resilience, and a whole lot of love. By implementing these strategies, you can lay the groundwork for a more profound and meaningful connection with your partner – as a loving couple and as parents.

In this wild ride of parenthood, you’ve got this!

You can also read out other articles on surviving sleep here or here

For more information on how to prepare for a newborn The Sleep Science Guru has a great post on how to prepare for the first 3 months her