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PREPARING FOR BABY
Congratulations is the first word out of just
about everyone’s mouth after hearing the big
news: You’re pregnant! Excited friends and
family most often follow up with the requisite
“Get your sleep now because when the baby comes, you won’t get any!”
So, on top of hormones, registering, choosing a name, painting the room, getting life insurance, figuring out how to install a car seat and preparing for the most major paradigm shift you’ll make in your entire life, you are also made to be freaked out about never ever getting a full night’s sleep again.
I am here to say that it doesn’t have to be that bad—well, the sleeping part, anyway. Just follow my simple suggestions below and the rest will be easy.
KEEP IT DARK
We all know someone with a child who can sleep anytime, anywhere. Yes, like rent-controlled apartments and consignment-bought Birkins, easy sleepers are the holy grail of parenthood. Most infants, however, prefer the creature comforts of home—just like we do—so start by making your child’s room dark. Babies like to sleep in the dark, so pick up some blackout shades or blinds. I know what you’re thinking: But then my baby won’t be able to sleep without them when we travel. I have never known a baby who sleeps well when he is away from home.
MOVE THAT MOBILE
Would you like sleeping with something dangling in your face? I sure know I wouldn’t. So what makes you think your baby would? Don’t put mobiles in cribs! They are for changing tables when your baby is awake and can enjoy them.
GO BASIC ON THE BUMPERS
And now to bumpers. Bumpers really have no use except for making your nursery look pretty. Keep them basic—no bright colors or patterns; otherwise, your baby will be looking at them and not sleeping. Keep the animals, polka dots and stripes for other parts of the nursery.
CLOSE THE DOOR
I bet you’ve had people tell you to keep the door open so that your baby can learn to sleep through anything. Most adults can’t sleep through anything, especially when you are having a nap, so why would we expect babies to do the same? If you want Baby to have a nice, restful sleep, keep her door closed. Simple!
MAKE A SOUND PURCHASE
Having said that, a sound machine is a smart buy. In the early days home from the hospital, the white noise will help your little one feel secure since he spent the previous 40 weeks hearing what sounded like a vacuum cleaner all day long while taking up residence in your womb. Also, the soft sounds will block out the phone, barking dogs and people talking right outside his room. A lot of people don’t want to use one because they think their baby will get used to it and they will have to carry it everywhere. You can pick up a portable one from Dex Products for just $24.99. It takes batteries, can be plugged in and is small enough to fit into your luggage or overnight bag. In my opinion, there is no question about getting a sound machine. Get one.
WATCH OUT
Monitors are a big item in the world of baby gear. There are dozens on the market, but I suggest that you get one with a camera (and I recommend the Summer brand). A good sight and sound monitor, though slightly pricey, is an invaluable tool and well worth the money. When you can see what’s going on (is he just stirring or is he actually up?), you won’t risk waking him up to take a further look. They are also a convenient way to make sure that Baby is always okay and ease your new-parent worry—and frustration when it’s actually you who wakes up the baby. We’ve all been there: turning the doorknob ever so quietly and tiptoeing into the bedroom, only to see a little face staring up at us.
WRAP ’EM UP
Swaddling blankets are an absolute must. Make sure you get large stretchy ones. I like the Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe. They come complete with Velcro so you don’t have to worry about learning how to swaddle.
Okay, now you know what to get to make sure that Baby—and you!—can get some much-needed rest. Nighty-night!
Kathy Sinclair, CNCS, CPD, CLE, CHBE, graduated from Australia’s prestigious Charlton Brown Nanny College and began her professional career as a nanny in 1993. Kathy developed her specialty with infant sleep while working as a newborn care specialist in Los Angeles. Currently the founder of Baby Sleep Solutions, Kathy provides one-on-one individualized sleep consultations, leads Mommy & Infant groups for new moms, and lectures on sleep in and around Los Angeles. She lives in Ventura, Calif., with her husband and three dogs. She may be contacted through her website at www.babysleepsolutionsla.com.
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