Adults and Sleep

I know I talk about infants and kids sleep here a lot. And yes, it’s super important that your child get the rest they need. But what about you? I am just as guilty of not getting the rest I need as any other parent! I stay up late doing work, researching, snacking, working out, watching shows (where my Game of Thrones fans at?!) and spending time with my husband. It’s a badge of honor we wear as parents. Stay up late for some desperately needed adult and alone time.

What can we do? Do we give up that coveted downtime? Do we let our homes fall to pieces? No. But I ask myself each night to go to bed 15 mins earlier than I did the night before. Sometimes, I have a week long streak of abiding by that rule. And I feel great. More rested and somehow more efficient. So I try to keep that in mind on the nights I think “no, I can’t give up even 15 minutes”. Try it. See how you feel after a week of just going to bed 15 mins earlier than you did the night before.

Here is a link to an awesome article highlighting the issue in adult sleep! I think you’ll find yourself doing what I did as I read, “Yep. Yep. That’s me”. 

Wake up, America: You're fooling yourself about sleep, study says

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/16/health/sleep-myths-facts-study/index.html

Safe Sleep

Safe infant sleep 

I’m jumping off of an Instagram story I watched recently by @mommy.labornurse regarding SIDS and cribs, I wanted to quickly list my sleep hygiene tips for you guys! Safe sleep is a priority of mine and while I know sometimes it’s not every day practice, I think we should strive to be safe! 

1. Nothing in crib but baby. Those cute little crib bumpers from Pottery Barn? Put them away. Loose ties and lengths of fabric. No stuffed animals for a little while (bring them back around at 12m+). Just baby and their swaddle/sleep sack! Pacifier is ok, loose. 

2. Put baby flat on their back, on a firm supportive mattress. Eventually, baby will learn to role over and have the mobility to sleep in other positions, but new babies go on their back. 

3. No bedmates! This means no siblings or parent in the sleep space. Co-sleeping may be convenient, however accidents happen. 

Heidi’s Crib Code 

I know so many of us are so excited for baby that we get the nursery furniture and set up the crib and bedding immediately! But, there are a few things you should do before hand! 

1. Take the crib mattress out of the packaging and let it air out for 24/48 hours. I always do a bit longer than the instructions say. The mattresses are treated with flame retardant and it’s best to let that air out before baby sleeps on it. 

2. Cover mattress in a waterproof cover. This protects baby from any remaining chemicals after the air out AND saves your mattress from pee stains or worse...blow out stains! 

3. Wipe down (with cleaner of choice) all the furniture in the nursery after it’s assembled. Give the room a good airing out. 

Sleep safely and soundly ♥️😴