Last updated on October 23rd, 2022 at 02:22 pm
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Are you fed up of hearing the phrase “sleep when the baby sleeps”? Because, same! It’s the biggest load of twaddle I’ve ever heard because, let’s face it, it’s impossible. Sleep is just one of the things new moms need for themselves but I’m here to offer some new mom tips that might help for when baby does sleep. Unfortunately, that may not be a miracle sleep cure which is just what a first time mum is desperate for!
It’s funny because you can guarantee that as soon as you put your little angel down for a snooze, they will sense when your own eyes have closed. And a two-minute power nap is not enough to eradicate the sleep deprivation you are feeling.
So, I’m not here today to tell you how to catch up on the Zs. Crikey, I’m nowhere near cracking that case! No, I’m here to offer some suggestions as to what else you could be doing whilst your baby is sleeping and, hopefully, you will recognise that these are some key things new moms need for themselves when they have a newborn.
Things New Moms Need For Themselves
Household Chores
Good grief, just writing that has made me yawn. Chores are always boring! However, trying to complete them when baby is awake is extremely tough for a first time mum so use the time wisely.
Now, I’m not saying blitz the house. If your little one is anything like mine, you won’t have time for a good crack of the whip. No, aim for small tasks such as a quick dust and polish, doing the washing up or even chucking some bleach down the loo. They are small jobs that will make you feel a little better about keeping your house spick and span. Well, as much as you can with a newborn.
Brush your hair/teeth
This is very simple but it’s exactly what new moms need!
There have been days when I look a little Worzel-Gummagey. Running upstairs and running the brush through my (normally greasy!) hair is a quick task that can make me feel like I’m a supermodel. OK, maybe not a supermodel… but someone who wouldn’t be ashamed opening the front door to the postie.
Catch up on messages
It takes me hours to respond to people nowadays. Sometimes, it’s because I’ve got Arthur and just don’t get chance. Other times, I just feel far too overwhelmed to message people back.
So that I don’t get swamped with messages, I try to use the time when baby is sleeping to catch up with my messages. Most people have been very understanding as to why my responses have been delayed and just hearing that from them makes me feel better – remember, many women out there have been first time mums themselves so they just get it.
Any sort of adult conversation is also good for keeping you sane!
Give the dog some fuss
Another of my simple new mom tips that will make your heart swell, as well as your fur baby’s!
My baby Brucey has been feeling a little jealous of late. He absolutely adores Arthur but it’s clear sometimes that he is still adapting to life with a newborn.
When Arthur is sleeping, I use that time to give Bruce some love. It reminds him that he’s still part of the family and it gives me a boost too – who couldn’t love having a big, wet beagle snout in their face?
Sell some items
With the cost of living crisis bearing down on us, we’ve got to start thinking of ways to earn a little extra cash. Check your wardrobe to see if there’s anything you can put on Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Vinted.
One of the best new mom tips I can offer: I’ve heard of so many parents selling their baby clothes on Vinted and making hundreds! Great for topping up that pitiful maternity pay that we get!
Start a blog!
Trust me, this is easier said than done as it does take some level of commitment to blog. Not always easy with a newborn vying for your attention! However, it’s a great outlet for those with a particular passion, especially those with a niche interest. And if you stick at it, you may even earn a little extra income too.
(If this blog has inspired you to blog, let me know and I would love to subscribe!)
Exercise
Now, I wouldn’t recommend doing some sort of HIIT routine when you’re sleep deprived but, maybe, some light pilates or yoga will make you feel a little better.
Read a book
I’ll be honest, cracking open War and Peace while baby sleeps is probably not your best option as I doubt you’ll finish it before your maternity leave ends but a light-hearted novel might be something you wish to enjoy whilst your baby is sleeping. Remember, this is your time and it’s not a crime to do something that you enjoy doing.
If you’re too tired to commit to reading a book, there are plenty of free audio books available on Audible. And if reading is just not your thing, maybe check out a few podcast.
Watch TV
And I don’t mean Bluey! As entertaining as Bluey is, use this time to catch up on the soaps or start a new series on Netflix. Heck, you may even wish to revel in a bit of daytime TV with Phil and Holly. Whatever you choose, just enjoy having that moment watching something that you wouldn’t usually get to watch.
Enjoy the silence!
As much as we love hearing our little ones cooing, babbling, giggling and even crying, sometimes it’s just nice to embrace the silence while baby sleeps. Maybe even open the door and listen to the outside noise for a moment – whether you’re living in an urban or rural setting, things new moms need for themselves is a little normality!
If you’re wondering how to help baby sleep better, check out this list of white noise machines which can help baby fall asleep in a few minutes.
What do you like to do when your little one sleeps during the day? Feel free to share your own ideas.
And if you’ve sussed the “sleep while the baby sleeps” fallacy, please share your secrets!
Loulabella xoxo
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