Night feeds are one of the biggest challenges many new parents face. After sleeping through the night without a second thought for many years, waking to tend to a baby can feel like a shock to the system.
While waking up at three in the morning is never pleasant, there are steps you can take to make the experience more comfortable. Find out how to make night feeds much easier.
Treat Yourself to the Husband Pillow
It doesn’t matter if you are breast or bottle-feeding your newborn, make night feeds feel more comfortable with a supportive Husband Pillow. Moms and dads will experience more support when feeding their little ones, and it can help place a baby in the proper position. Also, you can add or remove the memory foam blend stuffing to create your preferred firmness. Find the perfect size and color for your needs at husbandpillow.com.
Prep for a Night Feed
Before sliding into bed for a well-deserved sleep, spend a few minutes prepping for a night feed. Rather than stumbling in the dark searching for items, gather them in advance to make the experience feel much easier.
Simplify a night feed by keeping a storage box of:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Bibs
- Muslin cloths
- Nipple cream
Don’t forget to place a bottle of water and a snack on your nightstand. The more organized you are before a night feed, the sooner you can go back to sleep.
Create a Quiet, Dark Environment
It can take time for babies to differentiate between night and day. When your newborn wakes for a feed, try to maintain a quiet, dark environment to help your little one stay in a restful state.
Avoid talking, engaging, or playing with your baby, and skip diaper changes if they’re not necessary. It will help your baby fall back asleep with ease after feeding, which can help your baby adjust to a strict sleep routine.
Avoid Blue Light During a Feed
Most devices emit blue light that can make it difficult for a person to sleep, and they can also disturb a tired baby. If you want to help your baby fall back asleep with ease after a feed, and you don’t want to spend the rest of the night tossing and turning, you must avoid the temptation to use your smartphone or tablet. Instead, focus on the nursing experience, which will keep your mind and body relaxed.
Night feeds will not always feel easy, but there are ways to simplify them. Keep the lights off, avoid engaging with your baby, prep the night before, and buy supportive products to stay comfortable. It can help you and your newborn fall back asleep with ease.
Remember, night feeds may feel hard now, but they will likely become a thing of the past in a few months, as babies aren’t little for long. Enjoy holding your son or daughter, look for ways to make the process more enjoyable, and improve your comfort.
