Nobody enjoys housework and with today’s busy lifestyle, it’s sometimes hard to get even the basics done. Hired help is one solution, but getting organized is another. Here’s how you can minimize time spent on housework so you can maximize time for work and family.

Share The Burden

• With both parents working, the whole family needs to help with the housework.
• Make a weekly chore chart with assignments for both parents and older children.
• Hold family members accountable for completing their jobs; withhold privileges if necessary.

Shop Smart

• Post a grocery list on the refrigerator so when something runs out, the family member can write it down immediately.
• Go grocery shopping once a week, and buy everything at the same store if possible.
• Buy non-perishable items like toilet paper and diapers in bulk.

Lighten the Laundry Load

• Ask children and adults to separate their clothes into lights and darks when they put them in the hamper.
• Only wash things that are dirty.
• Have younger children sort and fold their own laundry; older children can do their own loads.
• Buy washable, wrinkle-free clothes to cut down on hand-washing and dry cleaning.

Carefree Cooking

• Make easy-to-prepare nutritious meals. Grill, bake or broil fresh meats and fish with light seasonings.
• Cook large portions on the weekends and freeze the extras for later.
• Have older kids make their own lunches, but oversee what they’re packing.
• Go out to eat once a week or order in to give yourself a break.

Conquer Clutter

• Keep clutter baskets or bins in every room so toys or other items can be quickly picked up at the end of the day.
• Organize your cleaning supplies and keep them where you need them. For example, keep toilet cleaner and a brush in every bathroom. You save time in hunting down supplies.

When the whole family chips in, housework isn’t such a burden. Also remember to keep housework in perspective, a family outing is sometimes more important than having a spotless house.

While quality of time is important, quantity of time is just as critical to raising a family.

Now that there’s a baby, you’re no longer a couple; you’re a family! But competing schedules and obligations can make acting like a family a little difficult. These days, more and more dads are finding ways to shoulder the burdens — and joys — of parenthood. And you might not realize it, but a slight change in Dad’s work schedule can free up a lot of time to spend with the kids.

Many fathers opt for different lifestyles and alternative work schedules to spend more time with their families or reduce the amount of time their kids spend in daycare. Some men work early or late shifts, or work part time, and some have even become stay-at-home dads while Mom works. Here are some creative ways fathers are creating more family time.

The Compressed Work Week

Here’s an idea: Work more hours per day, and fewer days per week. One way to go about this is to work 40 hours in four days instead of five by working four 10-hour days. Another common schedule is working nine hours a day and having a day off every other week.

When our son Jordan was small, my husband, John, worked four 10-hour days a week, with Fridays off. I worked a four-day work week part time with Mondays off. That way, Jordan was in daycare only three days a week. John’s schedule is important to him. He has had his Fridays off for the last five years. He says, “I like having my Fridays off with the kids. It is a special bonding time with them.”

Alternative Shift Start Times

On this schedule, parents start work at different hours to minimize the amount of time the children are away from home. For example, one parent could start work at 6:00 a.m. and one at 9:00 a.m. The children are dropped off at the daycare by the parent who leaves later, and picked up by the parent who gets off work earlier. Juggle this the right way, and daycare is no longer a necessity.

Pat Ryan works from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. His wife, Terri, leaves for work at 5:00 p.m. Although that doesn’t leave much time for the two of them during the week, Pat enjoys evenings with his sons Robby, 3, and Christopher, 2. Pat also reports another advantage: “When both parents are together, the kids tend to play us off each other. They are much better behaved when there is only one parent here.”

Part Time

If a father works less than 40 hours a week, the family might feel a little pinch in the pocketbook. But some families can handle it by making a conscious choice to live more simply. Many health-care positions are becoming part-time, giving workers more days off. Some positions are 24 hours a week (two 12-hour shifts), or 36 hours a week (three 12-hour shifts). While 12 hours is a long day, think of the flip-side: You’ll have four or five days off each week.

Working At Home

A telecommuter works at home on his own computer, connected to the company’s computer by modem. But this melds the workplace and home, and telecommuting might leave you just as unavailable to the kids as if you were working at the office. In fact, many telecommuters find that they need a babysitter in the home. There are advantages: being available to eat lunch with the children, saving time and saving money commuting to work. It may be less stressful than work at an office, and every day becomes casual day!

Become a Stay-at-Home Dad

This option might be more realistic than it seems. If you’re a father considering staying at home, examine your earning power as compared to your partner’s. Consider work attire (no need for power suits), as well as commuting costs (gas, wear-and-tear of the car, depreciation, extra insurance costs), daycare costs, and all the other expenses of working. Don’t forget to factor in stress! Many men find they are happier staying at home with their children. If you’re not sure, try it out by taking personal leave. Fathers may be guaranteed up to three months of personal leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act if their child is under a year old, newly adopted, or recently placed with the family as a foster child. (To see if you qualify or if the law applies to your company, check with your employer’s human resources department.)

When either parent switches to home after having a career, the transition can be tough. With paid employment, people tend to have confidence, structure and regular positive feedback from coworkers and management. It might be hard to function in an environment with little structure and a lack of positive feedback. Just transition slowly, and find support or playgroups that help you understand you’re not alone.

Dan Sherman is now a stay-at-home dad. As a painter, he often found work hard to come by, or requiring a long commute to the job site. Most of the time, his children were either in daycare or after-school care. Dan’s wife, Becki, had healthcare benefits, and her work as a computer programmer/analyst provided enough money for the family. So Dan decided to stay home with their two sons: Ben, 8, and Sammy, 4. One day a week, Sammy goes to a Montessori preschool. That gives Dan a needed break, and Sammy has a chance to interact with children his own age. The preschool also provides Dan with educational materials and helps in his new role as full-time father. Dan is enjoying being closer to the boys, and has started pursuing new interests, such as gourmet cooking.

If None of These Are Options

Perhaps your work schedule is too demanding, or your company is just too inflexible to consider giving you a break. Even if none of the above options will work, you can still find ways to make time for your family. Some ideas: Instead of using weekends as couch time, go for walks together. Go to a playground (indoor or outdoor) or to the park. Going out to dinner (or for dessert!) can also get the family together. A picnic doesn’t have to be at a park; it can be a fun change to picnic in the backyard or even in the living room (if the TV is off). Pursue a common interest or hobby with your family, such as bicycling, skiing or stamp collecting. Set aside time each weekend for a special family activity that gets everyone involved.

While quality of time is important, quantity of time is just as critical to raising a family. The challenge for parents is to find the best possible mix between quality and quantity, and to make choices that benefit moms, dads and the children.

Adapted from: Family Health Alliance

When you get home from the hospital, you will spend your days and nights tending to your baby’s needs. It may seem selfish to think of yourself; by doing so, you’ll actually be doing a favor for your baby and your whole family. Here are some suggestions for taking care of the caregiver.

• If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you get an extra 500 calories a day. Eat lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources to ensure you’re getting the proper nutrients for you and your baby. Treat yourself to a dessert occasionally.
• Rest or do something relaxing when your baby naps. Don’t use this time to catch up on housework or tackle any new projects. Unplug the phone and tape a do not disturb note to your front door if necessary.
• Accept and encourage gifts of meals and food.
• Ask a close relative or hire a doula to help with housework, meal preparation, and entertainment of older children during the first several weeks.
• As you feel stronger and get a doctor’s approval, begin to exercise. Taking stroller walks with your baby will benefit both of you.
• Keep your baby close-by at night and/or breastfeed while lying on your side in bed so that nighttime feedings are as non-disruptive as possible.
• Let someone else do heavy housework or lifting for the first six to eight weeks while your body slowly returns to normal.
• Drink plenty of water and juice to maintain your milk supply and help get rid of excess weight. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because it can get into your milk supply and interfere with sleep.
• Call the doctor if you have excessive bleeding, any foul-smelling discharge, fever, diarrhea/vomiting, or symptoms of postpartum depression.
• Don’t feel obligated to entertain visitors or send out those thank you notes until you are feeling up to it.

Taking care of yourself is crucial to maintaining an adequate milk supply and having the energy to care for your family. The first weeks and months after having a new baby can be very difficult, both physically and mentally. Making sure you get the proper nutrition, rest, and medical attention will help you survive these trying times.

Lactose is the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Children and adults who are lactose intolerant do not have enough lactase, which is the enzyme needed to digest the milk sugar. This condition is different from a milk allergy in which the milk protein triggers an allergic reaction. Some children are born with a lactose intolerance, while others acquire it as they age. Here’s how you can tell if your child is afflicted and what you can do about it.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

• Diarrhea after eating dairy products
• Gas
• Bloating
• Cramps
• Stomach pain

Steps to Manage the Symptoms

• Cut down on dairy products to see how much your child can tolerate.
• You may need to switch to a lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk.
• Be sure your child gets enough calcium. Feed your child calcium-rich foods like dark green leafy vegetables.
• Talk to your pediatrician about a calcium supplement, if needed.
• Avoid foods with added lactase, including many desserts, candy bars, and baking mixes.
• Over-the-counter enzyme treatments are available and can be taken with dairy products. Check with your pediatrician about the proper dosage.

Children who are born without the lactase enzyme will likely have the condition for the rest of their lives. Some children will develop a lactose intolerance following a stomach virus. This is usually temporary, and they will be able to resume eating and drinking dairy products in a short while.

In years past, it was almost unheard of for a baby to be allergic to milk, eggs, or peanuts. But food allergies are becoming increasingly common. No one knows why for certain, but there are precautions you can take to make it less likely for your child to develop a food allergy.

Before Birth

• Allergies tend to run in families. So if you or your spouse has any type of allergy, you need to take special precautions.
• During pregnancy, avoid eating any specific foods that cause allergy symptoms in your family. If you are avoiding any major food group, consult with your obstetrician about getting the proper nutrients for your growing baby.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate throughout your pregnancy.

After Birth

• Breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months of life. Consider breastfeeding for the entire first year, if possible. Breastfed babies tend to develop fewer allergies. However, you may need to avoid foods that your family is allergic to while breastfeeding.
• If you cannot breastfeed, feed your baby hypoallergenic formula.
• Wait until at your baby is at least six months before introducing solids. Start by introducing low-allergenic foods like rice cereal.
• If a food causes a reaction, wait at least two weeks before trying again. If a reaction occurs again, wait six months to reintroduce that food.
• Wait until your baby is one year to introduce dairy or cow’s milk, two years to introduce eggs, and three years to introduce peanut butter and other nuts.

Allergy Symptoms

• Colic, fussiness, irritability, interrupted sleep.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, blood in the stools.
• Skin rashes, hives, eczema (dry, itchy skin.)
• Nasal congestion, sneezing, nighttime snoring
• Chronic ear infections or bronchitis.

If your child seems to have food allergies, you should discuss it with your pediatrician and possibly see a pediatric allergist. She may want to perform allergy tests to verify which foods your baby is allergic to. Avoiding the specific allergens completely gives your child the best chance of outgrowing the food allergy.

Deciding when to wean your baby from the breast to the bottle or cup is an individual decision. There is no right or wrong time to wean. However, it should be done gradually so that your body has time to adjust and reduce the amount of milk production. Here are some things to consider before you make the transition.

Is It Time?

• If you’re returning to work, the baby will have to take breast milk or formula from a bottle. Don’t wait until the day before your child begins child care to try a bottle, because your baby will likely resist the switch. Your baby should be able to take a full feeding easily from a bottle before you head back to work.
• You may have to try several different formulas to see which type your baby tolerates best. You can always opt to use a breast pump and continue to give your baby breast milk in a bottle.
• Some women decide to wean at between four to six months when the baby begins to take solid foods. Remember, a baby’s primary source of nutrition should be breast milk or formula for the first year.
• A baby who is over one year can drink whole cow’s milk.

How to Switch from Breast to Bottle

• Avoid abruptly stopping breastfeeding. This can be physically painful to you and emotionally traumatic to your baby.
• Begin by offering your baby formula or breast milk in a bottle occasionally.
• The father, grandparent, or caretaker may need to offer the bottle. Your baby may resist taking it from you.
• Gradually increase the number of bottles your baby takes each day.
• You can always continue to breastfeed in the morning or before bedtime while the caretaker gives bottles during the day.

How to Switch to a Cup

• Usually babies will be able to start drinking from a cup when they are 10 to 12 months old.
• Offer your baby a spill-proof cup with breast milk, formula, or cow’s milk occasionally.
• Start by offering the cup during the mid-day meal. Then gradually replace other feedings with the cup as your baby becomes proficient at drinking this way.
• You can keep the breast or bottle as the last feeding at night for a while because this is often a bonding time for mother and baby.
• If an older toddler still insists on the bottle or breastfeeding, try distracting her with a snack or cup of juice.

The weaning process can be frustrating, especially if your baby resists the transition. But if you take it slowly and remain patient, your baby will eventually master this step toward independence.

Many women choose to breast-feed their babies for at least the first few months. They are aware that breast-feeding is the best way to build up a newborns immunity system and prevent allergies. In addition, nursing a child is an excellent way for mother and baby to bond while not having to fuss with the expense and time of preparing bottles and formula. Many new moms find that nursing causes contractions which help shrink the uterus back to normal size relatively quickly.

Initial milk

The first milk coming from the breasts after giving birth is a thin, yellowish liquid called colostrum. It contains more protein, salt, and antibodies than regular breast milk. It is extremely easy to digest and is therefore the perfect first food for your baby. It is low in volume, but high in concentrated nutrition, for the newborn. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the baby, helping him pass his early stools and thus aiding in the excretion of excess bilirubin and helping prevent jaundice. Within a few days your milk will come in and you will often feel a heaviness in your breasts as they fill with milk. This is sometimes called the let-down reflex which is frequently stimulated by the cry of your hungry child. To establish an adequate milk supply it is important that your baby nurse frequently. If she’s not hungry enough to nurse for long or has difficulty getting started, it may help to express some of your breast milk. To do this place your thumb at the top of the areola, with your fingers underneath. Squeeze the edges of the areola as you press back toward your chest wall, almost as if you are milking your breast. Often this will help your baby get the milk more easily, encouraging her to suck more productively.

Helpful tips for breast-feeding

You will want to sit in a comfortable chair which supports your back and arms. Position your infant so her mouth can easily get to your breast. A quiet spot away from the turmoil of the household is ideal, but not always possible. Soothing music may help relax both of you. Alternate the breasts each time you begin feedings, since the first breast gets sucked more vigorously. If your infant has problems latching on to the breast, consult your pediatrician or local breast-feeding support group for help. La Leche is a nationwide group which continually offers support by phone for new mothers. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs, all of which can pass through the milk to your baby. Even prescription drugs should be taken with care; be certain to make your doctor aware that you are breast-feeding when you receive a prescription.

Is my baby getting enough milk?

Typically, during the first few days while the baby is receiving mothers immunity-boosting colostrum, he will wet only one or two diapers per day. Once the mother’s milk comes in, usually on the third or fourth day following birth, the baby should begin to have 6-8 wet cloth diapers or 5-6 wet disposable diapers per day. (An easy way to feel the weight of a wet disposable diaper is to pour 2-4 tablespoons of water in a dry diaper.) In addition, most young babies will have at least two to five bowel movements every 24 hours for the first several months, although some babies will switch to less frequent but larger bowel movements at about 6 weeks. You will know your baby is getting enough milk if:

• The baby nurses frequently, averaging at least 8-12 feedings per 24-hour period.
• The baby is allowed to determine the length of the feeding, which may be 10 to 20 minutes per breast or longer.
• Baby’s swallowing sounds are audible as he is breastfeeding.
• The baby gains at least 4-7 ounces per week after the fourth day of life. Periodic well baby check-ups are important for this reason.
• The baby is alert and active, appears healthy, has good color, firm skin, and is growing in length and head circumference.
• If you have any concerns regarding your baby, they should be addressed with your health care provider.

Breast Care

One hazard of breast-feeding is cracked nipples, which can become a problem if your baby is not latching on to the breast properly. The main cause is improper positioning. The baby should be face to nipple, and tummy to tummy with you. The baby’s chin should be just below the nipple, and the baby needs to open her mouth wide to take in a good mouthful. Some mothers find that rinsing their nipples after nursing and drying them with a hair dryer can be beneficial. It may also help to express a small amount of milk and let it dry on the nipple, forming a protective coating. Never use soap on your breasts; even creams and lotions can aggravate cracked nipples. Plastic lined nursing pads or plastic bra shields may exacerbate the problem; if discomfort persists, consult your doctor. A more serious problem is mastitis, an infection of the breast caused by bacteria within the duct system. Symptoms include swelling, pain, heat, and perhaps a fever. Apply hot compresses and massage your breasts before nursing. If a fever or discomfort persists, consult your healthcare provider.

Healthy diet

It is of extreme importance to drink extra water and nonfat milk while nursing. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8 oz. of liquid each time you nurse the baby.T rial and error will show which foods you consume pass through your breast milk to your baby andcause gassy discomfort. Common culprits include cabbage, garlic, onions, broccoli, and turnips. In addition, some mothers find that consuming caffeine can lead to an alert, fussy, sleepless baby, so be careful to limit your caffeine consumption.

Breast pumps

When you return to work or if you need to be away from your baby for another reason, it will be helpful to utilize a breast pump. There are simple manual ones, but the newer electric pumps are gentler on the breasts and far more efficient than pumping by hand. Breast milk must be refrigerated and can be frozen, so that it can be given to the baby by dad or a caregiver. It is important to get your baby used to accepting a bottle and being fed by someone other than mom well before the situation arises.

Many women enjoy the fact that their milk is so healthy for and digestible by their baby. Although not all women can or prefer to nurse, research points to the significant value which breast-feeding has to infants, mothers, and their families.

You may find it very helpful to talk to a lactation consultant to plan for your return to work. A breast pump and a supportive caregiver are essential!

Breast Pumps

Your best choice may be a fully automatic, double-pumping breast pump. Look for a pump which is portable and easily cleaned. Some women find pumps with intermittent pressure are more comfortable to use. Start using your breast pump at least two weeks before returning to work. The milk can be frozen for later use. Label it by date frozen so that you always use the older milk first. Human milk can be stored:

• at room temperature (66-72F, 19-22C) for up to 10 hours
• in a refrigerator (32-39F, 0-4C) for up to 8 days
• in a freezer compartment with a separate door (variable temperature due to the door opening frequently) for up to 3 to 4 months.
• in a separate deep freeze (0F, -19C) for up to 6 months or longer.

If milk has been frozen and thawed, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours for later use. It should not be refrozen. It is best to discard any milk that is left in the bottle after a feeding. Expressed milk can be kept in a common refrigerator at your workplace or in a day care center. You can assure co-workers that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration agree that human milk is not among the body fluids that require special handling or storage in a separate container. If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, plan to bring a small cooler with a refreezable ice pack to chill the expressed milk.

Preparing to Return to Work

In the weeks prior to returning to work it is essential to acclimate your baby to being fed by someone other than mom. If the baby resists the bottle, have mom switch on and off with the breast until he more willingly accepts it; then move on to having the baby fed by dad, a grandparent, or a friend. If resistance is met, it will help to have dad, or whoever is doing the feeding, drape a scarf or blouse (even a burp cloth) which mom has recently worn over his shoulder. The baby will be comforted by finding his mothers scent still nearby. With patience and adequate practice the baby should be willing to accept a bottle from a caregiver when mom returns to work.

Your Wardrobe

Wear skirts or blouses that button in the front or pull up easily. Avoid solid colors which will show breast milk stains; patterned blouses can best hide leaking and the bulge of breast pads. Wear a nursing bra and keep a spare blouse at work as a backup. Carry plenty of nursing pads and breast shields with you. Disposable wipes and paper towels will make for easier cleanup.

Where to Pump

If you are fortunate, your workplace may provide a lactation room. If not, discuss with your supervisor the possibility of setting aside a small conference room or unused office for a half hour or so to allow you to pump in privacy. Your supervisor will most likely be your ally if you can assure her that you will be working even while pumping. Plan your activities so that you can read or do paperwork during that time! Hopefully the ladies room need be used only as a last resort. Letting your employer know of your pumping needs in advance will give you a chance to develop a plan that will work for both of you. Educating your employer about the important health choice you have made and the relatively minor physical accommodations required in the workplace will encourage cooperation. Of course, there are significant employer advantages to continuing breastfeeding once you are back to work. Research shows that breastfed babies are half as likely to get sick in the first year of life as those receiving formula. If your baby doesn’t get sick as often, you will miss less time from work, an obvious advantage.

Schedules

It will be important to breast-feed your baby before you leave home. If at all possible, it will be helpful to go to your baby during your lunch break in order to breast-feed. You will want to nurse your baby as soon as you get home and in the evening. Even if your caregiver needs to bottle feed two or three times while you are at work, pumping should allow you to maintain your supply of breast milk.

Although there will be initial adaptations for everyone, perseverance in adjusting to breast-feeding while back in the workforce will pay rich dividends for mom, baby, and the rest of the family as well as the employer.

When a baby cries during the first few months of life, it is his way of communicating to his mother that he needs something. Crying also helps the baby distract himself from whatever is bothering him. There are a number of different reasons why a baby might cry, ranging from something as simple as hunger to something as serious as a fever.

When breast-fed babies cry

• There may be a shortage of breast milk
• Try feeding the baby more often.
• The mother may need to eat more, drink additional liquids, and get more rest
• Contact your doctor or lactation specialist if nothing else works

When bottle-fed babies cry

• Powdered or concentrated formula may not be mixed properly
• The mixture of formula might be too weak
• The rubber nipple hole may be too small.
• Check with your pediatrician to see if you should switch brands of formula

When teething babies cry

• They may rub their gums or drool as the tooth erupts
• Know that within a few days after tooth eruption, the baby should stop crying
• Give them acetaminophen, teething tablets or topical anesthetics
• Have them chew on a cold wash cloth
• Give them teething toys

When babies with colic cry

• They most often cry at the same time everyday (usually late afternoon or early evening)
• They draw up their legs and pass gas (indicating they have a stomach ache)
• Burp the baby thoroughly throughout every feeding
• Soothe the baby with vibrating and repetitive sounds

When babies with a fever cry

• Take their temperature
• Recognize that fever in a baby under 6 months old is dangerous
• Contact your pediatrician if the baby’s rectal temperature is above 100.5 degrees

Things to consider with a crying baby

• Does he have a diaper rash?
• Is he hungry?
• Is she too hot or too cold?
• Is he teething?
• Does she have bites from insects or pets?
• Consult a doctor or nurse regarding the possibility of allergies or an illness

Actions to soothe the baby

• Feed your baby
• Burp her
• Hold him and rock him
• Change his diaper
• Change her position
• Wrap him in a small blanket.
• Change his clothes accordingly (if he is too warm or too cold)
• Rub her back.
• Wash his face with a cool cloth.
• Run a fan
• Play soft music
• Talk soothingly to him
• Sing to her
• Offer her a toy (if he is over three months old)
• Take him away from noisy places
• Put him to bed

Tips for the mother

• Do not get upset
• Relax
• Stay patient
• Talk to a friend, relative, or neighbor
• Ask someone you trust to watch the baby so you can get away for a while

Within time you will learn how to differentiate between your baby’s different cries. When you respond to his needs, he will cry less often and be more easily comforted. Do not be embarrassed to contact your pediatrician if you have any additional questions or concerns.

One of the most difficult adjustments for new parents is getting up in the middle of the night to feed and care for their baby. Sleep deprivation often goes hand-in-hand with having a newborn. Fortunately, by the time they are five months old, most babies will sleep through the night, but surviving those early months can be difficult. The following suggestions may help you maintain your sanity.

Keep Nighttime Feedings Low-Key

• Once you know what you’re doing, keep the lights low and noise level down for the middle-of-the-night feedings.
• If you’re nursing, keep the baby in a cradle nearby or keep him in your bed. (Be sure to follow recommended safety guidelines for bed sharing.)
• Have any supplies needed like bottle and formula, glass of water, or diapers close at hand.

Take Care of Yourself

• Make sure to eat well and drink plenty of fluids, especially if you’re nursing.
• Get some fresh air - take daily walks with your baby.
• Find someone with whom to share your frustrations and worries. Sleep deprivation can contribute to postpartum depression. Be sure to get help if you are feeling down all the time.
• Have your partner help at night. If bottle-feeding, take turns; if nursing, have your partner bring the baby to you, change her, and burp her.

Help Your Baby Sleep

• Get your baby as soon as you hear her crying. The longer and harder she cries, the more difficult it will be to get her back to sleep.
• Wake your baby for one last feeding before you go to bed. This may help both of you sleep longer at night.

Change Your Sleep Schedule

• If possible, sleep when the baby sleeps. When the baby goes down for a nap during the day, try to nap as well. Avoid the temptation to clean the house or catch up on phone calls.
• Even if you can’t sleep during the day, do something relaxing like taking a bath or reading a novel during the babys’ naps.

Besides following these suggestions, it may help to simply admit that you will be sleep deprived and tired those first few months. Some new parents also need reminding that their baby will sleep through the night eventually, and then they can once again get a full night’s sleep.