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It’s likely that we are all a little bit tired from the holiday hussle and bussle. The average American already has a hard time getting an adequate amount of sleep as it is, let alone new parents. It’s an obvious fact, if your new born is not sleeping well, then you are not sleeping well. Here are a few tips to help you, your partner and your baby achieve a restful sleep:

For you and your partner:
1. Develop a night time strategy where you and your partner can either alternate feeding responsibilities (Mothers, you can express your milk and have bottles ready for your partner to feed the baby while you are sleeping) or if the baby is solely breastfeeding, some new partners find it easier to sleep in a spare area or sofa so that they are able to be rested and help out more so during the day.

2. During the day, grab a nap whenever the baby sleeps.

3. Get some fresh air during the day and maybe even go to a mommy and baby yoga class. Fresh air and restorative exercise and practices such as yoga and pilates, combats stress and helps to relax your nervous system.

For your baby:
1. Did you know research shows that babies who are exposed to daylight after 2pm sleep better at night?

2. Both bottle-fed and breast fed babies are able to sleep better when they are fed right before your bedtime. This helps to prevent them from waking up during the night due to hunger.

3. If you are really in need of extra assistance try looking into to infant and toddler sleep consultants such as The Dream Team. They have a great website with many helpful tips and services.