You may be surprised by how many hours your newborn spends sleeping in the first few weeks of life—on average 12 to 16 hours, and sometimes up to 18 hours a day. This is completely normal as your baby adjusts to the new world during the first month.
Newborns sleep in short cycles, about 45 minutes at a time. Over the months, these cycles gradually lengthen from one hour to two hours, until your baby is about one year old.
Here are some tried-and-tested ways, shared by mothers, to help you organize your time with your baby and still find moments to rest.
Cook in Advance During Pregnancy
Stock your freezer! Preparing large batches of food before birth will make life easier afterward. It may feel like this “hibernation” phase will last forever—but it won’t. Soon enough, you’ll return to your normal routine (and may even miss the newborn stage).
Keep Diapers and Clothes Nearby
Keep changing supplies in every room your baby will be in. Running upstairs for a diaper while your baby is crying feels much harder now than before.
Also, let your visitors help with chores like laundry. You don’t need to entertain guests when you’re exhausted after birth.
Set Priorities
Write down your top priorities and keep the list visible. In the early weeks, focus only on caring for your baby. Let others handle the rest.
You might feel overwhelmed by all the “normal” things left undone. Make a list of tasks you’ll do later once life settles down—it can help you feel more in control.
Try a Baby Carrier
Wearing your baby in a carrier allows you to do many household tasks while keeping your newborn close.
Also, talk openly with your partner, relatives, or friends about your feelings. If you’re worried about anything, call your midwife, health visitor, or doctor. You don’t have to manage everything alone.
Rest When Your Baby Sleeps
“Sleep when the baby sleeps” may sound unrealistic, but at least try to rest. Watch a show, take a bath, or lie down with a book.
Never feel guilty for taking time to relax. Bonding with your baby—watching them, holding their little hand—is just as important as chores. Eat well, stay hydrated, and do light exercise like walking or yoga when you can.
Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential for your mental health and your baby’s well-being.
Do something you loved before motherhood: get a haircut, go swimming, or enjoy a quiet lunch with a friend. Even small breaks can recharge you.
Connect with Other Mothers
It’s tempting to stay home in pajamas with your baby, but getting out helps. Meeting other parents makes you feel less isolated.
Talk openly with your partner too—communication makes the challenges easier to handle. Ask family or friends for support when you need it.
Get Some Sleep
Interrupted sleep is one of the hardest parts of early motherhood. Here are a few real-life experiences from mothers:
“My husband did the chores so I could sleep.”
When breastfeeding, I often felt exhausted. My husband helped with chores and sometimes took the baby so I could shower or nap. We planned shifts depending on his work hours and my energy. Teamwork and honest communication made it manageable.
“Family circumstances affect your sleep.”
After my C-section, my husband helped with every night feeding and diaper change. Once he returned to work, I handled most night feeds, but he cared for the baby in the morning so I could nap. Every family finds their own rhythm—it depends on feeding, recovery, and your baby’s habits.
“Ask a family member for support.”
We shared shifts: one parent slept 8 PM–2 AM, the other 2 AM–8 AM. It was tough but bearable. Having a relative visit in the mornings allowed both of us to nap. Even short breaks of four hours made a big difference.
“My husband didn’t sleep much either.”
During the first week, my husband stayed home. He looked after the baby in the evenings and mornings so I could rest. Even after returning to long work shifts, he still spent time with her after work, giving me a chance to nap or do chores.
✨ The newborn stage is exhausting, but with planning, teamwork, and self-care, you can find balance and cherish those early days with your baby.
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