Sleep is golden for the whole family

(NC)—We've all heard the stories of parents with newborns having to constantly feed, change diapers and get up throughout the night when baby awakens. It seems parents' only focus is on baby and baby's needs, leaving parents exhausted and sleep deprived. Sleep is not only important for baby, but for parents as well. Lack of sleep can have a direct impact on your baby's development and can strain your relationship with your partner.

1.A typical baby will double its weight in the first six months and triple it by its first birthday. Growing at such a rate, a good night sleep allows baby to rest its rapidly changing body.

2.Research shows that losing just one night of sleep causes a 30 per cent decline in cognitive performance. This can affect your decision-making ability around baby and leave you incapable of multi-tasking.

3.Adults require a three-hour stretch of uninterrupted sleep to prevent feeling impatient and edgy; a feeling that can negatively affect your interaction with your partner.

1.Sleep when the baby sleeps. It might seem hard when there are so many other things to do, but the rest will help rejuvenate your body making you more alert and energetic.

2.Help baby sleep like a baby.  Things that can disturb baby’s sleep are a full, wet diaper, hunger, too hot or too cold, or just not feeling tired.

3.Don't be afraid to call for help. Ask family or friends if they can look after baby so that you can enjoy a night to yourself or with your partner. More often than not, they're happy to pitch in and help.

Any other tips for babies and sleep?  Email us.