If you find yourself super jealous of anyone who slept longer than 2 hours overnight… you might have a newborn. Sleep deprivation is the name of the game as a new parent, and while you might not get the 7–8 hours you’re used to anymore, there are ways to help your baby sleep longer—and strategies to (kinda) gracefully handle sleep deprivation yourself. Here are 7 ways to maximize your sleep, survive the newborn stage, and still cherish those fleeting moments with your little one.
1. Hire a Postpartum Doula to Sleep with Your Baby Overnight
Did you know this is even an option? I wish I had known about it sooner! A postpartum doula provides hands-on support for new parents, and one of the best things they offer is overnight care. This means that while your baby is being cared for, you can sleep for a solid 6–8 hours without interruptions. Postpartum doulas can also help with:
✔️ Breastfeeding support
✔️ Diaper changes & soothing techniques
✔️ Answering your newborn care questions
Imagine waking up feeling like a functional human again! If you’re in New Richmond, WI, here are a few highly-rated postpartum doulas you can check out Encompass Birth & Wellness.
If hiring a doula isn’t an option, consider asking a trusted family member to take over a night shift or rotating shifts with your partner to ensure you both get rest.
2. Establish a Bedtime Routine and Stick to It
Newborns don’t naturally understand the difference between day and night, so a bedtime routine can help them adjust. Here’s how:
✔️ Set a regular bedtime – even newborns benefit from consistency.
✔️ Keep nighttime calm – dim lights, quiet voices, and a peaceful environment.
✔️ Use a warm bath or gentle massage before bed to relax your baby.
✔️ Offer a feeding right before bed to help them sleep longer.
✔️ Read a book or sing a lullaby as a cue that it’s time to sleep.
Over time, your baby will begin to associate these routines with sleep, making it easier for them to settle at night.
3. Use These 3 Sleep Tools to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer
While every baby is different, these three sleep tools can work wonders:
🍼 Pacifier
Many babies find comfort in sucking. If they’re not hungry, a pacifier can help soothe them back to sleep without needing to nurse or be rocked for hours.
🌊 White Noise Machine
Newborns are used to constant sounds from the womb. A white noise machine or a shusher mimics that environment and can help babies stay asleep longer.
🛑 Blackout Curtains
If your baby struggles with daytime naps, blackout curtains can create a dark, womb-like space that encourages sleep. Just be mindful of exposing them to natural daylight during wake times to help establish a day/night rhythm.
4. Set Realistic Expectations for Newborn Sleep
It’s easy to compare your baby’s sleep to someone else’s and feel discouraged. The reality?
💤 Most newborns sleep in 2–4 hour stretches during the first few months.
💤 Sleeping 10+ hours straight is unrealistic for most babies until at least 3–6 months old.
💤 Some babies naturally sleep longer earlier, but every baby is different!
Instead of feeling frustrated, try to adjust your expectations and focus on getting rest when you can.
5. Colic & Tummy Issues Might Be Keeping Your Baby Awake
Does your baby cry for hours at night and seem extra fussy? They might be struggling with colic or tummy discomfort.
Here are some gentle ways to ease gas pains and colic:
✔️ Tummy massage in a clockwise direction to help with digestion.
✔️ Bicycle leg movements to help relieve trapped gas.
✔️ Warm baths to calm your baby’s nervous system.
✔️ Talk to your pediatrician about potential food sensitivities (especially if you’re breastfeeding).
If you think your baby’s discomfort is affecting their sleep, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for additional advice.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Let the House Be Messy
Let’s be real: no one expects your house to be spotless right now.
When sleep is in short supply, your priority should be YOU and your baby. The dishes, laundry, and vacuuming can wait.
🛑 If you’re exhausted, take a nap.
🛑 If you’re overwhelmed, order takeout.
🛑 If visitors offer to help, say YES.
This season of life is temporary. Give yourself grace and rest when you need it.
7. Schedule a Newborn Photography Session (Even If You Haven’t Slept!)
Did you know that families have actually dozed off while I’m photographing their baby? And that’s totally okay!
Newborn photography sessions are designed to be calm, relaxed, and stress-free. My goal is to:
📷 Capture those fleeting newborn moments before they disappear.
📷 Help you cherish your baby’s tiny details forever.
📷 Give you a reason to actually be in photos with your newborn.
Even if you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or not camera-ready, I promise that you will never regret capturing these moments.
💖 Book Your Newborn Photography Session Today!
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
If you’re struggling with sleep deprivation, you are not alone.
By hiring a postpartum doula, establishing a bedtime routine, using sleep tools, and giving yourself grace, you can make this season a little easier. And one day soon, you’ll actually sleep through the night again.
Until then, take deep breaths, rest when you can, and let me help you capture these first precious weeks with your little one.
📷 Let’s create something beautiful together—Book Your Newborn Session Now!