Babies grow rapidly in their first 1000 days (read Early Brain Development for more info) and their stomach size is very small, due to which they need to feed frequently. And this results into interrupted sleep for parents.
It’s hard, it’s hard for both mom and dad but you know what, mom is already going through a lot. She is literally healing from inside, mentally and physically! This makes harder for mom to cop up with things!
This is the time dad, This the time when, “we need you!”
How dad can help with night waking?
• keep the room cozy and adequately dark.
• Make sure she is comfortable and hand her things she needs like, her phone, charger or a book and her glasses.
• Make sure she has a bottle of water handy, breastfeeding makes mother thirsty.
If Baby Is Bottle Feed
• If baby is on bottle feed, fathers can make sure that bottles are sterilized before hand.
• You can keep the powder measured out in clean containers.
• Boil water & keep it in thermos (vaccum flask) so it’s easier to use at night quickly. Pleas make sure water is not too hot or cold.
Some babies go back to sleep while feeding, but sometimes they get stimulated and wake themselves up. How fathers can help here,
• pickup baby and try to soothe her by gently rocking her to sleep.
• If baby is taking time to get sleepy, take turns with your partner.
Once baby is asleep put her down in her bed, make sure you put baby to sleep on her back.
Time you spend with your baby, helps you to bond with each other! And by sharing parenthood you get a greater sense of teamwork!!
Happy Parenting!!
Source: Caring for your baby at night (UNICEF)
Kool Parenting 