Let’s face it. Life with young children in the house can run at a frantic pace. As a work at home mom with a husband in the military I know mine sure does. I can usually keep up the pace and get everything done with regular exercise, a daily schedule, morning coffee and occasional lifesaving visits from Nana or Grandma. But some weeks just don’t get their share of mom-motivation. It is a tough job, and sometimes your body needs a break, especially during those times when your little one isn’t sleeping as well as usual. That’s why this week’s why-not is a simple one. Nap with your little one for a week. Give your body an extra dose of sleep for a week. Take some time to relax during the afternoon, even if it is for just part of your baby’s nap time. You may have to cut something out of your day, if you spend more than an hour watching TV or web surfing, this is a good thing to try and cut out. I usually cut out laundry, but that usually backfires on me. When I did this last, I had to cut down on my work since nap time is usually Mommy work time. Fortunately working freelance is feast or famine. And I picked a slow week.
Taking a nap week is also a good way to help your little one get adjusted to a new nap schedule. Dr. Sears* (without whom my child might be living wild in the backyard) recommends sharing sleep with your baby. If your little one is having trouble sleeping, sick, or just in an extra mommy-clingy stage take your naps snuggled up together. This can be especially helpful to breast feeding mommies trying to increase their milk. Just nap after feeding using the side-laying position. That being said, sharing sleep isn’t possible or ideal for some parents, and that is okay. Just set up your baby monitor, put your little one down, and take a siesta of your own.
Try this why-not when your body is telling you that more rest and less chaos is needed. Your baby will benefit from a happy, sane and well rested Mommy. Why not?
*Need some sleep advice? The Creative Mom loves Dr. Sears. Check out The Baby Sleep Book
Need a great little book to read at bedtime? Check out The Bedtime Book.
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