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stressed parents working with baby

5 Tips for Managing Parenthood Overload During Stressful Times

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stressed parents trying to work with baby

When daycares and schools close, the mental load of parenthood increases. If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, like millions of other parents out there, this one’s for you. Here are 5 tips for managing parenthood during this stressful time.

Stay home, and stay connected 

Social distancing and “shelter in place” mandates may require us to stay in our homes, but that doesn’t mean we have to completely isolate. It’s important to stay in communication with family, friends and neighbors, as well as find ways to keep calm. Use the phone, text, video chat and email – all means possible – to stay connected to people who matter to you. Especially those who can help provide a sense of calm.

Ask for help

Now is the time to turn toward each other. We are here to help each other out, so avoid being a do-it-yourselfer when you’re not qualified. Reach out to a clear-thinking person to ask what she thinks or what he would do about stockpiling food, taking that road trip, talking to little Suzi about what’s going on with grandpa in the hospital. You may choose not to follow their advice, but it’s always helpful to have another perspective.

Don’t procrastinate about preparing

Anxiety can mount if we postpone or ignore expert counsel. Inaction will make fear grow. If you haven’t done your best to get a couple of extra weeks’ supply of food or medication, do it today. If you feel frozen, ask a buddy to push you to act and help you make wise decisions about how much you need of what.  

Remember to self-care

Now, more than ever, self-care is essential. Slow down, engage in healthy practices and try to continue regular routines that bring comfort and stability. Conversation, exercise and spiritual practices are good starting points. And don’t forget about the healing impacts of making art, singing, journaling and being useful to others. Make a point to find a little peace of mind, even if you start with just one thing.

Place your baby (safely) to sleep, so you can recharge

While your little one sleeps, you will have a little time to refuel your mothering self. Take a hot shower, watch the latest episode of her favorite TV show, or even take an online yoga class. 

Colgate Mattress offers the following advice for baby’s safe sleep:

  • Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
  • Use a wearable blanket or other type sleeper, instead of  blankets, to keep your baby warm and safe during sleep.
  • Crib bumpers, wedges and positioners should never be used in your baby’s sleep area.
  • Do not place any other items in the crib.
  • Always place your baby on his or her back for sleep.

A note from your friends at Colgate Mattress. Do not let fear stop you from acting with clarity, compassion and courage. Unfortunate things happen, but it is still possible to move forward with love and hope.

Surviving Love, Marriage and a Baby Carriage

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tired parents with newborn

Sleep deprivation is no joke for new parents.

For many, the word “tired” takes on new meaning during the first months after bringing a baby home. You and your spouse are often surprised by just how drained and exhausted you are. Where are the grand visions you had of a slumbering little angel, peacefully dreaming while you and hubby adjusted back to normal life with romantic dinners and the latest Netflix series? Soon, you feel like zombies from an episode of The Walking Dead.

At times, it can seem as if you’ll never feel rested again. While it can be difficult to avoid sleep deprivation entirely thanks to the fact that newborns typically wake up every three hours to eat, these tips can make it easier to get through those special, but sleepless days and nights.

Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps

The golden rule of new parenting is to follow your baby’s lead and snooze whenever you put your infant down to sleep. This means ignoring your to-do list, shutting off your cell phone, and sneaking in as much rest as you can until your newborn wakes up.

Go for Morning Walks

The exposure to natural sunlight in the morning can reset your day to day rhythm after a sleepless night. It also helps an infant develop a regular sleep-wake cycle.  Plus, the exercise may make it easier to fall asleep when you do have a chance to nap.

Avoid Bed Sharing

While it’s tempting to snuggle, when sleep is a priority it’s best for moms to place their baby back in the crib or bassinet after nursing. Being alone in the bed may improve the chances of getting better quality sleep.

Call in Help

Ask your spouse, a parent, a sibling or a friend to alternate baby duties with you so that you can make up for missed sleep with short naps during the day.  Even 15 minutes of shut-eye can be beneficial to body and mind.

Keep a careful watch – a lack of sleep may actually increase the chance of postpartum depression, and, on the flip side, postpartum depression may make it more challenging for a new parent to get sufficient sleep.

The good news is; the weariness won’t last forever. New parents say they get about six hours of nighttime sleep and a one-hour nap during the day by the time their baby turns 2-months-old.

Share your Tips

We would love to share with our community tips from the experts – parents like you! Comment below ….