Kids

A Survival Guide for Parents with Newborns

July 11, 2022

Pie chart documenting a new parent's split of tasks for raising their newborn

It’s the best of times; it’s the worst of times (only in terms of consistent sleep that is). When settling into the first days of parenthood with your newborn, it might feel like a lot is out of your control. You might be up at 3 AM pacing the nursery, wondering if you’ll ever get your baby back to sleep again. You might be wondering if you’ll ever get back to sleep again. While there isn’t a magic solution to ease these matters, there is an ally that can make your life a little easier: the new Rest 2nd Gen. This paired with parenthood survival tips can help your newborn and you get some more rest, too!

1. Turn on the white noise (or ocean sounds!) on the Rest 2nd Gen.

These soothing sounds will be your best friend – while the baby is sleeping and during nighttime feedings. The continuation of your newborn’s “sleep sound” later in their development will ensure they remain sleepy and ready to fall asleep after nighttime wakeups, too. These sounds can also help you remain in the “sleepy zone” too, and prepare you to get back to rest.

2. Create a bedtime routine.

While a routine will be the groove your baby counts on as they grow, in the early days, it’s especially key for your mental health and adjustment to the change of adding a new member to your family. Humans take comfort in predictability during times of significant changes. You can do this by setting up a night-time routine on the Rest 2nd Gen in the early days for you and your newborn. You can catch a meditation after a night feeding or ease back into rest with soft light, and soothing sounds even after the earliest morning feedings.

3. Foster the power of lullabies made especially for newborns.

Yes, it’s true. The Rest 2nd Gen contains content created especially for newborns.. And the best part is that the lullabies prepare your baby to fall back asleep, so that you can rest sooner, too.

4. Ignore the advice that doesn’t serve you.

It sounds simple, but it may be more challenging than it sounds. As the parent of a newborn, you’re probably receiving advice from friends, family, doctors, and even neighbors. Although they have the best intentions for you and your newborn, it can be overwhelming! It’s perfectly OK to ignore the advice coming your way that doesn’t resonate with you and to trust your instincts. Only you know what’s best for you and your baby!

5. Ask for help.

And try not to feel guilty about it! The first days can be especially overwhelming with a newborn as you get used to a new routine. It can be scary to ask, but those in your life likely want to help but may not know how. Don’t shy away from asking for help or naming specific requests to your partner, friends, family, and community so you can get some rest during this transition. You don’t have to do this alone!

The Rest 2nd Gen will grow along with your newborn and their routine, too, from lullabies to nighttime stories, and a variety of highlight colors for late-night feedings, and later to the Time-to-Rise light that lets your little one know when it’s time to get out of bed. Your baby will be set up for success every step of the way. As the parent of a newborn you’re going to be tired, but we hope with this survival guide and the Rest 2nd Gen you’ll be slightly less tired!