Photo Credits: Michelle Mattox Photography & Design

The primary regulator of newborn sleep is frequent nourishment. Infant Sleep Cycles: Lots of light sleep & wake easily between cycles. In the few weeks of life baby will sleep 15-18 Hours per Day. Baby sleeps in utero 20 out of 24 hours. Babies who typically have long stretches of awake time during the day (3+ hours consecutive) appear to have more disjointed sleep and short  sleep stretches. Babies who sleep beside their breastfeeding mothers wake up more often through the night but mothers get more overall sleep. 

Professional Views on Bed Sharing:

• http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/e200
• https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/t0112-safe-sleep-babies.html
• https://cosleeping.nd.edu/
• http://www.attachmentparenting.org/infantsleepsafety/

These are my favorite go to items for newborn sleep based on this book and sleep training philosophy:

Arms Reach Clear Vue Co Sleeper sits next to my bed side so baby has a designated area to sleep in. Plus it has tons of storage to store diapers, burp cloths, breast pump and other items that make it easy to access next to me keeping baby in that sleepy state for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes.

Sound Bub White Noise Machine provides a handful of relaxing white noise sounds such as ocean waves, and rainfall, and also acts as a bluetooth speaker to play music such as Nuryl  a high information music app that promotes brain development.

Night Nursing Light is a dim soft glow night light that clips to your nursing bra for nighttime feedings. Also has a vibration timer for 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes that will keep you alert so you don't fall asleep during late night feedings and keeps track of how long you were nursing. 

Owlet Smart Sock 2  tracks your baby's heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep using clinically-proven pulse oximetry, and be notified if something appears to be wrong. The Smart Sock connects to a base station that glows green letting you know everything is okay, but uses lights, sounds and app notifications if heart rate or oxygen levels are too high or too low. Parents can sleep better and have less anxiety knowing they’ll be made aware if levels go outside of preset zones.

Coconut Water is great for hydrating and for breastfeeding. Keep some in a water bottle on your nightstand to keep hydrated and is packed with potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, vitamin B, and phosphorus. It’s known for its soothing effect on the digestive system and its active support of a well-functioning immune system. 

Lactation Cookie Bites this recipe from The Baker Mama are no-bake and are perfect for a nursing mom or anyone who needs a healthy, hearty, handy boost of energy. Making a batch of these cookies and keeping a couple next to the nightstand for night time feedings are a good idea too. 

Tranquilo Mat  soothes baby in the crib, stroller, or on the go by vibrations.  The large mat provides hands-free soothing when placed under a baby on top of a mattress, hard surface, or activity gym. 

Swaddle Blankets that are adjustable for girls or boys to create a womb-like feeling for newborns and prevents startle reflex. 
These adjustable sleep sacks have soft fabric wings that fasten securely with hook and loop attachments to create perfect fit for summer or winter. 100% Premium cotton that are lightweight and breathable. 
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