Just hours after Maddie Grace was born, a nurse turned to us and said “this is the most alert baby I’ve ever seen!” 24 hours with no sleep later, we found it humorous that a sign hung on the wall that said it was normal for newborns to sleep 19-21 hours a day. Clearly Maddie Grace did not get that message. To this day that child does not sleep. Tripp was less alert in his first few days, and from the start has been a much better sleeper than Maddie Grace. But he too was an alert newborn, always watching and studying everything around him. In fact he seems to only really get fussy if left to the side and not paid attention to. If you have an alert and often awake baby know that you’re not alone. Here are some ways to make it easier:
(1) Engage with your baby. Around a month your baby with start smiling. Even before that they may start cooing at you and making the sweetest noises. Talk to your baby, make faces, and soak in all that newborn amazingness. They grow out of this stage very quickly so take advantage of it while you can.
(2) Let baby see the world. Tripp from the very beginning has just wanted to watch everything. Maddie Grace was alert and constantly fussy, whereas Tripp is awake and content. So whether babywearing, sitting in my lap, or propped up in the Boppy® Newborn Lounger watching his sister play, he just wants to be positioned where he can see what’s going on.
(3) Sleep when baby sleeps. You’ve heard this one before, I know it, but it’s worth saying again. Take advantage of every little moment of sleep that sweet baby gives you.
(4) Know that you can put them down. In order to be a good mom you need to take care of your needs. Have a baby that cries every time you set them down? It’s okay. If you need to let them cry while you take a shower, it’s okay. Or a baby that doesn’t cry but is always awake. Set them up in a safe environment with something to look at. Whether that’s a mobile or even a TV (no judgment) it will give you some time to take care of yourself.
(5) Stay positive. Tripp has been a thousand times easier than Maddie Grace. With MG I remember googling what’s wrong with my baby at 2 in the morning, walking in circles all day long, and days often ending in both of us crying. When she would scream and cry for extended periods I would walk those circles with her and just repeat “I love you, I love you, I love you…” and for some reason it helped me. It’s just a phase, it really is. They won’t be 18 and still need to be held in circles while they scream. Whether fussy or content, babies do get easier over time. And an alert baby is a smart baby (at least that’s what I’ve told myself).
The Boppy® Newborn Lounger was a lifesaver with both of my alert babies. It’s the perfect way for an awake baby to take in the world around them. It features a recessed interior perfect for a newborn’s bottom. The handle and lightweight design makes it easy to carry from room to room around the house. And because we know spit up and diaper explosions happen, the fabric of the lounger is easy to wipe clean. It’s plush but supportive, and Tripp always seems happy hanging out in his lounger. And Maddie Grace has outgrown in it but that doesn’t stop her from trying to climb in it when Tripp isn’t there. Watch this video to see it in action! Try out the Boppy® Newborn Lounger and find out why it’s rated 4.9 out of 5 stars. You can buy the Boppy® Newborn Lounger at BabiesRUS, Target, and Boppy.com.
Did you have an alert baby? What worked for you?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boppy. The opinions and text are all mine.
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