We Dig Nurse Barbara Dehn's Sleeping Tips. Find Out What Worked for Us.

I’m a proud breast feeding mom. I truly believe that breast milk is the best possible food for my baby, which is why I made an effort with all three of my children to provide them with breast milk for as long as I possibly could (10 months with my first two sons, then we switched to formula for the last two months). Baby E is approaching the 10 month mark and he’s fantastic at nursing. However, he could really use some work in the sleeping department.


A few months ago one of the moms I befriended on the playground was listening to me go on and on about how E wakes up every 3 hours at night to nurse despite the fact that his newborn days were far behind him. She suggested I try giving him a bottle of formula at night to help him sleep. I was desperate for sleep and I’d try just about anything (besides letting him cry it out) so I went for it. The first night he slept for six hours straight. It was heaven.

Now I know that there are breast feeding purists out there who wouldn’t be happy with me, but I went with what worked for us and let’s face it, we’re a much happier family when mom gets some sleep. So when the Similac folks asked me if I was interested in trying their new Advance EarlyShield formula and get some sleeping tips from nurse practitioner and award-winning author, Barbara Dehn, I was happy to accept their offer.

Here are some great tips from Nurse Barb:

• One of the first things I always tell new moms is to lose the guilt! It’s inevitable for new parents to feel nervous, unsure and often guilty when caring for their infant – especially when it comes to sleep. I’m constantly reassuring both moms and dads to go with their gut feeling on all fronts and follow their infant’s lead. If your newborn tends to fall asleep in his swing or rocker – go with it! Not allowing yourself to feel guilty during the first few months will only help your baby acclimate to a schedule. Typically, confidence and a bit of relaxation will follow.

Baby E slept in a cradle swing next to my bed for the first four months of his life. Amen Nurse Barb! Guilt schmilt! 

• Moms can maintain their baby’s natural sleep patterns and overall health with a proper feeding schedule. By establishing both day and night feeding routines that follow your infant’s natural hunger cues, you are helping your baby receive the nourishment that will support growth and development.

I get an A+ in the “supporting growth” department. Baby E is a biiiiig boy!  He nurses first thing in the morning, gets some pumped breast milk and a bottle of formula while he's at day care, eats about 4-6 jars of baby food throughout the day (Earth's Best and Gerber Organic are our favorites), nurses again after dinner, and gets another bottle of formula between 10-11 p.m.

• Try to remain cool, calm and collected during the first few months of your baby’s life. Infants’ are on sensory overdrive and are attuned to both anxiety and fear. Mood, touch and sound are all stimulators and can interrupt your newborn’s sleep cycle. Keeping a calm atmosphere can help your baby find his natural sleep cycle.

Great advice, Nurse Barb, but Baby E’s two big brothers aren’t conducive to a “calm atmosphere.”  I live in a zoo. 

• I often tell new moms to turn off the TV! Feeding time is often a good opportunity for mom to kick up her feet and unwind. Use this time to connect with your baby and avoid your regular relaxation routine like flipping on the TV. The light and noise can distract your newborn and interrupt his eating.

I’m guilty of flipping on the TV during feedings, but I’m only 50% wrong because I wait until E’s eyes are closed.

• Bath time does not always need to take place before bedtime. Some infants are extremely agitated from a bath, regardless of the calming scents, soft sounds and soothing touch you use. If you notice your baby is relaxed and calm without a bath before bedtime, go with it! Changing the bath time routine can make the overall experience more enjoyable for both mom and baby. This can also help your newborn develop daytime and nighttime routines.

Love this one! It goes against everything I’ve ever read but it makes so much sense. E plays like a mad man in the bath.  There's no way he finds it relaxing.

Disclosure: Similac sent me a sample of formula, Nurse Barb's tips and a few goodies for Baby E.