3 Hacks to Survive the Night With a Newborn

Just when you think it is impossible to be more exhausted as you advance through the late stages of pregnancy, before you know it, you are welcoming your precious little one into the world. 

Then the reality of real sleep deprivation hits. 

 I believe the time after my little one was born was the sleepiest I have ever been, but it also was the most needed, wanted, and fulfilled I have ever felt. 

I found myself a lot of evenings dreading the nights. I felt so guilty for this. I realize now that it is okay to feel like that. It is hard. Those sweet late night moments, soon, you will cherish. It is actually in those late night hours where I find my best memories with my son.  

Being with my son during this time, nursing and cuddling him, made me see how these are the moments I will dream about in the future. And that still stands true. 

This is the time in his life when he will fully depend on me to be his source of food and comfort. This bond that we have established, started in those late nights. 


With that being said, I would like to offer you some encouragement and hacks that helped me survive some of the long nights. 

Be Prepared

This is very important in ensuring a smooth sailing night. Make sure you are stocked with all the newborn night essentials (blog post about newborn necessities) and keep them near the bed. My best friend throughout this time was my bedside cart which was filled to the brim with diapers, wipes, nursing cream, and other items that I could need in the night. 

Having everything accessible makes diaper changes and feedings more manageable because you do not have to worry about looking for anything when you are sleepy. 

Establish a Simple Bedtime Routine

Having a simple bedtime routine can help you feel more put together for the night ahead. I realized quickly that having a strict routine was not feasible. Baby is adjusting to life outside the womb, and every night will not look the same. However, what you do before you get in bed can set you up to feel more prepared and organized. 

Before bed, I would make myself a cup of tea,  read a book, or watch a show with my husband while baby slept beside us. After I felt my eyes starting to get heavy, which was early, I would make sure my cart was restocked and the water bottle was filled up. 

This may sound simple, but it made me feel more put together as the night started. 

Find Joy in the Quiet hours

The world is sleeping, but here you are with your little one spending time and making memories together. What a blessing. 

It is easy for me to find myself thinking negatively when I am both mentally and physically exhausted. I believe the enemy uses these dark moments to creep into our minds to try and steal our joy. 

I often remember some nights were more difficult than others and I would pray that Jesus would pray on my behalf because I was too tired to think. The Bible says that Jesus prays on our behalf, interceding for us before God the Father (Romans 8:34). I would ask for strength, patience, and peace. 

God will provide and looking back, these moments were some of the most rewarding of my life.

I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 121:1-2

As you face the nights with your newborn, remember to embrace this journey. The challenges of nighttime parenting can feel lonely but know you’re not alone. I wanted to keep this simple because there is no need to overcomplicate the night. You are this baby’s everything and you have the instincts to provide. Trust yourself, lean on God, and enjoy your best days ahead.

So, if you are in the thick of it right now, soak it in. Look down at your little one and know how much they appreciate and love you for being such a wonderful mother. What a beautiful role you play. When your baby looks up at you, they don’t see your dark circles and tears, they see your love.