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There are few things more frustrating than barely being able to keep your eyes open during the day only to toss and turn all night long. Welcome to the world of postpartum insomnia. But before you start Googling "how to survive on no sleep," know that there is hope for a good night's rest. It might be from one of your baby gifts!

Whether you're trying to figure out if you have postpartum insomnia or are just looking for some tips on how to deal with it, we'll cover what's causing it and how to get better sleep tonight.

What Causes Postpartum Insomnia?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to postpartum insomnia, including hormone changes, stress, and the demands of being a new parent.

Hormones

We know, we know—it's dangerous to blame everything on hormones. But let's face it, they can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life, and your sleep is not exempt.

During pregnancy, your body produces higher levels of the hormone progesterone. This helps relax muscles (including those in your uterus) but can also lead to feeling sleepy and tired during the day.

But once you give birth, those hormone levels drop rapidly—which can impact not just your energy levels but also your ability to fall and stay asleep.

Stress

The stress of being a new parent is real. And while it's exciting to welcome a new baby into the world, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. This stress can manifest itself in many ways, including trouble sleeping. You might be worried that your baby is safe during the night, or constantly thinking about everything you need to do during the day.

Also, if you've recently had a difficult or traumatic birth experience, that can also contribute to postpartum stress and insomnia.

Demands of Being a New Parent

By now, you know that having a newborn can be demanding. But even if you have a great support system and are able to get some help with caring for your baby, it's still tough.

Newborns typically need to eat every 2-4 hours (sometimes more frequently) and can wake up multiple times during the night. This can lead to interrupted sleep and can make it hard to fall back asleep after feeding or rocking them to sleep.

How to Tackle Postpartum Insomnia

1. Figure out your sleep hygiene.

The first step in improving your sleep is making sure you have good sleep habits or "sleep hygiene." This includes things like having a regular bedtime, avoiding screens before bed, keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable, and meditating.

2. Talk to your healthcare provider.

If you suspect that hormones or stress may be contributing to your insomnia, talk to your healthcare provider about potential solutions. They may suggest hormone therapy or refer you to a therapist to help cope with stress and anxiety.

3. Take advantage of naps.

If you're not getting enough sleep at night, try to squeeze in some extra shut-eye during the day. Take turns with your partner or ask for help from friends and family so that you can catch a few winks when the baby is sleeping.

We know this is a really hard one because you have so much to do during the day. But a 15-minute nap is going to help you so much more than getting those dishes done right away.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Know that it's okay to ask for help with your newborn, whether it's from your partner, family members, or hiring a postpartum doula or night nurse. This will give you some much-needed rest and allow you to focus on your own self-care.

5. Seek out postpartum support groups.

You don't have to go through this alone—connecting with other new moms who may be experiencing similar challenges can provide a sense of camaraderie and support. Your healthcare provider or hospital may offer postpartum support groups, or you can search online for local ones.

6. Use products that support baby's sleep.

Whether it's a white noise machine or sleep sack, there are many products designed to improve your baby's sleep (which in turn can lead to better sleep for you!). Talk to your pediatrician or do some research to find out what options may work best for you and your little one.

Remember—postpartum insomnia is temporary and treatable. Don't hesitate to reach out for help and take steps toward getting some much-needed rest. Your body will thank you.

Better Sleep With a Baby Merlin Sleep Sack

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dealing with postpartum insomnia, but we do believe that helping your baby get better sleep will help you too! That's why we created the Baby Merlin products—Sleepsuits and Dream Sacks—to support your baby's natural sleep patterns and promote longer, more peaceful nights.

Luckily for babies, wearable blankets have become all the rage in recent years and make diaper changes a breeze! But with so many options on the market, what should you look for in your search for the perfect wearable blanket? Take a look at Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit.

When it comes to daylight savings and baby sleep, there's a notable consensus: making small adjustments in the days leading up to the time change can make a big difference.

When it's time to start shopping for your little one, it feels like the whole world has an opinion. From what kind of car seat to buy to what brand of stroller, there are a million choices and a million different ways to parent. It can be overwhelming, and it's tough to know where to start.

The same goes for baby supplies. Do you need an expensive changing table or will a changing pad on the floor do? How many onesies does a baby really need? We're here to help you sort through the essentials and figure out what you really need (and what you can live without).

Furniture

• Crib
• Changing table or pad
• Rocking chair or seat for feeding
• Storage system for clothes/diapers/toys

At a minimum, you'll need a crib, a changing table or pad, and a place to sit while feeding and snuggling. Some like to have a rocking chair or glider, but if you don't have room, a comfortable spot on your couch will do. You may also want a bassinet or crib for the early months, and a toddler bed for when your little one outgrows the crib.

If you're tight on space, look for multifunctional furniture like a dresser that can double as a changing table, or a crib that converts to a toddler bed. And don't forget about storage! You'll need somewhere to put all those clothes, diapers, and toys. A toy chest, dresser, or bin system is essential.

Baby Clothes

• 12-15 outfits (onsies, pajamas, pants, etc)
• 12-15 pairs of socks

Onesies, sleepers, outfits, pajamas, socks, shoes… the list goes on. How many do you really need? It depends on how often you want to do laundry (we recommend every two to three days). A good rule of thumb is to have four or five outfits for each day of the week (babies get spit-up, food, and poop on their clothes a lot), plus a few extra in case of accidents.

Many parents have found that, even though they're adorable, shoes for babies just are not functional. And since your little one won't be crawling or walking for a while, shoes aren't a must-have right when they’re born. Socks, however, are a must-have for keeping your little one warm.

Baby Sleep

• 3 or 4 sets of crib sheets
• Swaddling blankets
• Magic Sleepsuit
• Magic Dream Sack
• White noise machine

Where will your baby sleep? In a crib, bassinet, Moses basket, or co-sleeper? It's up to you, but know that wherever the baby sleeps, you'll need sheets and blankets. Two or three sets should do the trick. And if you plan on swaddling your baby, you'll need some good swaddle blankets. When it's time to transition out of a swaddle, our Sleepsuit or sleepsack can be a lifesaver.

You'll also need a white noise machine to help your baby (and you!) sleep through the night. Look for one that has different sound options and can be controlled remotely.

Feeding

• 2-3 nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Nursing pillow
• Breast pump, milk storage bags, bottles/nipples, and a bottle brush
• Bibs and burp cloths

Whether you're breastfeeding/pumping, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both, you'll need some supplies. If you're nursing, you'll need a good nursing bra (or two), breast pads, and some cream for when your nipples get sore. You may also want a nursing pillow to help you get comfortable.

If you're pumping, you'll need a breast pump (manual or electric), storage bags, and bottles. And whether you're pumping or formula feeding, you'll need bottles and nipples (plenty of extras!), a bottle brush, bibs, and burp cloths.

Seats & Stroller

• Stroller
• Rear-facing car seat
• Headrest mirror

When you're ready to take your little one out and about, you'll need a good stroller. Look for one that's lightweight and easy to fold – you'll be doing a lot of lifting and carrying, so it's important to have a stroller that won't be clumsy and cause strain on your muscles.

When it comes to car seats, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, the seat should be rear-facing until your child is at least one year old and weighs 20 pounds or more. Second, make sure the seat is properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. And third, always use the car seat when driving with your child – it's the law.

Other than that, you might also be carrying the detachable part of your car seat a lot so read lots of reviews and even try some out at the store to find one that's not too awkward.

You'll also need a few things to keep your baby entertained while you're driving, like a mirror so they can see you and some soft toys.

Baby Basics

Some extra essentials that can be easy to forget or underestimate:

• Pacifiers 
• Diapers 
• Wipes 
• Extra blankets 
• Diaper bag
• Thermometer 
• Nasal aspirator (aka snot-sucker)
• Nail clippers or electric file
• Gentle baby lotion

Cozy and Comfortable Sleep with Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit

Sleep is one of the most essential parts of a baby's life—after all, they spend more than 14 hours a day catching those z’s! It helps them grow and stay healthy and allows you to get much-needed rest, too.

We created the Magic Sleepsuit to help babies and parents because we understand how important sleep is for everyone. The Magic Sleepsuit is a cozy, comfortable swaddle transition product that helps babies and parents get the sleep they need.

Our products come in multiple designs—the Magic Sleepsuit, Dream Sack, and Dream Sack Walker— so you can find the perfect fit and style for your baby. Visit our website to check something off your list of essentials!

You probably never expected to think so much about sleep—after all, your eyes are ready to snap shut by the end of the day (or midafternoon, let's be honest), so how tough can it be to get your little one to do the same? But as any parent of a newborn knows, getting your baby to fall asleep can feel like a nightmare.

Turns out, there's a lot that goes into getting those z's, including a regular daytime routine.

5 Tips to Help You and Your Baby Get a Good Night's Sleep

1. Get Some Sun

It may sound counterintuitive, but spending time outdoors during the day can actually help your baby sleep better at night. The sunlight helps to regulate your baby's circadian rhythm, which is their natural sleep-wake cycle.

2. Be Active

Just like adults, babies need to expend some energy during the day to be able to sleep soundly at night. Go for a walk around the block, play at the park, or engage in any other type of physical activity.

3. Encourage Tummy Time

Tummy time is important for your baby's development, and it can also help them sleep better at night. You can start almost as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital. Begin with 3-5 minutes of tummy time play at a time. Build up to an hour total each day. This will help develop their neck and shoulder muscles and get them sleepy for bedtime.

4. Limit Screen Time

Too much exposure to blue light from screens can disrupt your baby's natural sleep cycle. If you must use electronics, do so during the day and limit screen time to an hour before bedtime. And by limiting screen time, you can use those few moments to calm your mind and create a stronger connection with your baby.

5. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Just like adults, babies sleep better when they have a regular bedtime routine. This can include baths, massages, reading, or whatever else you find calming. Doing the same thing each night will signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.

Encourage Sweet Dreams with Baby Merlin

There's really nothing like getting a good night's sleep. That's why we created 3 products that parents everywhere use to help their babies sleep: the Magic Sleepsuit, the Dream Sack, and the Dream Sack Walker.

By using the Baby Merlin products for your swaddle transition, you can help your baby learn to get better rest. Let us help you turn those nighttime feedings and diaper changes into sweet dreams!

Many babies experience sleep regression at around four months old. This can be very frustrating for parents! The good news is that there are ways to deal with this sleep regression. 

If your baby isn't sleeping well, don't worry! There are many things you can do to help them get the sleep they need. In this blog post, we will go over some of the most common reasons babies have difficulty sleeping and what you can do to help. We'll also discuss some transition products like a baby sleepsack that can make it easier for your baby to adjust to a new sleep routine. 

Are you getting ready to transition your baby from swaddling? This can be a difficult process, but it is important to do it gradually and follow the proper steps. In this blog post, we will discuss seven tips for swaddle transitioning that will help make the process easier for both you and your baby!

It's no secret that getting your baby to sleep through the night can be a challenge. But don't worry, we're here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways to help your baby sleep through the night. Keep in mind that every baby is different, so you may have to try a few different techniques before finding what works best for your child.