CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE YOUR CHILD'S CARER

Comment | Read Comments (1)

Being thrown head first into parenthood is a time when you need all your wits about you. But it is also a time when your best tool to help you cope with the daily traumas is at an all-time low.

Sleep is at the cornerstone of surviving the day, but without a good night's sleep even the most basic of tasks become something of a challenge.

Having just had a child, rest and sleep is probably all you can think about but is, in fact, the last thing you can get.

In the weeks after birth, new parents average around four hours a night - maybe even less if the mum is breastfeeding.

Studies have shown most new parents vastly underestimate how much sleep they actually get with a newborn.

A lack of sleep is probably one of the main concerns facing new parents and any help in achieving a better sleep pattern is recommended by experts.

A number of studies into how sleep deprivation can affect new parents have been carried out. Experts agree a lack of sleep can leave you disorientated, confused and irritable.

In the extreme, the feelings of frustration - particularly if the parents have returned to work - can be directed at the child. Parents may have angry feelings towards their child because they are the cause of the lack of sleep and because your patience is over-stretched you lose your temper more easily.

Owner Jo Windsor with son Simon.

Relationships at home can also come under increased strain as a result of little sleep.

All these issues were hotly debated on the parent and child circuit when Jo and Nick Windsor had just become the proud parents of Daniel five years ago, and things haven't changed much since.

Back then, Jo found all the advice on how to deal with a baby that wouldn't sleep bamboozling, but it was to provide Jo with the inspiration she needed for a new business.

Jo, who runs her shop with husband Nick and staff Sara Bennett and Claire Sheppard, said: "I found as a new parent the number of shops that were selling things for babies was overwhelming, but there was no specialist shop that was just for helping with baby's sleep.

"As a new mum, all our talk was about sleeping. It is just such a massive thing. If your baby isn't sleeping then neither are you and you are less able to deal with the challenges of parenthood."

And so the idea of a shop entirely dedicated to helping children sleep was set up.

Initially a web-based company, the store now has a retail outlet where every gadget, prop and, importantly, a friendly ear is ready to deal with inquiries from sleep-deprived parents.

Making sure the best night's sleep is had by all is the aim of the Baby Sleep Shop. Products range from state-of-the-art baby hammocks to simple swaddles, toys that mimic the sounds of the womb, and every soother and blanket known to man.

Not only does the shop based in Fordingbridge stock an array of sleep aids, but members of staff are always on hand to offer advice.

Jo, now a mum of Simon, four and Daniel, five, said: "We don't give medical advice and if there is anything physically wrong, parents should see their health visitor or GP.

"Both the staff here are mums themselves. It helps our customers just to talk through some of the problems parents might have."

"Luckily, my two were never really bad sleepers but it really is one of the main concerns for parents with newborns. This shop was inspired by my children and I hope it helps a lot more parents."

Since moving to their new outlet at the Glenmore Centre at the Sandleheath industrial estate in Fordingbridge, the business continues to grow and has recently branched out into bath time goods.

"Bath time is a key part of a lot of bedtime routines, so we have begun to stock a lot of products that can help make bath time more fun," said Jo.

So given all the goods at her disposal what does Jo recommend? "Swaddling is becoming more popular but one of the main problems new parents have is getting to grips with it. We stock lots of different types and our staff can help with tips on that. My one piece of advice for any parent is to establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. Whatever it may be."

2:13pm Tuesday 15th April 2008

Print

Email this

Comment

Add your comment

Name:
Email: *
Location:
**
	e.g. 123-123
Comment: Please note: All HTML tags will be ignored. Format Text:
By posting a comment, I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms of use. Comments are not moderated but we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention and we may delete inappropriate postings. Please treat other people with respect. You must not post anything that is abusive, indecent, unlawful or defamatory. Remember, you are personally liable for what you post on this site. If you wish to complain about a comment, contact us here.
* Your email address will not be displayed ** To avoid register now or login