Parents lose more than two months of sleep in their child’s first year of life as research shows mothers and fathers miss four and a half hours of sleep each night

New blue-eyed parents are deprived of more than two months of sleep in their child’s first year of life.

Exhausted moms and dads typically miss four and a half hours of sleep a night — which equates to just over 31 hours a week or more than 68 days before their toddler turns one, according to one study.

They make an average of 975 nightly trips a year to care for their baby – almost three times a night, although parents under 25 typically get up in the wee hours almost four times.

Mothers are most affected; they spend an average of five hours, compared to three and a half hours for fathers.

Men also find it easier to get back to sleep: Seven in ten seize a good night’s sleep after waking up, compared to just 44 percent of women.

The study noted: ‘This is often because men get less leave from work after birth, meaning their bodies maintain a more regular sleep routine than mothers, who get extended leave of up to 12 months.’

The authors also point out that breastfeeding is an important factor in nighttime tasks, placing greater demands on women than men.

In Silentnight’s poll of 500 parents with children under the age of five, the most common reason their little ones were hungry or thirsty accounted for more than half of nighttime emergency calls, followed by teething (41 percent) and a need for toilet (37 percent).

One in three moms and dads then takes more than half an hour to deliver.

Silentnight sleep expert Hannah Shore said: ‘Caring for a baby or toddler can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep mothers and fathers get, especially in the first few months after birth.

Parents make an average of 975 late-night trips a year to care for their baby (File image)

‘Mothers who choose to breastfeed naturally wake up more often than fathers during the night, which means they learn to put the baby back to sleep more quickly.

“This means that even if the baby doesn’t need feeding, mom is more likely to get up because she can put the baby back to sleep more quickly.

“All parents accept that their sleep quality and quantity will decline after becoming new parents. However, if you’re feeling depressed, bad-tempered and unable to cope, you’ll need to find a way to get more sleep — or at least get more rest.

“Remember that taking care of yourself is essential if you want to care for your newborn baby effectively.

Prioritizing rest and seeking help where needed are all crucial aspects of ensuring your well-being during this demanding time.

“And don’t forget, whenever possible, to ask for extra help from those around you.

“Having a child isn’t easy, and it’s okay to ask for help every now and then.”