With three young children, Vogue Williams knows disrupted nights only too well. Here, she shares her secrets for a well-rested family
Since giving birth to her youngest child Otto last April – a son joining Theodore, now four, and Gigi, two – Vogue Williams has worked out how to nail the night-time routine. However, with three little ones under five, things aren’t always smooth sailing – something many parents can relate to.
Some 65% of mums and dads say sleep deprivation affects their mental health and parents can lose up to 550 hours of sleep in their baby’s first six months.
We caught up with Co. Dublin-born 37-year-old Vogue – the new ambassador for children’s bath and body brand Childs Farm – to find out her survival tips on living with a sleep deficit, why she will always be broody and what made husband Spencer Matthews the dream delivery partner…
What does your night-time routine look like now, Vogue?
“We do dinner at five – and even I eat dinner at that time now. I actually try to go to bed at the same time as them.
“They have a bath every night because it settles them, but also, it’s an activity to do. I can’t let them watch too much TV because they turn into lunatics, so they just get 20 minutes after bathtime.
“We love doing the Childs Farm three-step routine before bed as it really settles them. The calming lavender and moon milk fragrance helps them relax – anything that helps them sleep, I’m all for. Then they get two made-up stories from me or Spencer.”
Do you have any pre-sleep rituals?
“I’m a weirdo when it comes to sleep. There are loads of things I do. I use a sleep mist and two different CBD oils. If I have time, I love reading a book and having a bath. I remember when I was pregnant I had to have a bath every single day because my back would be so sore and it is the ultimate way to relax. I’ll put loads of bubbles in and I even bring food with me sometimes.”
Do you have any pick-me-up tips for when you haven’t had enough sleep?
“Coffee is amazing. I used to hate coffee, but now I just add loads of milk with a little bit of honey. And I always get up and train. It makes me feel better, even if it’s just 30 minutes.”
How do you manage the night shifts?
“When I was breastfeeding, I would get up in the night and then Spenny would get up at 6am so I would be able to sleep in. I actually did this morning so he’ll do it tomorrow.
“Just be mindful if someone looks more tired. Ask if they want to stay in bed. It’s worked out well, although both of us are wrecked a lot of the time. We still tag-team.”
